From: SMTP%"LISTSERV@BINGVMB.cc.binghamton.edu" 2-MAR-1996 08:58:14.96 To: CIRJA02 CC: Subj: File: "INDEX-L LOG9601E" Date: Sat, 2 Mar 1996 08:37:05 +0000 From: BITNET list server at BINGVMB (1.8a) Subject: File: "INDEX-L LOG9601E" To: CIRJA02@GSVMS1.CC.GASOU.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:25:18 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Cynthia D Bertelsen Subject: Question re: Trends in Indexing In-Reply-To: <199601270706.BAA21663@batch1.csd.uwm.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I have recently sent out information regarding my indexing services to several publishers and have received a very interesting letter in return from one. In that letter they state that they no longer contract directly with freelance indexers but instead have an editorial agency handle the indexes of all their non-fiction material. Is this a growing trend and if so what does it mean for freelancers? Do freelancers get contacted by the editorial agency to do the work or does the agency itself actually do the indexes? Cindy Bertelsen | Blacksburg, VA | "When I get a little money, I buy books; | and if any is left, I buy food and clothes." --Erasmus-- ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:25:29 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Presley, Paula" Subject: Names ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I just index a book about the Gypsies during the Holocaust. I indexed them under the first name of the pseudonym--mainly because some of them had only a first name. This seemed to work because, in the bibliographical sources, the author had listed "Personal Interviews" and had a list of the names. I suppose a resourceful reader would see that some of the names did not have a last-name initial and conclude that all are listed in the index by first name. (This is a very small book and won't be hard to see at a glance how they are listed). Hope this helps a bit. I am indexing a book of narratives regarding the events surrounding Kristallnacht. Some authors refer to leading figures in the semi-anonymous style, such as "Friedrich F." I will probably index these with parenthetical identifiers, such as "(Nuremberg school offical)." Anyone have suggestions where it should be inserted into the index? F., Friedrich (Nuremberg school official) or Friedrich F. (Nuermberg school official) Or any other suggestions? ________________________________________________________________ Paula Presley FAX 816-785-4181 VOICE 816-785-4525 Associate Editor, Thomas Jefferson University Press Northeast Missouri State Univ. (Truman State University July 96) McClain Hall 111-L, 100 E. Normal St., Kirksville, MO 63501-4221 Internet: ppresley%nemomus@nemostate.edu ________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:01 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Elinor Lindheimer Subject: Re: Dedicated indexing software-genealogy ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- For Mary Harris and other interested parties: Check out the American Society of Indexers home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.well.com/user/asi for information about software vendors. You can order the GUIDE TO INDEXING SOFTWARE from the American Society of Indexers, P.O. Box 48267, Seattle, WA 98148-0267. The cost is $10 for ASI members, and $16 for nonmembers. Shipping is $3.00 extra (more if you order more than 3 publications). For more information, you can reach ASI at asi@well.com or call (206) 241-9196 or fax (206) 727-6430. Elinor Lindheimer President, ASI ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:13 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: BWURF@delphi.com Subject: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I am wondering how many indexers have a backup computer system to use for emergency use. I am now using Cindex on a DOS-compatible Mac. For fourteen years previous to this, I was using a word processor with an auxiliary CP/M operating system, with my own indexing program. I kept this as a backup computer should anything go wrong with my new Mac. A couple of weeks ago, the old machine broke and I decided it was time to dispense with it, which I did because the repairs would not have been cost-effective. Now I have only the Mac, and I am wondering if I need to get a second computer to use in case it ever needs repair and I am working with little time to spare, which is always. I do feel somewhat insecure having only one computer, even with on-site service contracts. As stated above, I would like to know how many indexers have backup systems, and what have been the consequences without them. Barbara Wurf Indexpert Services BWURF@delphi.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:22 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Isawriter@aol.com Subject: Indexes in the news ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran a review Sunday (1/28/96) of the book "Breaking the News" by James Fallows. Reviewer Steve Weinberg gave the book generally good marks, but added that a "shortcoming of 'Breaking the News' is its lack of an index. Why a serious author and a serious publisher would fail to take the few extra days to compile an index is beyond comprehension. An index allows readers to find examples quickly, to compare and contrast points within the book and with other books on similar topics. Shame on Fallows and Pantheon." Craig Brown ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:30 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Jonathan Jermey Subject: Re: Names ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- At 16:41 26/01/96 ECT, Craig Brown wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I am indexing a book of narratives regarding the events surrounding >Kristallnacht. Some authors refer to leading figures in the semi-anonymous >style, such