On Apr 15, 2023, at 10:57 AM, charles meyer <reachmepl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm curious what factors influence you in choosing to create a Word file > versus an Excel spreadsheet or vice versa? If I have to derive values from other values, then I use a spreadsheet, as I can set up formulas. If I need to do formatting for portions within a cell, rather than the cell as a whole, I might use a table within a word processing document. And if it’s relatively small, simple data within a larger document, then I’ll probably just stick with the word processor. Especially if it’s not likely to change much. If there are times when I need to track values that won’t be given to the end user (because they’re the basis of calculated values), then I’ll use a spreadsheet with hidden values or a database. If I need to graph the data, then I’ll use a spreadsheet. If I need to do dynamic formatting (eg, automatically color negative values in red), I’ll use a spreadsheet or a database depending on how large/complex the data is. If I’m going to need to run aggregate functions against the data (averages, counts, min/max), so will only be reporting on some concept other than the rows of the table, then I’ll use a database. Honestly, for what you’re doing, I might even use neither. I’d set up contacts in an address keeping program, and export vCard so most people with a cell phone could just suck it in use it rather than have to type the numbers in themselves. I do like the idea of putting it on Google sheets or similar hosted service, too, though. -Joe
