On Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:23:20 +1000, "Jean Hollis Weber" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: > After writing my last note, it occurs to me that perhaps we > really don't need any chapter on macros in the Getting Started > book, or perhaps there is a tutorial or how-to or other doc > around on the subject (especially regarding recording macros) > that we could refer to or reuse... rather than writing something > new. > > Suggestions welcome, including pointers to existing material. I'm > just directing traffic here, not setting policy. > > --Jean > Hi Jean,
I had almost forgotten that I had written about the Guide. I went back and had a quick look at it again and I think that my observations hold. It is at too high a level for a Getting Started. It looks excellent for someone who wants to start programming a few macros right away but not for someone who has heard the word Macro that morning. I think we do need a chapter on macros for real neophites. We need to cater for two very disparate populations in the macro area. Those who have little or no idea of what a macro is, and who may have almost no idea of what a spread sheet is versus hard core spreadsheet macros users whose first question is likely to be something like "MS's VBA function 'foo' does this: Is there an equivalent in StarBasic?" In my opinion the Getting Started Guide should cater for the first population. The current chapter seems to be to be fine for the second one. I would suggest that a short getting started chapter should include only What a macro is How to record and save one How to run it How macros are stored in general. (The current chapter, perhaps with a couple of minor changes is very good here) How to import and load an existing macro - pehaps with some mention of how to add a macro as a tool bar button or Menu item A very short introduction to what StarBasic is with appropriate links to the current chapter and other resources. Perhaps a reference to some of the many existing macros that are available on the net. Perhaps something like Iannz's FindandReplace might be a good one. I don't have any suggestions for immediately useable materials, sorry. ----- John Kane Kingston ON Canada [EMAIL PROTECTED] (613) 888-2399 -- http://www.fastmail.fm - Access all of your messages and folders wherever you are