as "Friedrich F." I will probably index these with parenthetical >identifiers, such as "(Nuremberg school offical)." Anyone have suggestions >where it should be inserted into the index? > >F., Friedrich (Nuremberg school official) >or >Friedrich F. (Nuermberg school official) > >Or any other suggestions? Does this mean that their real name is Friedrich F-something, or is it a made-up name for, say, Gunther Krantz? If the latter, then I would definitely go for the second option. If the former is the case (which seems a pretty silly way of working - to give enough information to identify someone but not to actually identify them), and if these people are fully identified elsewhere in the book, or if you can identify them, you could say something like Fassbinder (F.), Friedrich 27, 32 plus F., Friedrich see Fassbinder Hope this helps. Jonathan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jonathan Jermey & Glenda Browne (Blue Mountains Desktop Pty Ltd. - ACN 071 232 016) Blaxland NSW Australia jonathan@magna.com.au http://www.magna.com.au/~jonathan Australian Wildlife in the Cheese Shop: "We had some, but the cat's eaten it." ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:40 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carol Roberts Subject: Re: Names ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I am indexing a book of narratives regarding the events surrounding >Kristallnacht. Some authors refer to leading figures in the semi-anonymous >style, such as "Friedrich F." I will probably index these with parenthetical >identifiers, such as "(Nuremberg school offical)." Anyone have suggestions >where it should be inserted into the index? > >F., Friedrich (Nuremberg school official) >or >Friedrich F. (Nuermberg school official) > >Or any other suggestions? > >TIA, >Craig Brown I would say choice number 2. The "F." isn't an actual name. This case seems closest to the example given in Mulvany's book, p. 164, where she says, Sometimes a text makes reference to an individual by only a forename or a surname. If such references are indexable and the full name cannot be ascertained, the name is entered as given in the text and further identified by a qualifying phrase: Sarah (Lady Jane's handmaid) Cheers, Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Life is good. Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com | Milwaukee, WI | ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 10:26:49 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Lori Lathrop <76620.456@compuserve.com> Subject: Denver ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Those of you coming to Denver for the ASI Annual Conference may find some interesting info on this Home Page: http://www.cudenver.edu/~ktanaka/denver.html Lori *********************************************************************** Lori Lathrop ----------> INTERNT:76620.456@compuserve.com Lathrop Media Services, P.O. Box 3065, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 New Office Phone: 303-567-4447 / Home: 303-567-9533 / Fax: 303-567-9306 *********************************************************************** ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:18:23 ECT Reply-To: becohen@prairienet.org Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara E. Cohen" Subject: Index entries I'd rather not have seen ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Dear All, Monday greetings! I thought you might enjoy seeing an entry a client of mine sent to me this weekend, with his vote as "probably the most amusing index entry I've ever seen." Alas, I empathized with the indexer driven to write it: Sisyphus, author compared to, xviii (from a book on Mycenaean pottery or something, from the snippet of index on the page with this entry) Roll on, February! Barbara -- Barbara E. Cohen Indexing & Editorial Services Champaign, IL ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:18:34 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: REvans4@aol.com Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- A second computer is very definitely a plus. I use CINDEX and I have an old Mitsubishi 286/12 portable. It only runs DOS, but that is all CINDEX needs. I paid only $200 for it from a used computer dealer and it has paid for itself several times over. Last summer, I had a monitor blow a power supply literally in the middle of a job. I keep a floppy in the A: drive and every time I exit CINDEX I write a copy to the floppy. I was able to move the floppy to the portable and continue working. In September, I had to subcontract some work to someone who was new to CINDEX. With the portable, I was able to set her up in my office and train her while doing my own work. More recently, I had major problems with Windows 95 on my main system and was all set to plug the portable into my main keyboard and monitor. Fortunately, I got the Windows problems fixed. About the same time, I had a project come in late and overlap with a trip I had already paid for and could not cancel. I took the portable and worked in my motel room. I'm currently shopping for something a bit more compact that the Mitsubishi, and expect to find something used in the $750 - $1,000 range. Dick Evans ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:18:45 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Locatelli@aol.com Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Barbara Wurf asked about a backup computer system. Luckily, I have two computers at home, so if mine blows up, I can always comandeer my partners. (Of course, I back my files up to a disk regularly while working on an index, so I won't loose too much work in case of computer failure.) If you don't have a second computer, I strongly suggest you have an emergency plan in place for getting access to another if yours fails. That could be a friend's computer, a local company that rents time on their computers, etc. Even with an on-site contract, you could have problems that would take time to fix or get replacement parts for, so it's best to be prepared. And remember, all computer failures happen just at the time they can do most damage to your project. (Corollary 538a to Murphy's Law.) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:18:57 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: REvans4@aol.com Subject: Re: Indexes in the news (sort of) ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I was watching an old Star Trek episode yesterday. It was the one where the Enterprise discovers a huge spherical spaceship wherein lives a civilation that does not realize that it is inside a ship. During the climax, Kirk and Spock discover a "sacred book" that is actually the user's guide for the master computer that controls the spaceship. They set out to reprogram the computer to direct the ship away from a collision course with a nearby planet. Spock has the very large book in his hands. Kirk says: "Does it have an index?" Spock replies: "Yes." and merrily turns to just the section he needs. Dick Evans ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:19:14 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Kevin Mulrooney Subject: Re: Names ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Craig Brown wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I am indexing a book of narratives regarding the events surrounding >Kristallnacht. Some authors refer to leading figures in the semi-anonymous >style, such as "Friedrich F." I will probably index these with parenthetical >identifiers, such as "(Nuremberg school offical)." Anyone have suggestions >where it should be inserted into the index? > >F., Friedrich (Nuremberg school official) >or >Friedrich F. (Nuermberg school official) > Craig, a similar situation occurs frequently in psychology texts, in which often only a first name and initial are provided for a detailed case history, say James R. And there are some case histories that are classics like Freud's "Anna O." case. In cases like this, I use the latter of the 2 formats you used above, i.e., James R. (case study), 100-110 I don't feel the last name (initial) has much significance so I think it kind of silly at least in this case to include a cross reference or double post as in your example above. Kevin Mulrooney ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dyslexics of the world untie! First State Indexing (302) 738-2558 276 East Main Street Indexer@inetcom.net Newark, Delaware 19711 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:19:23 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Stephen E. Bach" Subject: backup computer systems ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Barbara Wurf asked: >I am wondering how many indexers have a backup computer system to >use for emergency use. I have a backup laptop system with virtually the same capabilities as my desktop system. I purchased the laptop for three reasons: 1. to have a system available in case of a failure of my desktop system. 2. to have a system I can use 'off the grid' when we have severe electrical storms which we often do have in Charlottesville, VA. I turn off and unplug my desktop system at such times. 3. to enable me to use email when I'm on trips of various sorts. Stephen Bach sbach@well.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:19:34 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Justine Carson Subject: Re: Working without a net In-Reply-To: <199601291608.IAA13113@mail5> from "BWURF@delphi.com" at Jan 29, 96 10:26:13 am ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I have a notebook computer that I use as my backup computer. I have not had a situation where my primary (desktop) computer crashed, but I did send it out for a day or two to have a larger hard drive and tape backup installed (something I did not want to tackle myself) and was able to con- tinue working while it was "in the shop." A notebook as a backup has other obvious advantages. It makes it easier to meet deadlines without completely cancelling other plans. I can still go away for a weekend (visit relatives over holidays, etc.) that I've planned even if schedules have slipped and I'm a bit behind. Of course, it means I have to work while I'm away, but it beats cancelling the whole trip. If you don't have a backup computer, I'd recommend putting the purchase of one in your budget and getting one as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, a backup plan is better than no backup at all. Do you have a friend who could loan you a computer on short notice for a few days? (This has to be someone who doesn't use his computer for work and could give it up for a short time.) Is there a computer store in your area that has computers for rent? What are the costs? Do they require a credit check or large deposit? What's the availability, etc.? You need to know the answers to these questions before you need their service if you are planning on this route in an emergency. Justine -- _______________________________________________________________________________ Justine Carson jhcarson@netcom.