besides the point Mr Gilmore made, there are times one does insane things because some is paying.
I once took rolls of paper tape used for typesetting a free form directory and loaded it to mag tape. I wrote custom scans on the mainframe in ASM to parse the markup (not sgml like as there were no close tags, no css and wordy tag set) and build a "database" with about 30 record types for editing. I loaded it from the mainframe to an s/34 for annual editing. Then back to the mainframe for composing. Back to the S/34 to build a mag tape to hang on the typesetter. In a subsequent year the file was loaded into a PC and updated using a Cobol program w/o CICS like support. If the client is willing to pay, it happens. - grumpy ugly old white man ----------------------------------------- The information contained in this communication (including any attachments hereto) is confidential and is intended solely for the personal and confidential use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, dissemination, copying, or unauthorized use of this information, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. Thank you
