From: SMTP%"LISTSERV@BINGVMB.cc.binghamton.edu" 11-MAY-1996 20:09:29.80 To: CIRJA02 CC: Subj: File: "INDEX-L LOG9604B" Date: Sat, 11 May 1996 19:47:35 +0000 From: BITNET list server at BINGVMB (1.8a) Subject: File: "INDEX-L LOG9604B" To: CIRJA02@GSVMS1.CC.GASOU.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:42:33 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Elizabeth M. Moys" Subject: Folio copies ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Hello again! In reply to Craig Brown's question about "folio copies": I always ask for a printed copy, and almost invariably receive one. Admittedly, I have once or twice had to make a gentle reminder, and then received the book by return of post. Are English law publishers special in this respect? I have to admit that about half my work these days is indexing looseleaf volumes and their oh-so-endless supplements. You can't do this without having the main work in your possession. When I went overseas for six weeks last year, I had to return such a work to the publisher, as I was unable to compile the index to the supplement which was due during my absence. I suppose that they were within their rights, but I have to confess to a certain resentment. Betty Moys P.S. The ASI President, Elinor Lindheimer is visiting me socially tomorrow (Saturday 6 April) and she will also be at the Society of Indexers Bristol Conference next weekend. If anyone has any messages for her, I should be glad to transmit them. ==================================================================== Elizabeth M. Moys email: betty@moys.demon.co.uk Phone & Fax: +44 (0)1959-534530 Hengist, Badgers Road, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7AT, England ==================================================================== ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:42:43 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: TAntrim107@aol.com Subject: Editorial Services ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Many contributors to this list sign off with company names which include 'Editorial Services' . I'd be eager to know what services are being offered and how to enter the market. Presumably one doesn't enter the copyediting or proofreading market without some impressive credentials. Also, if anyone out there has been able to access the copyediting-l via listproc@cornell.edu, I'd like to know. All that I get is an error message. Tim Antrim Newport News, VA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:42:52 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara J. Stroup" Subject: folio copies ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Craig writes: By rough estimate, about half of my clients with whom I have not executed a formal agreement have verbally promised me a copy of the finished book. To date, very few of those clients have delivered on the promise, even though the I think the books have long been into production. >>> I'm interested in hearing the experiences of other indexers. Do you typically receive a copy sooner or later? ........I've had the same experience, Craig. One publisher did come through with a copy; it took several months before it arrived. If you don't receive a copy, is it important enough to you to call or write the publisher with a gentle reminder? ......... I called one publisher, only to find that my contact "no longer worked there." That was a little discouraging as I had high hopes to be a permanent fixture on her free-lance list. The author of that particular book lived next door, so I knew exactly when it was published because I attended the release party about 4 months after my index deadline. Hope this helps, Barbara Stroup "(Rubber)Ducks bought at stores for private bathtub use are not addressed in the regulations and presumably are exempt." Boston Globe 3/20/96 "(Rubber)Ducks bought at stores for private bathtub use are not addressed in the regulations and presumably are exempt." Boston Globe 3/20/96 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:43:03 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Wildefire@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- My clients always (except once) pay shipping charges. After all, whenever I buy something through the mail, *I* always have to pay shipping costs, which are sometimes outrageous. (Like the time I bought a Corel upgrade supposedly for $99 and paid $40 more in shipping!!!!!) So, I don't think it at all unprofessional or unbusinesslike to put shipping costs on my clients' Fedex bills. It's a standard business practice, IMHO. When discussing how to ship a project to a brand-new client, I ask in a matter-of-fact tone, "And what is your Fedex account number?" (This is after unsuccessfully exploring electronic delivery options with them.) And they just as matter-of-factly give it to me. ;-D (Then, I place the account number on that client's Rolodex card for future reference.) It helps to remember, folks, that large companies have special accounts with Fedex, et al, and they receive volume discounts. Clients have actually told me this. So, it costs them far less than it would cost us, unless there are some of you out there who ship out a huge number of indexes per day. ;-D The one time that I elected to pay courier expenses out of my own pocket was when I missed the Fedex office closure the day before the deadline for a brand-new client. The morning of the deadline, I had a special courier hand-carry the index to the client who was fortunately only 90 miles away. (Even then, the courier had to wait around while I frantically copied files to floppies after a grueling all-nighter.) And they reimbursed me the $87 it cost, adding that I hadn't had much time to do the index