Now that we know that there are numerous discrepancies after converting
to/from MS Word and Writer (and ditto for the other components), just
how are we going to deal with them? Like many others, I often have to
start and end with MS Word DOC documents while using Writer for the bulk
of the writing or editing tasks. That's just how the real world operates.
If OOo users write or edit in Writer's ODT file format and also save it
to DOC, how can they feel secure that what they see with Writer will
appear the same when viewing their DOC docs with Word? If they become
burned sufficiently, OOo might just lose those writers or editors
altogether. Why should they have to proofread their OOo-produced DOC
docs a second time? Extra time is often wasted money for most writer,
editors, or publishing houses.
OOoAuthors should maintain a list of who's been naughty or nice (and
check it twice...). Every known OOo conversion bug should be disclosed
(both in the appropriate chapter in the docs and in an omnibus chapter
or appendix), so that knowledge of their presence can be determined at
once. Also having these bugs listed might even get them remedied quicker
in case a critical mass of bugs or a tipping point is exceeded.
Perhaps, the OOoAuthors could have another Note devoted to bugs of this
type until they are eliminated. In any event, we should amass a list for
ourselves and clean up the "published" chapters so that the conversion
errors are noted and any kludges or work-arounds are described.
It may be only a minor irritation having OOo making a bad conversion if
one is aware of them, such as OOo footnotes inserting a tab instead of a
space after its number or the bulleted lists having problems with their
conversions when viewed with Word. But if one isn't aware of them and
assumes that the DOC conversions are OK may be in for a shock afterwards
when it might be too late in the publishing cycle to correct them, etc.
Gary
--
Gary Schnabl
2775 Honorah
Detroit MI 48209
(734) 245-3324
