I think that my point was lost in the analogy... My point about the
calligraphy was that I've taken the time to really learn what makes a
beautiful document from the study of classical texts and manuscripts
that are the foundation of the modern typographical rules that govern
professional publication. Most people just figure that they can
learn as they go what makes a good looking document, which is why
allowing access the the ability to create style files easily is a bad
idea. If you don't know what makes a document beautiful, the you
shouldn't be allowed to create a new style.
As to Steve's intent, from what I gather, he feels that the problem
with Word and the like is the software itself. The software, while
inferior to LaTeX based publishing methods in every way, is a valid
form of publishing. If someone has the training to properly create a
document then the results can be quite acceptable. The problem is
not with the software, it is with inexperienced people thinking that
they can make professional quality documents without putting in the
time to understand what a "professional quality" document really
means. This lack of education in the general public to publishing
standards is the root of my argument against making the creation of
styles easier. If they don't have to take the journey to understand
what has gone before then they will never learn why things are the
way they are. I feel that the "coding" requirement for creation of a
new style is a good and effective deterrent from letting just anyone
get at that vital portion of the LaTeX code.
Mike Anderson
On Jul 9, 2007, at 2:47 PM, Mael Hilléreau wrote:
Le 9 juil. 07 à 21:33, Michael Anderson a écrit :
I'd just like to say a few words on this topic.
I really can't see why you would want to reduce LaTeX or LyX to a
competitor to Word.
I completely agree with this point of view: LyX use is by essence
different from Word use. However, ...
I too have done self-publishing, but before I did I spent years
studying proper page layout and construction as a calligrapher.
Perhaps, what Steve also wants to say is that a good calligrapher
isn't necessarily a good TeX/LaTeX coder. Don't you think? In this
perspective, a GUI would allow non coders to write layouts (and
could also make life easier to coders...). Currently, coders are
able to write layouts, which doesn't guarantee that they're good
calligraphers.
However, as such a GUI would be intended for calligraphers, it
should be kept outside of LyX, IMO.
Mael.