anyway!!!! The only time I got stuck for shipping was with a publisher I had never worked with before (and will never again). Despite promising to reimburse me for shipping costs (asking me to use my own Fedex account #), they not only didn't pay the shipping, but paid my invoice two months late--after reminder notices from me--and underpaid me by over $400 at that!!! (This is aside from losing thousands of dollars by turning down projects from good, promptly paying clients while tied up with their book.) <<>> Lynn Moncrief TECHindex & Docs Technical and Scientific Indexing ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:43:17 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Wildefire@aol.com Subject: Re: Folio Copies ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Craig, Occasionally I receive portfolio copies, but I don't make a big issue of it. One client, only five miles away, just saves them up and gives them to me whenever I drop by their office. And sometimes, I get a stack of signatures from another client rather than the bound book, which is also fine with me. (This client also sends me remainder copies of interesting books I didn't index, from time to time. That's probably a good way of getting portfolio copies unless all of the books you index are runaway bestsellers.) Still another client has the typesetter send me the typeset copy of the index (but their books are so pricey, I wouldn't truly expect copies of the book itself). One client sent another indexer a copy of a book I indexed because she was doing a sequel to it (that I was too overloaded to handle). So *she* has my portfolio copy. Like Barbara Cohen said, I'm not interested in getting portfolio copies of all the books I index. But what's supercool is when you receive a portfolio copy for a computer book or manual and it's accompanied by the actual software!!! (Very rare.) Lynn Moncrief TECHindex & Docs Technical and Scientific Indexing ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:43:32 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Anaramaher@aol.com Subject: Re: An STC meeting with stuff on indexing ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Is it possible to purchase transcripts of "Alternatives in Technical Writing"? Sounds good, but unfortunately MN is not on the agenda right now! Anara ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:43:41 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: DP1301@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- In a message dated 96-04-05 09:43:42 EST, you write: > Now I get a FedEx account number from each new >client. All account numbers are on an index card that stays in my wallet. Kevin has the above system for tracking account numbers. My favorite free software is the stuff called FedExShip. It has an address book just like other email software and you can keep multiple account numbers and destinations in there. UPS was recently giving away disks, but it turns out to be delivery rates and not this nifty shipping software. You store your name, address and account number in it, but click on billing to bill recipient or bill third party. It'll dial into the FedEx computer, log your shipment and finally print the shipping label on your printer. All I have to do is drop it off. (You can click a box that will have the truck come to you.) Later you can track it: "on the truck" "signed for by XXX" It would be wonderful if all the courier services had this stuff. I actually don't use any other than FedEx as a result. Just call FedEx--they'll send it free. I have a Windows version and haven't called to see if there's a Mac version yet. When I got this last year, it wasn't out yet--but I expect it will be. Deborah Patton Freelance Indexer Baltimore, MD dp1301@aol.com 410/243-4688 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:44:49 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Larry Harrison Subject: More on shipping charges ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I hope the postings from Kevin etc. have clarified this point. It's not unethical to take the deduction if you also report the reimbursement as revenue on sched. C (which is the only way to get the account books to balance if you are reimbursed for shipping, since the client has to show the total of invoice amounts paid on the 1099). This way you don't pay any tax on the shipping reimbursement. It just cancels out. You get to use the money you would have spent on shipping on something else, and at the end of the year your total taxable income is higher by the amount of shipping reimbursed by clients. So, there really is a net financial benefit. Besides, the client gets to deduct the shipping on their tax return, anyway. There is nothing wrong with setting your rates higher to compensate for shipping costs averaged over all the work you do in a year in order to appear more professional, but how many of you are truly successful in setting rates and sticking to them? If most clients presume they will pay shipping, it seems reasonable to operate that way rather than be stuck with rates dictated by the client and paying shipping on top of that. If this is not your experience, then go with whatever works for you! All my clients pay shipping. I don't even demand it; my standard practice now is to ask a new client "How do you prefer to handle shipping charges?" and the only two answers I have ever received are, "use our FedEx account no." and "add them to the invoice." Larry Harrison (larryh@millcomm.com) 507/280-0049 Freelance book indexing Rochester, Minnesota ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:45:13 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: DStaub11@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I also don't think it is right to both charge a client extra for postage and >then also use that as a deduction--isn't that a bit like double-dipping? I charge for shipping, and then pay taxes on the total amount they pay me, which includes that shipping charge. So it's not double-dipping to write it off. Do Mi ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:45:25 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dan Freidus Subject: ISO 9000 standards for indexing? In-Reply-To: <199604051444.JAA07405@biology.lsa.umich.