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:20:49 ECT Reply-To: mem@lava.net Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group Comments: Authenticated sender is From: "Michael E. Macmillan" Organization: What a Mess! Subject: Re: Indexes in the news ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- On 29 Jan 96 at 10:26, Isawriter@aol.com wrote: > The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran > a review Sunday (1/28/96) of the book "Breaking the News" by James > Fallows. Reviewer Steve Weinberg gave the book generally good > marks, but added that a "shortcoming of 'Breaking the News' is its > lack of an index. Why a serious author and a serious publisher > would fail to take the few extra days to compile an index is beyond > comprehension. Fallows, who is on the book-promotion interview circuit these days, says he included no index because he wants the people he wrote about to read the whole book rather than amble into a bookstore, look up their own names in the index, and read only what he wrote about them. He says there will be an index in the forthcoming paperbound edition. Michael E. Macmillan (mem@lava.net) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 16:21:02 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Larry Harrison Subject: Re: Backup systems ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Barbara Wurf writes: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I am wondering how many indexers have a backup computer system to >use for emergency use. >I am now using Cindex on a DOS-compatible Mac. For fourteen years >previous to this, I was using a word processor with an auxiliary >CP/M operating system, with my own indexing program. I kept this >as a backup computer should anything go wrong with my new Mac. A >couple of weeks ago, the old machine broke and I decided it was time >to dispense with it, which I did because the repairs would not >have been cost-effective. >Now I have only the Mac, and I am wondering if I need to get a >second computer to use in case it ever needs repair and I am >working with little time to spare, which is always. I do feel >somewhat insecure having only one computer, even with on-site >service contracts. >As stated above, I would like to know how many indexers have >backup systems, and what have been the consequences without them. I too use a Macintosh with DOS emulation. I am fortunate enough to live in a family of Macintosh bigots, so I have a "backup" upstairs if I can afford the rent my son charges. Seriously, renting a machine is a good emergency backup if you are near a city large enough to have rental sources. It can be expensive depending on the minimum rental, but it beats losing a client due to a missed deadline. Larry Harrison (larryh@millcomm.com) 507/280-0049 Freelance book indexing Rochester, Minnesota "It's 1996... Do you know where your Year-2000 software glitches are? ...Don't you wish everybody did?" ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:47:10 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: JClendenen@aol.com Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I just bought a new Dell pentium, but I plan to keep my old Mac with the buggy INSORT indexing software, just in case. It seems that the more complex the new computers get, the more little things can go wrong. I also had to replace the hard disk on my Mac after four years of service, so I think my new computer will need one before then. Since my new computer is so recent, I haven't had a crisis yet where I had to use the Mac. I think I'd invest in an older model computer of some sort as a back up. Sun Remarketing sells all kinds of old Mac stuff, but I don't know where to get old PC's. Joanne ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:47:20 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Marynelle Chew Subject: Newbie indexing question ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Aloha, I have just signed onto this list and have not read any messages yet. I apologize in advance for any faux pas I may commit. This question has most likely been thoroughly discussed, so if anyone can point me to a FAQ or the appropriate words for the archives I'll be delighted to go there. I'm looking for evaluations of bibliographic software packages. We are indexing periodical articles, monographs, chapters of monographs, videos, pictures, audio tapes about Pacific Islands music and dance. We expect to have about 5,000 entries. I'm looking for packages that can either be loaded on a mini computer or run on a microcomputer network. Multi-user, protected search mode, and fairly easy to use. Thank you again and aloha! Marynelle Chew Cataloger Joseph F. Smith Library Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, HI 96762 voice: (808) 293-3880 fax: (808) 293-3877 email: chewm@byuh.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:47:29 ECT Reply-To: becohen@prairienet.org Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara E. Cohen" Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I use my old 286 as a backup system for my 486, and I have my trusty Leading Edge 8088 at home as a computer of last resort (in fact, it has never had any problems and continues to run well). In other words, my main backup system in my old technology that no longer has a cash value. On other thought: could use use the computers ar Kinko's or at a college campus near your house temporarily as abackup? Both options are available here. (Sorry for my typos--I'm on a non-editing mail system and it's getting late so I'm tired and sloppy!) Barbara -- Barbara E. Cohen Indexing & Editorial Services Champaign, IL ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:47:39 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "GRACEY,PATRICK CHARLES,MR" Subject: Re[2]: Indexes in the news (sort of) In-Reply-To: In reply to your message of Mon, 29 Jan 1996 17:07:34 EST ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I was watching an old Star Trek episode yesterday. It was the one where the >Enterprise discovers a huge spherical spaceship wherein lives a civilation >that does not realize that it is inside a ship. During the climax, Kirk and >Spock discover a "sacred book" that is actually the user's guide for the >master computer that controls the spaceship. They set out to reprogram the >computer to direct the ship away from a collision course with a nearby >planet. Spock has the very large book in his hands. Kirk says: "Does it >have an index?" Spock