David Neeley wrote:
Personally, I did not respond to the idea that the menus should be
"Word-like"--what I was focused on was the idea of having a bit more
ability to create layout adjustments from controls in the menu system.
That, I continue to believe, is a worthwhile goal.
I'll give you a simple example: let us say a lawyer wants to create a
pleadings layout. As it stands, he may look all over the Web for one
already done, or he may begin to dig into the existing methods for
doing so--and thus to climb the learning curve. While the latter may
be more beneficial in the long run, the simple fact is that for many
the time available to master a complex subject is insufficient. At the
same time, LyX would be absolutely ideal for a law office in many
respects, far beyond what Word can offer.
Everybody, including lyx developers, want an easier way
to create layout files. Possibly some GUI thing.
Now, if you had that, could you adjust a layout without
understanding latex commands? You could, to some extent.
Such a "layout editor" or in-lyx "format edit" could let
you specify that you want section headings in italics, for example.
So some adjustments would then be easy. Often enough,
you will run up against latex though. Want to use an
extra package which implements something useful with
commands of its own? Then you definitely need to
add those commands in the layout editor.
So, a layout editor would allow simple adjustments to
paragraph types - adjustments that lyx already can do
on a case by case basis using the edit menu.
Anything more, and latex knowledge becomes necessary.
A layout editor still have the advantage that you don't also
need knowledge of the lyx-specific .layout file format.
Any latex guy would be able to use it to its full power.
Helge Hafting