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Does anyone know if there are ISO 9000 standards for indexing? If so, how would I get a copy of them? Do you know of any organization that follows them? Thanks, Dan Freidus Science Editor (Comprehensive Dissertation Index and Dissertations Abstracts) UMI, Box 56 300 North Zeeb Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48106 freidus@umich.edu 800-521-0600 x4172 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:45:40 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara J. Stroup" Subject: living with an indexer interviews ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- To all who replied: Thank you for being willing to be interviewed. To anyone else who would like to be interviewed for an article on "Living with an Indexer," pleas e:mail me directly. I look forward to talking with you, your spouse, or your spouse equivalent. Barbara Stroup "(Rubber)Ducks bought at stores for private bathtub use are not addressed in the regulations and presumably are exempt." Boston Globe 3/20/96 ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 08:45:55 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: MTOWERY@aol.com Subject: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Thanks for clarifying just how you balance things out, Nan. I understand that it is not double-dipping--just a different way to balance your books. I continue to feel that paying for the postage is just part of the professional service *I* want to offer my clients--although if the responses on this list are indicative, I am clearly in the minority. Ah well. That's one of the things that I like about "tuning into" this list--we can see that everyone does things a bit differently and that what works for one may not work for others. I must admit I am a bit mystified at Kevin's definition of respect (shown by a client's paying for the mailing)--I prefer respect that is manifested in repeat business! Margie Towery Towery Indexing and Editing Service ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 12:31:08 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Wlively@aol.com Subject: Re: ISO 9000 standards for indexing? ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- It seems to me for some years to purchase ISO standards we had to send an inquiry directly to the International Standards Organization in Geneva, Switzerland requesting a price quotation. However, more recently, if my memory is correct, some or all ISO standards were available from the National Technical Information Service [NTIS] in Springfield, VA. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 12:31:20 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Alison Chipman Subject: Re: Reference works for UK-US English ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- From: Hamilton, Beth To: Multiple recipients of list INDEX-L Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Patricia Buchanan Subject: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Many thanks for all the opinions - the vast majority of you have clients who expect to pay for shipping so I shall start matter-of-factly asking them for their Fedex or other courier company number or querying whether they would prefer the charges on my bill. I will also get the Fedex software for producing labels, etc. mentioned in the last couple of days - will make life easier. Thanks again - Patricia ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1996 12:39:42 ECT Reply-To: becohen@prairienet.org Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara E. Cohen" Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Like Margie said, this has been an interesting thread and one that made me re-think my own practice (which was never to charge it to the client unless they offered their shipping account no.). Now, I have decided that whenever I have to send more than one package (to author and editor, for multiple drafts) or if I am asked to send back the proofs or some other extra stuff that will raise the cost of postage above the amount that just the index would have cost--in any situation in which the postage expense will be greater than what one courier package would cost, I will ask for the shipping number or to be reimburse. This way, I can provide the postage as part of my overhead, which I do feel is part of my responsibility, and the client can pay for the overrun on postage. Thank you for helping me to look at this issue in a new light! Barbara -- Barbara E. Cohen Indexing & Editorial Services Champaign, IL ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 10:25:46 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: MrsIndex@aol.com Subject: Meyers-Briggs and Indexers ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I'm taking an informal and unscientific survey of indexers to see if there are any obvious differences between the Meyers-Briggs types of indexers and those of the general population. I'm taking this survey -completely- out of idle curiosity and to postpone getting down to work. I'll not be using the information for marketing purposes or anything squalid like that. If you'd like to participate, send your M-B type to me (MrsIndex@aol.com) and eventually I'll send the results to everyone who participated. To take the test on the internet, go to Yahoo and give it the words 'Meyers-Briggs'. Or go to this site: http://sunsite.unc.edu/jembin/ Allison Brooks ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 10:26:07 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: MrsIndex@aol.com Subject: Meyers-Briggs: READ THIS, TOO ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Of course, as soon as I had posted the http address for the Meyers-Briggs test, I tried to get there and found that it has been changed AGAIN! The correct address is: http://sunsite.unc.edu/personality/keirsey.html I hope they don't change the address for a few days! Allison Brooks ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 10:26:23 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Ann Norcross Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The FedEx Ship software (Mac and PC versions) is available from the FedEx web site at: http://www.fedex.com I downloaded and installed it easily (well, except for a little confusion with WinZip... no, you don't need it, FedEx Ship is a nice little self-extracting file). Regards, Ann Norcross ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 10:26:52 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Patricia Buchanan Subject: Room in Denver ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Would anyone be interested in sharing their room at the ASI conference for nights of Wednesday May 15, Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17. I am female, in the middle years, a non-smoker, and relatively neat (as are all indexers I suppose). Would appreciate an e-mail back - my address is: pbfl@hookup.net Thanks - the hotel is all booked up at this late date! Patricia Buchanan ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 10 Apr 1996 10:33:44 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Pmauer@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely used? Do you know something I don't know? Also, I couldn't get them to convince me of any advantages of opening an account with their shipping companies--no price breaks, no enticement to "come over to their side." So I still make the traditional mad dash to the UPS drop box in time for the 4:30PM pickup. If you know of a better way of doing business, please let me in on the secret! Peg Mauer ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:41:13 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Larry Harrison Subject: Re: Courier Fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Peg Mauer wrote: >I'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight >shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and >more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while >UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely >used? Do you know something I don't know? > >Also, I couldn't get them to convince me of any advantages of opening an >account with their shipping companies--no price breaks, no enticement to >"come over to their side." So I still make the traditional mad dash to the >UPS drop box in time for the 4:30PM pickup. If you know of a better way of >doing business, please let me in on the secret! The price difference does not surprise me, yet clients seem to use either FedEx or Airborne Express for their shipments. I don't argue when they tell me how to ship. It must have to do with the corporate volume discount they receive or else the service they get, especially in the large urban areas. You have touched on a key factor in picking a service. The latest pickup time does vary considerably, and in my area FedEx wins that one, with some drop boxes now having a 7:00 PM pickup time. These times do vary in different locations of a city, too, so call the companies and find one that matches the convenience and pickup time you need. FedEx will come to your house if you have an account, but they do charge more (I think it's $2.50 or $3.00) and they will not pick up as late as from a drop box. Larry Harrison (larryh@millcomm.com) 507/280-0049 Freelance book indexing Rochester, Minnesota ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:41:21 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Kevin Mulrooney Subject: Re: Courier fees: FedEx vs. UPS ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Peg Mauer wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight >shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and >more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while >UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely >used? Do you know something I don't know? > Peg you're right about FedEx being more expensive. However there appears to be a slight trend toward increased use of UPS accounts with my customers. The only 2 advantages I can point to for why FedEx gets more business are 1) being open longer, 8:30 pm vs. 7:00 for UPS in my area (weekdays); FedEx has Saturday hours until 5:00 pm which makes a huge difference for a Monday delivery! UPS has no Saturday hours in my area. 2) you don't have to worry about packaging. Because historically I've shipped FedEx most of the time, I'm in the habit of just picking up the finished index and getting in the car: giving no thought to shipping materials because 99% of my finished jobs fit in either the FedEx Letter or Pack envelopes. Then once when I used UPS, I got there and realized I had nothing to pack my work in without paying a buck for one of the UPS-provided packages. (minor) Bummer!! With my booklet publishing business, I use strictly UPS because I have to pay the shipping myself and I like the lower price! Kevin Mulrooney ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dyslexics