replies: "Yes." and merrily turns to just the section >he needs. > >Dick Evans Spock...??? Merrily??? -Patrick Gracey, student ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 08:47:52 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Isawriter@aol.com Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Barbara.... There has been a lively discussion on AOL lately about laptop computers. It is easier to justify buying a backup system when it can perform another function, such as allowing you to work away from home. The laptop does that, and there are some good buys, I believe, in the used laptop market. Other than that, yes, it's a good idea to have a backup system. I also work on a Mac, but using SoftPC. My backup system is my wife's DOS computer. Since that solution also is not available to everyone, you might want to scan the market in your area for a used DOS machine. Until home PCs routinely begin using RAID technology (which has redundancy built into the disks) the old maxim still applies: It is not a matter of whether your hard drive will crash; it is when. Fortunately, I have never needed the backup, but I would feel uncomfortable without it. Craig Brown ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 10:57:50 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Susan WinerSlavin Subject: Al Franken/silly index ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Greetings all, I am a fledgling indexer and usually just lurk here, trying to keep up with reading this list. Now, I don't mean to start a political discussion here that would be inappropriate to this list, but did any of you catch _The Connection_ yesterday, a syndicated radio show often played on NPR stations? Host Christopher Leiden interviewed Al Franken (of SNL fame) about his new book, _Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot_. The interview started with Leiden reading from the book's index, which is chock-full of silly, irreverent entries referring to Limbaugh's, uh, girth. Even if you like Limbaugh (and *please* don't respond with your opinion of him--wrong list), you'd have to find the index funny. It was nice to hear a discussion of a book index at the top of the interview with the author. Back to the grindstone! Susan Winer Slavin wavin@world.std.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 10:58:36 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: PilarW@aol.com Subject: Re: Index entries I'd rather not have seen/indexes in the news ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Dick,Barbara,Michael,Craig-- Thanks for sharing the indexes!!! I get a kick out of hearing about indexes [or not] and seeing people enjoy their work. On a related note, I've heard that Al Franken wrote the index himself for his latest book. You may have heard of it--he's been doing the talk show/book store tour thing. I think it's called something like "Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idea and other [things?]". Politics aside, my husband heard a talk show host ask Franken about the index. Apparently the host, Derek McGintie (sp?), went to look something up in the index, and found the index intriguing. Some entries looked so appealing, that he went to see what they referred to in the text, only to found that they were 'bogus' entries. Seems Franken wrote the index as an extension, if you will, of the book. Has anybody seen this book, let alone the index? I'm curious to see the index. (My husband couldn't recall what the entries were that piqued McGintie's interest.) I'd also like to argue the case for a _real_ index, but that's another story!... ;-D tia, Pilar Wyman Indexing Annapolis, MD Tel/Fax: 410-263-7537 Email: PilarW@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 10:58:49 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: JPerlman@aol.com Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I too have a backup, and as Craig said, even though I haven't needed one, I'd feel mighty uncomfortable not to have one. In my case, about a year ago I replaced my 386 with a 486, and held on to the old computer as backup. It's cash value for resale wasn't that much anyway. I just invested in a laptop, which will free me from having to hold on to the 386 if I don't want to. I'm thinking seriously of donating it. I opted to buy a new laptop, seriously discounted because it's a Windows 3.1 model. There are some very, very good buys out there right now, as retailers get rid of their 95 Win3.1 models before the new ones (Win95, of course) come out. Prices have come down so in laptops and notebooks that whether you get a used one or a new one, you can find a backup to fit your budget. If you prefer a backup that is *not* a Windows95 machine, pretty soon you won't be able to find a new laptop, but you'll always be able to find a used one, and they'll get cheaper and cheaper as notebook/laptop prices drop and Win95 is established as a viable, bug-free alternative. It's a good feeling to know that I can take my computer with me wherever I go, so that my work can continue no matter what. The laptop is the ultimate backup machine, with the portability the ultimate factor. Janet Perlman Southwest Indexing ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 10:58:59 ECT Reply-To: becohen@prairienet.org Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara E. Cohen" Subject: ASI Publicity ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Attention all ASI members: Just a reminder to get your information to me in advance of any meetings for which you would like ASI publicity materials. At the moment, I await the arrival of our new letterhead to prepare a new flyer listing the available materials to be ordered. Please do not use last year's flyers this year, as we are still trying to track the effectiveness of this method (by tracking the number codes in the lower