Re: word processor document format: what parts?

["J. Patrick Narkinsky" <patrick narkinsky ml org>]

On Sat, 19 Sep 1998, Todd Graham Lewis wrote:

> 1) I use LyX and wish that there were a cool GNOME SGML editing tool,
> as this is what I would probably use for writing my own documents.
> 
> 2) Bob is a word clone.  It is a wordprocessor.  
>	<MUCHO SNIPO>

Todd,

I agree with you as far as it goes.  However, I tend to think that the
distinction between an SGML editor and a WP is a false dichotomy.  To me,
the functionality of Word, WP, and similar programs can be modeled as a
subset of of full SGML editing functionality  (I.e. a WP document is just
an SGML document with a very limited DTD). 

My proposal would be to implement it that way: structure for full SGML
editing -- and then allow for a limited mode that only understands typical
WP stuff.  If done right, it should be possible to make this limited mode
just a seperate DTD rather than something with a lot of code behind it.

Also, realize that semantically weighty tags (e.g. header1 as opposed to
bold+Fontsize12) are not necessarily incompatible with typographic ones,
even in the same document.

Patrick
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If we're to have any luck stanching the vain drain, we just have to 
let nerds be nerds...  Owen Edwards, Forbes Magazine
----------------------------------------------------------------------