of the world untie! First State Indexing (302) 738-2558 276 East Main Street Indexer@inetcom.net Newark, Delaware 19711 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:41:32 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: REvans4@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I just this week had exactly the opposite experience: UPS wanted $41 and FedEx did it for $20. Very strange. Dick Evans ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:41:41 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: PilarW@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- On FedEx vs UPS-- If you use UPS and charge to an American Express card, you get a 10% discount. While I haven't checked the rates in the past few days, this is cheaper than FedEx. So, I use FedEx when I either have the client's account number or I've missed the deadline at the UPS pickup box or the index is soo big it requires one of those nice FedEx boxes. Otherwise, I use UPS and get the 10% discount via my AmEx card. One caveat, however: with email deliveries, my use of UPS has gone down to the point where the savings may not pay for the AmEx card... In fact, email or modem delivery seems to be the cheapest of all. happy indexing, Pilar Wyman Wyman Indexing Annapolis, MD Tel/Fax: 410-263-7537 Email: PilarW@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:41:50 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Sanindex@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Peg FedEx is easier to trace and that is why I use them. They also generally deliver earlier in the day. I do pass the cost on to my clients. Some accounting departments require the use of Airborne or UPS. In my experience, you get what you pay for. Also one you establish an account and are using them regularly, you can get a break on your billing depending on your volume. Sandi Schroeder ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:42:00 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: WordenDex@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- "Regular" overnight shipping with FedEx is "next afternoon delivery" and costs $11. The price just went up from $10 last week. The mad dash to FedEx can be as late as 6:30 p.m. so that's a two-hour advantage. "Priority overnight" for next morning delivery was $20 last week, but don't know how that cost might have been changed in the price increase. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:42:11 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carolyn Weaver Subject: Re: Courier fees In-Reply-To: <9604101611.AA26122@mx4.u.washington.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The following article rates FEDEX and other courier services. I can't reproduce the copyrighted abstract online; but the conclusion is that FEDEX offers the best service for overnight delivery, and UPS is the best for cost and deliveries where time is not of the essence. (They also rate Airbourne, DHL, and USPS Express Mail, I believe, tho it's been a while since I read the article.) I personally use FEDEX because (1) the office is 2 blocks from my house, (2) they seem to have offices wherever I'm traveling (including in some pretty remote areas in the Pacific Northwest), and (3) they have NEVER failed to make a next-day delivery on time in the 4 years I've been freelancing. You can save money by dropping the FEDEX package off yourself rather than having it picked up, BTW. Author: Razzi-Elizabeth. Title: Get it there fast. (sending gifts through courier services). Source: Kiplingers-Personal-Finance-Magazine. Dec, 1994. v48(n12). p109(3). Carolyn Weaver Bellevue, Wa. e-mail: cweaver@u.washington.edu voice: 206/930-4348 On Wed, 10 Apr 1996 Pmauer@aol.com wrote: > ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- > I'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight > shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and > more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while > UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely > used? Do you know something I don't know? > > Also, I couldn't get them to convince me of any advantages of opening an > account with their shipping companies--no price breaks, no enticement to > "come over to their side." So I still make the traditional mad dash to the > UPS drop box in time for the 4:30PM pickup. If you know of a better way of > doing business, please let me in on the secret! > > Peg Mauer > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:42:23 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Susan Sandford Pty Ltd Subject: Citing the web ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Hello everyone, Further information regarding the article I cited last month from the Australian Library Journal. Gordon Fletcher has replied to my query as follows: He wrote: Hello Susan, Sorry not to reply very quickly - we did not realise that the Nov. 1995 ALJ had been published. That article re: referencing is probably the most current, another version of the same article also appeared in the Nov. 1995 edition of Aslib Proceedings and we have included a summary of the material on the Web at - http://www.gu.edu.au/gwis/hub/hub.acadref.html We have not carried the work any further until some, if any, response had been generated. As both the articles really own became available earlier this month, we have been 'on hold' for a number of months with this project. Sorry to disappoint but any comments are appreciated Gordon Fletcher G.Fletcher@hum.gu.edu.au Those of you who have already visited the hub pages may have found the summary. Cheers, Susan "History is not so much about triumph as about human vulnerability" ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss Susan Sandford, Susan Sandford Pty Ltd., Ph. (+61 3) 9482 2695 Fax (+61 3) 9482 6595 E-mail susans@vicnet.net.au ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:42:35 ECT Reply-To: hcalvert@cix.compulink.co.uk Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Hilary Calvert Subject: Re: ISO 9000 standards for indexing? ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- This message is forwarded from Janet Shuter, ISO project leader for ISO 999; shuter@cix.co.uk ISO 9000 (the quality standard) doesn't have a specific indexing application. However, ISO 999 (the INDEXING standard) is due for publication shortly. It was agreed for publication nearly 2 years ago, although the USA opposed an otherwise unanimous vote, because the scope of the standard does not cover computer-generated (as opposed to computer-assisted) indexes, as the NISO standard will/ does. However, I think ASI rejected the NISO standard ... Anyway, the standard is held up waiting for an index to be compiled in French. The Canadian secretariat translated the English index into French as a compromise, but AFNOR (the French standards organisation) did not accept it. The UK has proposed that the French version be published without an index. The whole thing is a pain because although it is compulsory for an ISO standard to be published in French and English, very few people want the French version, while there is a great demand for the English one from all over the world. Something should be happening fairly soon, though. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:42:46 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Mrowland@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- In a message dated 96-04-10 11:06:59 EDT, you write: << 'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely used? Do you know something I don't know? Where I am, Fed Ex seems to deliver earlier in the day, and until recently there were very few UPS boxes around. < Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: BWURF@delphi.com Subject: Cindex for the Macintosh ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I use Cindex on a Mac with a DOS card, so am eagerly awaiting the forthcoming CINDEX for Macintosh. I would appreciate any information on when it will be available, whether it will be native for the PowerMac, and, if anyone has done beta testing or seen a demonstration, I would be interested in hearing something about the program and how it compares to Cindex for DOS. Barbara Wurf BWURF@delphi.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 09:44:04 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Lori Lathrop <76620.456@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Peg Maurer wrote: >If you know of a better way of doing business, please let me in on the secret.> Peg -- FWIW, I have not found that FedEx offers better service or lower prices than other carriers. Many of my clients, however, use FedEx; I suspect they're getting a good discount because of the volume of business they do. However, here in the mountains west of Denver, FedEx is the only carrier that will *not* do Saturday deliveries or pick-ups; UPS, AirBorne, and DHL all provide services here on Saturday. Also, these other carriers have later week-day pick-up times and they're often less expensive than FedEx; consequently, FedEx is at the bottom of my list. Looking forward to seeing you in Denver .... Lori ******************************************************************* Lori Lathrop ----------> INTERNET:76620.456@compuserve.com Lathrop Media Services, P.O. Box 3065, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Office: 303-567-4447, ext. 28 / Fax: 303-567-9306 ******************************************************************* ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 15:41:50 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Elaine Shuman Subject: indexing groups ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Has anyone worked in an indexing group? I have heard of places like Twin Oaks and the Information Bank where a group of indexers work together and teach indexing. What has that experience been like? Also has anyone worked with another indexer, either as an apprentice or mentor? I am currently taking the USDA course in Basic Indexing. Thanks for any thoughts on this topic. Elaine Shuman ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 15:42:02 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: PilarW@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees: FedEx vs. UPS ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- In a message dated 96-04-11 09:47:22 EDT, you (Kevin Mulrooney) write: >once when I used >UPS, I got there and realized I had nothing to pack my work in without >paying a buck for one of the UPS-provided packages. (minor) Bummer!! > > Kevin, I use UPS too, as my earlier posting said. I get preprinted forms and plenty of UPS envelopes, paks, etc., for free. I get my UPS supplies from UPS pickup boxes or UPS themselves, when they deliver my preprinted forms. Same for FedEx. --Sorry to hear you had to *pay* for packaging. I should also point out that I use UPS' priority overnight delivery ($10?), and have had no complaints on receipt time from any of my clients. I've had disastrous results with Airbourne in the past (they can't seem to *find* me sometimes...), but several of my clients find them convenient. Pilar Wyman Indexing Annapolis, MD Tel/Fax: 410-263-7537 Email: PilarW@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 15:42:17 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carolyn Weaver Subject: Re: Courier fees In-Reply-To: <9604111346.AA08951@mx4.u.washington.