right-hand corner). If you have a meeting coming up, please send me a note about the date, name of the organization/group, and an approximate number of flyers you need. I will send you a packet of flyers prior to the meeting. Thanks again for your help. We have had a good response so far and the flyers seem to be working well (and cost ASI less money than sending a full compliment of brochures to every meeting). Later this year we expect to have the redesigned ASI brochures available (we're still using up the supply of old brochures and some may be unavailable in the short-term as we switch over to the new design). Thanks for your patience as we update ASI's image. I look forward to working with everyone again this year, and please accept my thanks--all of you who assisted in distributing flyers last year--for a job well done! Barbara ASI Publicity Coordinator -- Barbara E. Cohen Indexing & Editorial Services Champaign, IL ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 12:02:42 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: JanCW@aol.com Subject: Re: Backup systems ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- One other reasons to have a laptop computer as your backup: if you ever work onsite for a client, it's a lot easier to bring a laptop that is already configured with all your favorite indexing apps then it is to set up an onsite computer for a day's work. Since I routinely use Word and Excel in addition to Cindex, and have templates rigged for indexing styles, and some macros for use with online help keywords, it saves me a lot of time. _____________________________________ Jan C. Wright Wright Information Indexing Services JanCW@aol.com http://users.aol.com/jancw/wrightinfo.htm _____________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 12:02:59 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carolyn Weaver Subject: Re: Working without a net In-Reply-To: <9601300519.AA06936@carson.u.washington.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- My failure happened during the final edit of a major index, just hours before the final FEDEX pickup that would get it to my East Coast client on time. Miraculously, I had bought a notebook computer and installed Cindex and Word just the weekend before; and I routinely backup the index in progress to floppy at least twice a day. So I was able to move the backup file to the notebook, hook up the printer, and meet all deadlines without an interrupt. As was mentioned the last time this discussion came up (about 6 months ago), all indexing pros MUST have an uninterruptable backup system (and I'm NOT talking about a power supply!) available, whether a second computer, a rental shop, or one's next door neighbor. Most clients are not going to accept excuses in lieu of the product. Carolyn Weaver Bellevue, Wa. e-mail: cweaver@u.washington.edu voice: 206/930-4348 On Mon, 29 Jan 1996 Locatelli@aol.com wrote: > ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- > Barbara Wurf asked about a backup computer system. > > ... all computer failures happen just at the time they can do most > damage to your project. (Corollary 538a to Murphy's Law.) > ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 16:52:09 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Charles Anderson Subject: Re: Working without a net In-Reply-To: <9601300602.AA35538@rs6a.wln.com> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- One more second for the advantages of a second computer - and it doesn't have to be major piece of equipment. Once I used a Radio Shack Model 100 (with a whopping 32K of memory) to input entries for later processing by CINDEX (I just wrote a little BASIC routine that stored subject, page # in a comma, quote delimited ASCII file that I was later able to import into CINDEX. Charles Anderson ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 16:52:19 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: maryann@mnrosdp.revisor.leg.state.mn.us Subject: Rates and Earnings ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Several months ago, when the Money Magazine article was a hot topic, I promised myself that an upcoming Twin Cities chapter meeting of ASI would be a discussion of indexers' rates and earnings. I'm trying to organize for that meeting now and so I'm in search of all the information I can find. I've gone through the list archives and the printed reports of other discussion groups, and I'm aware of materials published by NFAIS. Does anyone know of other sources that purport to say what indexers (and other publishing professionals) are earning? Finally, is there anyone who is willing to share information about her/his own rates and earnings? During the original discussions last fall, several people did so, at least indirectly, and that was very valuable. I wish ASI's rate survey were complete and available, but as far as I can tell it's still in the planning stage. I'd like to have our members and student visitors get some authentic information about how markets differ in different parts of the country, different specialties, and different types of publishers. Private e-mail seems best for this, and feel free to be anonymous if your mail utility lets you. Otherwise, I promise to keep names confidential. If I can put together something significant, I will figure out a way to share it with the list. Thanks in advance, from me and from the chapter, for any information you can provide. Maryann Corbett maryann.corbett@revisor.leg.state.mn.us ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 30 Jan 1996 16:52:34 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Charlotte Skuster Subject: FAQ--with new ASI address ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- INDEX-L FAQ Contents: 1. Index-l procedures 2. Archives 3. Books on indexing 4. What has been written about automatic indexing? 