Andrew Douglas Pitonyak wrote:
The scattered bits on customizing in the Macros chapter provide
virtually no detail at all and refer the reader back to this chapter.
The title says "Menus and Toolbars" and then for some reason it is
discussing the Navigator.
There is talk of moving the menus and toolbars to its own appendix,
which removes the need for this chapter.
This chapter jumps right in and it really needs an introduction.
Will there be a new appendix on customization?
I guess that what I am saying is that if I were to jump in I would be
lost and have no idea what to do. If I assumed that this chapter would
cover the current subject matter, I could probably do something with it.
If you rather I focus my time/attention on other things (like the Base
guide), while realizing that it will take significant energy to prepare
this presentation (it is a big deal, over 1000 people, etc...).
Andrew, I'm glad that yet another person confirms that Ch4 needs
work! However...
I think your expertise would be put to much better use elsewhere
than this chapter. IMO the Base Guide (and the Calc Guide, for
those working on it) takes priority. We've survived this long
with GSCh4 in its current state; we can survive awhile longer.
But we need the Base Guide, as there is nothing right now.
My suggestion about a new appendix was only for moving the bits
on *customisation* of menus and toolbars elsewhere. IMO some of
what's in this chapter should stay early in the book (eg the bits
about docking floating toolbars, showing/hiding icons that are
already defined for those toolbars, use of the Navigator). And
rename the chapter appropriately.
Whoever takes this on really needs to first determine how best to
divide and combine and move existing material, as well as adding
new material (eg on Navigator) and that's really looking at more
than just this chapter: it's related to some minor restructuring
of the whole book, wherever related customization info appears.
Actually, much of the Getting Started book needs a rethink, but
we haven't the resources to do a proper job. At the moment I'm
trying to do a few fiddles around the edges, to make what we've
got better for the time being, and look at major rework for OOo
v3.0, due out a year from now.
For example, Chapter 3 also needs work. It's a mixture (indeed, a
jumble) of basic and advanced info that doesn't well serve the
needs of either beginners or more knowledgeable users. I think it
could be improved with some relatively minor restructuring, but I
haven't had time to do it.
--Jean