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- How I envy you east coasters! Here on the Pacific Rim the last Fedex pickup for next-day delivery is 5:30. However, we do get night rates for morning phone calls to East Coast clients; so I guess it all evens out... Carolyn Weaver Bellevue, Wa. e-mail: cweaver@u.washington.edu voice: 206/930-4348 On Thu, 11 Apr 1996 WordenDex@aol.com wrote: > ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- > "Regular" overnight shipping with FedEx is "next afternoon delivery" and > costs $11. The price just went up from $10 last week. The mad dash to FedEx > can be as late as 6:30 p.m. so that's a two-hour advantage. > > "Priority overnight" for next morning delivery was $20 last week, but don't > know how that cost might have been changed in the price increase. > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 11 Apr 1996 15:42:31 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Sarah Lee Bihlmayer Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Dick Evans writes: >I just this week had exactly the opposite experience: UPS wanted $41 and >FedEx did it for $20. Very strange. Well...interestingly enough, there are certain kinds of shipping that cost les with FedEx. For overnight delivery of packages over the maximum shipping weight for their flat $13.00 fee, FedEx prices seem to be comparably lower as the package weight increases. |"God is in the details." --Frank Lloyd Wright| | Sarah Lee Bihlmayer * Print/Online/WWW Documentation Specialist | | Indexing * Technical/Developmental Editing * Technical Writing | | Technical Illustration * Electronic Prepress * Graphic Design | |POB 27901-312 San Francisco CA 94127 * 415-207-4046 * tecscrib@sirius.com| ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 10:40:18 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: DStaub11@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Peg wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I'm curious about the *rates* that people pay for FedEx vs UPS for overnight >shipping. I've checked into both. Although FedEx seems to be more popular and >more widely used, they quoted me prices ranging from $13.00 to $15.50, while >UPS is $9.50 for guaranteed overnight delivery! So why is FedEx more widely >used? Do you know something I don't know? I always have my packages picked up. For a couple of years after I started my business I did the "mad dash" thing, but then I decided that my time is more valuable than that. I've never had any complaints about shipping fees from my clients. The Federal Express office is 15 minutes away and the UPS office is 30 minutes. UPS charges way more for pickup because they charge by the week (aimed at people who ship every day). So I use Federal Express. By the way, I NEVER use the U.S. post office for Express Mail and strongly discourage my clients from using them. They're totally unreliable--I've had a package take a week when it was "guaranteed" next day. Do Mi ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 10:40:26 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Sarah Lee Bihlmayer Subject: Re: Courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Pilar said: >I've had disastrous results with Airbourne in the past (they can't seem to >*find* me sometimes...), but several of my clients find them convenient. I NEVER work with Airborne unless I'm absolutely locked-in. Their deliverypersons are Teamsters...and don't seem to care much about on-time delivery and pickup. They continue to exist because of their exclusive relationship with a number of major mail-order retailers. I've had packages delivered to a totally wrong address, or several days late--and when you call customer service they deny that there could possibly be a problem. There was one case where $1500 of computer software was delivered to the wrong address--the deliveryperson came back to my door the next day (at 1:10pm, with an unmistakably strong smell of beer on his breath!) and swore he had delivered it here. Meanwhile, Airborne dug up the paperwork and found the name of the person who signed for the package. They found him in the White Pages and phoned him, and--you guessed it--he denied receiving the package. At this point, I called the police. They got a copy of the paperwork from Airborne, checked the guy's DMV records and found that the signature matched up excactly, and paid him a visit. He (apparently) wanted to keep the software, because he denied receiving the package and only gave it up when the police showed him his own signature on Airborne's paperwork and asked if he'd like one more chance to answer the question before they made an arrest. If the delay is due to weather or a full roster of deliveries, Airborne just says "Sorry" and hangs up. As courier services go, I wish someone would take Airborne out behind the barn and shoot 'em! |"God is in the details." --Frank Lloyd Wright| | Sarah Lee Bihlmayer * Print/Online/WWW Documentation Specialist | | Technical Writing * Technical/Developmental/Copy/Production Editing | |Indexing * Technical Illustration * Electronic Prepress * Graphic Design | |POB 27901-312 San Francisco CA 94127 * 415-207-4046 * tecscrib@sirius.com| ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 10:40:35 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Wildefire@aol.com Subject: Re: Courier Fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I prefer Fedex to UPS because UPS does not seem to be quite as careful in ensuring that the package is delivered to the person it's sent to. I've received many books and even $960 worth of RAM delivered via UPS. Every single time, UPS has delivered the package to the office of the apartment complex I lived in, despite my being at home. I've also heard horror