5. What software do indexers use? 6. Courses or training for indexers (outside of library schools)? 7. Professional societies/organizations for indexers? 8. Network connections 9. Internet Sites 10.Winners of the ASI/H.W. Wilson Company Award for Indexing 1. INDEX-L PROCEDURES There are three addresses you need to use for interaction with index-l: To take part in a discussion or send a message to the list (a.k.a. group or subscribers), address your e-mail to index-l@bingvmb.cc.binghamton.edu To send a message directly to the moderator (a.k.a. Charlotte), address your e-mail to cskuster@library.lib.binghamton.edu or Skuster@bingvmb.cc.binghamton.edu To send a command to the listserv, address your e-mail to listserv@bingvmb.cc.binghamton.edu. As subscribers, you are able to send commands to the listserv to see the archives, see a list of subscribers, stop your mail for a while, or a number of other options. To get a list of listserv commands and what they do, send the following message to the listserv: INFO REFCARD Do not sign your name or put anything else in the message. 2. ARCHIVES There are two ways to look at the archives: ---Received directly from the listserv@bingvmb.cc.binghamton.edu Send the following message to the listserv: index index-l. You will receive a list of available archives. When you decide what you would like to see, send the following message to the listserv: get log9512a (for the first week in December,for example) ---On the library gopher at Georgia Southern University: Messages are stored here from the start of the listserv in 1992 through the most recent preceding month. A WAIS searching program is available to search through all years at once or through a selected year. The GSU gopher is located through a gopher client at gopher.gasou.edu or by telnet to gsvms2.cc.gasou.edu. public login (INFO), and then look for the gopher program on the the main information services menu. When you reach the gopher take this directory path: /Georgia Southern University/Henderson Library/Other Organizations/Index-L 3. BOOKS ON INDEXING? Bonura, L. The Art of Indexing. Wiley, 1994 Knight, G. N. Indexing, The Art Of. Allen & Unwin, 1979. Lancaster, F. W. Indexing and Abstracting in Theory and Practice. U of Illinois Press, 1991. Lancaster, F. W. Vocabulary Control for Information Retrieval, 2nd ed. Information resources Press, 1986 Mulvany, Nancy C. Indexing Books, University of Chicago Press, 1994. Wellisch, H. Indexing and Abstracting, an International Bibliography ABC-Clio, 1980. Wellisch, H. Indexing from A to Z. H. W. Wilson, 1991. 4. WHAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT AUTOMATIC INDEXING? Books: Grefenstette, G. Explorations in Automatic Thesaurus Discovery, Kluwer, 1994 Salton and McGill Introduction to Modern Information Retrieval Salton, Automatic Text Processing Van Rijsbergen Information Retrieval Jones, Karen Spark Information Retrieval Experiment Papers: Bell, C. and Jones, K. "Back-of-the-book Indexing: A Case for the Application of Artificial Intelligence", Informatics 5, ASLIB Pub., pp. 155-161, 1979 Bennion, B. "Performance Testing of a Book and its Index as an Information Retrieval System", JASIS, pp. 265-270, July 1970 Borko, H. "Experiments in Book Indexing by Computer" Information Storage and Retrieval, 6:5)16, 1970 Dillon, M. and McDonald, J. "Fully Automatic Book Indexing" Journal of Documentation 39(1):135-154, 1983 Dion, M. Thesaurus-Based Automatic Book Indexing", Information Processing and Management, 81(4):167-178, 1982 Salton, G. "Syntactic Approaches to Automatic Book Indexing", Proceedings of the 26th ACL, pp. 204-210, 1988 5. WHAT SOFTWARE DO INDEXERS USE? (All of these are for DOS machines...no Macs) IN>SORT Kensa Software P.O. Box 4415 Northbrook, IL 60065 (708) 559-0297 Macrex Bayside Indexing Service P.O. Box 3051 Daly City, CA 95015-0051 (415) 756-0821 FAX: (415) 757-1567 Cindex Indexing Research Box 18609 Rochester, New (716) 461-5530 FAX: (716) 442-3924 See additional software listings on the ASI Web page: http://www.well.com/user/asi 6. COURSES OR TRAINING FOR INDEXERS (OUTSIDE OF LIBRARY SCHOOLS)? Graduate School of the USDA Correspondence Programs, Ag Box 9911 Room 1114, South Agriculture Building 14th St. and Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20250 (202) 720-7123 TDD: (202) 690-1516 Tuition: (includes all materials) $281,00--Basic Indexing (beginning) $275.00--Applied Indexing (more advanced) 7. PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES/ORGANIZATIONS FOR INDEXERS? (this question was not actually asked..but here's the answer anyway) American Society of Indexers (ASI) P.O. Box 48267 Seattle, WA 98148-0267 (206) 241-9196 FAX: 206) 727-6430 E-MAIL: asi@well.com E-Mail: asi@well.com WWW location:www.well.com/user/asi/ Indexing and Abstracting Society of Canada Box 744 Station F Toronto Ontario Canada M4Y 2N6 National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services (NFAIS) 1518 Walnut Street Suite 307 Philadelphia PA 19102-3403 (215) 893-1561 FAX: (215) 893-1564 E-MAIL: nfais@hslc.org Society of Indexers (SI) 16 Green Road Birchington, England CT79JZ Australian Society of Indexers (AusSI) GPO Box 1251L, Melbourne Victoria 3001, Australia E-MAIL:mindexer@interconnect.com.au WWW location: http://godzilla.zeta.org.au/~aussi 8. NETWORK CONNECTIONS America Online (800) 227-6364 CompuServe (800) 848-8199 Delphi (800) 495-4005 GEnie (800) 638-9636 The Well (415) 332-4335 Real/Time Communications (512) 459-4391 See also. Maren, M. "The Age of E-Mail. Home Office Computing, December, 1993, 63-70. Tetzeli, R. "Is Going On-line Worth the Money?" FORTUNE 129(12):104-105, 108. June 13, 1994. 