On Fri, 7 Oct 2005, Bo Peng wrote:
If we can keep a new user for a week, we will have him for good. After lyx/latex becomes irreplaceable, he will join this list and learn some latex and advanced lyx. The situation now is that most (windows) users are scared away by the long installation process (2+ hours), not-out-of-box configuration (have to set path to ps, acrobat reader manually), erroneous error messages etc in a day.
Bo, et al.: I cannot address the mindset of the Microserf, but I can offer insight into some perceived problems when folks move from a word processor to LyX/LaTeX. I think they are worthy of being addressed to new users. One of the biggest hurdles for users to pass is the compulsion to tweak minor appearance details. Let it go; typographic experts have created defaults that work. When I read that someone wants to make a minor adjustment (other than the more irrational requirments of academia or bureaucracies), I suspect it's because such tweaking is necessary with word processors to get an output that one reads without noticing the page itself. TeX does this for us, all we need do is issue the appropriate LaTeX or LyX commands. How often do any of us closely examine the printed page of a book or journal article? The focus of us -- as writer -- and that of the reader should be on the content, not the eye candy. The page should be invisible as we pay attention to the exposition, argument, lack of contradiction, and cogency of the arguments being made. All else is distraction. Perhaps the LyX web site needs to take a clue from the tip containers that sprouted on the counters of coffee shops here about a dozen years ago. There should be a large banner on the first page that reads, "If you fear change, send it to us to support our development efforts." I could go on, but I won't. :-) Rich -- Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President | Author of "Quantifying Environmental Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM) | Impact Assessments Using Fuzzy Logic" <http://www.appl-ecosys.com> Voice: 503-667-4517 Fax: 503-667-8863
