[1] From: "Paul R. Falzer" <prf@callnet.com> (23)
Subject: The state of word processing
While perusing a personal computing trade magazine the other day, I came
across a column by John Dvorak in which he predicts the demise of word
processing software. His point was that current word processors are as fully
developed as they ever will be and the product line has nowhere to go.
Though he frequently misses the mark, Dvorak is always provocative. After
reading his prediction, I began thinking about a correspondence I had with
an editor of the same computer magazine, who told me that he uses three
different word processing-type programs. One is a simple DOS text editor;
another is an old program which bears a name that few people (humanists
aside) are likely to recognize. If none of the programs currently on the
market fully meet his needs, by implication it would seem that this editor
does not share Dvorak's view about word processing software having have
reached its zenith.
Perhaps the Humanist membership can provide some insight by responding to
two related questions: What word processing features and functions do you
regard as important to your work? What capabilities would you like to have
that do not currently exist, or are not well implemented in current
applications? My hunch is that while you may have found a set of word
processing tools that meet your needs fairly well, like the editor, you are
not fully satisfied with current offerings.
These questions should not be construed as an effort to fuel a "word
processing war." In responding, I would prefer that you not identify the
products you currently use or have discarded, but instead focus on functions
and features that you regard as valuable.