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From: jps@uh.msc.umn.edu (Jeff P. Sorvik)
Newsgroups: comp.text.desktop
Subject: Re: Any good WYSIWIG desktop publishing software on UNIX Workstations?
Message-ID: <2119@uc.msc.umn.edu>
Date: 10 Jul 90 20:31:34 GMT
References: <4662.647633645@ics.uci.edu>
Sender: news@uc.msc.umn.edu
Reply-To: jps@msc.umn.edu
Organization: Minnesota Supercomputer Center
Lines: 51

In article <4662.647633645@ics.uci.edu>, jsweet@ICS.UCI.EDU (Jerry
Sweet) writes:
> 
> At the risk of appearing to be a proponent of Interleaf, I'd like to respond
> to a few comments made by Chuck Musciano:
> 
> > Frame is an outstanding tool, far superior to InterLeaf (IMHO).
> [Cites platforms, heterogenous environment support, price,
> and user interface. -j]
> 
> Interleaf is indeed a tough sell compared to Frame.  I've heard lots
> of complaints about Interleaf and few about Frame.  For most small
> one-off document needs, Frame is probably the way to go in WYSIWYG
> editors for Unix platforms.  However, for someone maintaining a large
> document with many different versions, I'd have to point out
> Interleaf's "effectivity control," called "conditional text" by any
> normal human being.  Also, Interleaf has pretty good table maintenance
> features; I haven't found an equivalent in Frame.  

[ STUFF DELETED]

> I'd like to hear comments from document hacks who've used both systems
> and who've had to deal with document and graphical import/export
> issues.  I've used Interleaf and Frame just a little bit,
> experimentally.  Has anyone used them "in anger" in the heat of a
> larger project context?

I am using Interleaf for a large project that spans 7 different computing
centers.  One of my tasks is to maintain a large (200+ pages) userguide for
three of the sites.  This userguide has many sections that are identical 
except for small modifications to make the guide site specific.  Interleaf's
"effectivity control" feature is ideal for this kind of a task.  It sure
makes my life a little easier.

I can't deny that there is a learning curve involved with Interleaf, but 
anyone who has used a few different publishing systems and/or markup 
languages shouldn't have too much trouble getting up to speed.  After using 
Interleaf for only a few hours at a previous employer, I came to MSC and was
able to define all of the elements and templates I needed to produce the
desired style of documentation in about 1.5 weeks.  Once the templates, 
elements, etc. are set up, Interleaf really is pretty easy to use for
document production.

I do have to say, however, that I do not like Interleaf at all for "special
purpose" documents like newsletters and brochures.  For those projects, I use
Quark Express on a Macintosh.

Good luck,

Jeff S.
(Minnesota Supercomputer Center)