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The problem with Microsoft software--any of it--is that it doesn't
interface with real-world output devices. You can't really control
colour, kerning, leading, or a whole host of pre-press issues (and don't
direct me to the stupid dialog boxes which pretend to do those things--I
know where they are). Basically, if you want to send a document for
professional publication (I mean get it printed on an image setter
etc.), you simply can't use Microsoft Anything if you actually want a
reasonable level of control over the result. Word is fine for generating
RTF files, or sending out attachments over the internet, or typing a
letter (although so is WP), but don't publish with it! And although my
prejudices have prevented me from even looking at MS Publisher, I can't
imagine it is much more than a rinky-dink toy for executives with too
much time on their hands to get their secretaries to use for "in-office
publications" (whatever those are--as if a word processor wouldn't do).
If you can find a printing service provider who will tell you that they
prefer to receive a document published in MS Publisher or MS Anything,
I'd love to hear about it--I've never encountered such a beast.
Yours, tired of being told to "oh, just do this 200-page, illustrated
manual in Word--we'll need to edit it ourselves later"...
