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>I think the negative comments are more related to fear, WORD bashing and
>user error. Every tool or feature has its purpose. Master Docs, used
>correctly, are a reasonable solution for producing the final print master.
>Steve Hudson's comments highlight that Master Docs are not an everyday
>working solution. That is not what we use it for. But as an end to
>producing a finished 1,300 page document it works fine.
>Other people say "Don't use Master Docs". Ok, so what is your solution for
>producing a 1,300 page product in WORD? Yes other software products exist
>but, for many people, WORD is the standard in the office. So, assume you
>have to use word to produce a large document.
>Saying "Don't use Master Docs" is not very helpful to someone that has to
>produce a solution to a problem...
I whole heartedly agree Chris!!! I am one of those unfortunate Tech Writers who has been
forced to use MS Word to create large documents. The truth is, you become a master
at what you use. I've used MS Word more than any other tool and While Master Document
may have it's quirks, I've found that nine times out of ten, it's user error or lack of knowledge
that causes most problems.
Like any other tool, there is pain along the learning curve, but once you master it,
you become comfortable in using it and using another tool becomes the painful experience
until you've mastered it.
Debbie Moulton
Technical Writer
Knowledge Management & Learning
Dow Process Automation
dmoulton -at- dow -dot- com
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