stories of UPS leaving expensive shipments with neighbors (and then the neighbors claiming to have never received the package). Perhaps they are more diligent with business-to-business packages than with deliveries to residential addresses, because I have indeed received every package sent to my Mailboxes, Etc. address. However, I'm very glad that both of my computers were shipped to me via Fedex to my home address because I would have been more than a little torqued with over $3000 worth of equipment each time being left at the management office. A word about Airborn. I opened an account with them several years ago, only to find that they closed it after a few months of inactivity. Fedex, OTOH, doesn't seem to care that six months or a year can go by without my actually shipping packages charged to my own account number (considering that I usually use clients' account numbers or electronic delivery methods). Having a Fedex drop box only a few blocks away and the Fedex office less than two miles away also helps. ;-D Lynn Moncrief TECHindex & Docs Technical and Scientific Indexing ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 10:40:44 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Dan Freidus Subject: Re: indexing groups In-Reply-To: <199604112047.QAA20679@biology.lsa.umich.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I currently work with a gruop of indexers at University Microfilms. But the indexing we do is quite different than back of the book indexing. We produce databases; CD-ROMs and print indexes to dissertations. And our indexing is enhanced keywrod indexing wihtout a controlled vocabulary. But this method does allow us to iclude in our indexes almost 60,000 dissertations and theses a year. The group is great, especially for technical material where our stengths complement each other (though 4 of the 9 are biologists by training, myself included.) I'd much rather turn and ask someone a question than figure out which reference to turn to, especially when we have only a minimal reference library, since many of the important CDs to have would be thousands of dollars each. Drawbacks? you can't set policies your self, you have to either reach a concensus or at least have a majority argue articulately. Our biggest constrainsts actually have less to do with the group than with the antiquated computer system we have to contend with daily. Dan Freidus, Ph.D. Science Editor, Comprehensive Dissertation Index UMI, Box 56 300 North Zeeb Rd. Ann Arbor, Mi 48106 800-521-0600 x4172 freidus@biology.lsa.umich.edu On Thu, 11 Apr 1996, Elaine Shuman wrote: > Has anyone worked in an indexing group?... > What has that experience been like? Also has anyone worked > with another indexer, either as an apprentice or mentor? ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 13:36:44 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Craig Brown Subject: Re: courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I have also heard much anecdotal evidence of carelessness on the part of UPS. My own breaking point came when I sent a Christmas gift to friends who lived in a condo. Someone (I believe with the name of Jones) signed for the package. My friends never saw it. UPS refused to reimburse me because they had a signature. End of story. If cost is the only consideration (as it often is for me), the USPS delivers up to 8 ounces overnight for $10.75 to many ZIP codes. A quick call to the post office will let me know if the destination is eligible. They accept packages until 5:00 PM. Ask for Express Mail. Craig Brown The Last Word ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 12 Apr 1996 16:23:58 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Maria Coughlin Subject: Re: courier fees ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- At 01:36 PM 4/12/96 ECT, you wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I have also heard much anecdotal evidence of carelessness on the part of >UPS. My own breaking point came when I sent a Christmas gift to friends >who lived in a condo. Someone (I believe with the name of Jones) signed >for the package. My friends never saw it. UPS refused to reimburse me >because they had a signature. End of story. > >If cost is the only consideration (as it often is for me), the USPS >delivers up to 8 ounces overnight for $10.75 to many ZIP codes. A quick >call to the post office will let me know if the destination is eligible. >They accept packages until 5:00 PM. Ask for Express Mail. > >Craig Brown >The Last Word > >I agree with Sandi Schroder - FEDEX packages are the easiest to trace. Also, in our office, the suggestion that we consign anything valuable to the postal service would be met with hilarity or horror. I don't need to go into details, but we are not slow learners here, and after two disasters with the Postal Service, we will never use them again. Our FedEx delivery person is a sweetheart. Once the FedEx guy tracked me down on a dark and stormy night and told me that my car lights were on and had been on for two hours. Since I planned to work very late, I was extremely grateful for his thoughtfulness! Also, FedEx has cheerfully answered my questions about billing discrepancies, has always refunded overpayments promptly, and has a drop-off spot open until 9 PM at the Baltimore airport. We do get lots of Airborne deliveries, and the Airborne driver, teamster or not, is so much fun to look at (he's HANDSOME), that we regard Airborne kindly. We intend to collect and publish some of the better courier stories we've experienced or been told (Mary Coe has a great one about a FedEx driver). Perhaps in KeyWords... If you have any good tales to tell, e-mail them to us (mariac@indexing.com), please. Maria C