Tim Bray, a guy who apparently had something to do with the development of XML, recently said that XML is too hard for programmers. (apparently it was a controversial statement). I don't know XML so I can't speak to that issue. But I do know word processors. I've worked with Word and Wordperfect, and I'm comfortable with computers. So I can relate to Tim's statement in this way: It's getting too hard for me to use word processors to do anything useful.
Maybe it's me. All I want to do is type words on a page. Really, that's it.
And maybe that's why I struggle with word processors. The modern day word processor is now like an F-18 fighter plane. You can fire seven missiles at once, and climb straight up, or pull 7 Gs in a hard banking turn. Of course, the F-18 can do all that too. But the F-18 can't "reveal codes" like Wordperfect can. And show me how the F-18 handles style sheets.
You laugh. But, in fact, the analogy to military fighters is not that far off. Think of the training needed to learn to fly an F-18, much of which is possible only through the development of realistic flight simulators. I think it would help greatly if the word processing manufacturers would come up with a simulator that we pale-skinned desk-jockeys can practice with before we have to attempt anything difficult like, say, creating a one line cover letter.
I wouldn't need all that much training. I just want to put words on paper, and sometimes delete them, or perhaps move them around.
Well, on that front, I've discovered lately that I can use text editing programs, like WordPad or Notepad, to accomplish my meager objectives. Indeed, using these simple programs has taught me that the high-performance capabilities of the word processing programs I have at my disposal are actually a hindrance.
The only thing that is really useful in modern word processors is the ability to create footnotes. And God knows we are all better off now that we can footnote everything. Lawyers are especially enamored of this capability. In fact, I have a suggestion for wordprocessing manufacturers: if you want to attract more lawyers see if you can get the next version to make footnotes for footnotes.
And maybe a built-in first person shooter game would be nice too.
Looks like all the luminaries are here: Reiter, Fleishman, and others. I'm having dinner tonight with Dan Gillmor and hope to get some serious scoop then. Otherwise, work beckons....