9. Internet Sites Gopher Index-L Archives gopher eagle1.cc.gasou.edu World Wide Web American Society of Indexers http://www.well.com/user/asi Australian Society of Indexers http://godzilla.zeta.org.au/~aussi Indexing Conference on the Well http://www.well.com/user/nmulvany/index.htm 10. WINNERS OF THE ASI/H.W. WILSON COMPANY AWARD FOR INDEXING 1979--Hans H. Wellisch, author and indexer; John Wiley, publisher: The Conversion of Scripts: Its Nature, History and Utilization 1980--Linda I. Solow, indexer; M.I.T. Press, publisher: Beyond Orpheus:Studies in Musical Structures. 1981--Delight Ansley, indexer; Random House Publisher: Cosmos by Carl Sagan, 1982--Catherine Fix, indexer; Wm. Saunders Company, publisher: Diagnosis of Bone and Joint Disorders. 1983--Award not given. 1984--Trish Yancey, indexer; Information Handling Services, publisher: Index and Directory of U.S. Industry Standards 1985--Sydney W. Cohen, indexer; Random House, publisher: The Experts Speak by Cerf and Navasky. 1986--Marjorie Hyslop, indexer; American Society for Metals, publisher: Metals Handbook. 1987--Award not given. 1988--Jeanne Moody, indexer; National Wildlife Institute, publisher: Raptor Management Techniques. 1989--Philip James, indexer; Butterworths, publisher: Medicine for the Practicing Physician, 2nd ed.. 1990--Marcia Carlson, indexer; Cornell University Press, publisher: Strategic Nuclear Arms & Arms Control Debates. 1991--Daniels, Nancy L., indexer; Van Nostrand Reinhold, publisher:Beyond Public Architecture: Strategies for Design Evaluation. 1992--Johnson, Rachel Jo., indexer; Matthew Bender, publisher: American Law of Real Property. 1993--Award not given. 1994--Deminna, Patricia, indexer; U. of California, publisher: Carnal Israel: Reading Sex in Talmudic Culture by Daniel Boyarin 1995--White, Martin L., indexer; University of Chicago Press, publisher; The Promise of Pragmatism: Modernism and the Crisis of Knowledge and Authority. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:16:25 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Debra Wallace Subject: SDAIR'96 - Advance Program ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Fifth Annual Symposium on Document Analysis and Information Retrieval April 15 - 17, 1996 Alexis Park Resort Las Vegas, Nevada Sponsored by the Information Science Research Institute and The Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering University of Nevada, Las Vegas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Symposium Chair Henry S. Baird, AT&T Bell Laboratories Invited Speakers Hans-Peter Frei, Union Bank of Switzerland Michael Lesk, Bellcore Juergen Schuermann, Daimler Benz Research Center Debate Teams Henry S. Baird, AT&T Bell Laboratories Robert Haralick, University of Washington Daniel Lopresti, Panasonic Technologies, Inc. George Nagy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Document Analysis Committee Andreas Dengel, Chair, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) Norbert Bartneck, Daimler Benz Research Center Hiromichi Fujisawa, Hitachi Central Research Lab Jonathan Hull, Ricoh California Research Center Junichi Kanai, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Larry Spitz, Daimler Benz Research Center Suzanne Taylor, Loral Research Laboratory Karl Tombre, INRIA Lorraine Information Retrieval Committee Jan Pedersen, Chair, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center Susan Dumais, Bellcore Stephen Gallant, Belmont Donna Harman, National Institute of Standards & Technology Marti Hearst, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center David Lewis, AT&T Bell Laboratories Peter Schauble, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Kazem Taghva, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Yiming Yang, Mayo Clinic/Foundation Symposium Manager Debbie Wallace University of Nevada, Las Vegas Information Science Research Institute 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 454021 Las Vegas, NV 89154-4021 (702)895-3338 fax:(702)895-1183 sdair@isri.unlv.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Sunday, April 14, 1996 7:00pm - 10:00pm Alexis Park Resort Reception and Registration Monday, April 15, 1996 7:00am - 11:00am Alexis Park Resort Registration 8:15am - 8:30am Alexis Park Resort Welcome Henry S. Baird, Symposium Chair AT&T Bell Laboratories William R. Wells, Dean Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kazem Taghva, Associate Director Information Science Research Institute University of Nevada, Las Vegas 8:30am - 9:15am Alexis Park Resort Invited Speaker Substituting Images for Books: Library Economics, Technology, and Politics Michael Lesk Bellcore 9:15am - 10:15am Alexis Park Resort Session 1 Maximum Spanning Trees for Text Segmentation Antonio P. Dias; Harvard University In-house Mail Distribution by Automatic Address and Content Interpretation Thomas Bruckner, Peter Suda, Hans Ulrich Block, Gerd Maderlechner; Siemens AG, Corporate Research and Development 10:15am - 10:30am Alexis Park Resort Refreshment Break 10:30am - 12:00pm Alexis Park Resort Session 2 USeg: A Retargetable Word Segmentation Procedure for Information Retrieval Jay M. Ponte, W. Bruce Croft; University of Massachusetts Text Categorization: A Symbolic Approach Isabelle Moulinier, *Gailius Raskinis, Jean-Gabriel Ganascia; University of Paris, *Vtautas Magnus University Support Tools for Visual Information Management Gokhan Kutlu, Bruce A. Draper, Eliot B. Moss, Edward M. Riseman; University of Massachusetts 12:00pm - 1:15pm Lunch Alexis Park Resort 1:15pm - 2:00pm Alexis Park Resort Invited Speaker Text Recognition - From Pixels to Meaning Juergen Schuermann Daimler Benz Research Center 2:00pm - 3:30pm Alexis Park Resort Session 3 Edit Distance of Regular Languages Horst Bunke; University of Bern Language Identification: Examining the Issues Penelope Sibun, *Jeffrey C. Reynar; Northwestern University, *University of Pennsylvania Fast Decision Tree Ensembles for Optical Character Recognition Harris Drucker; AT&T Bell Laboratories 3:30pm - 3:45pm Alexis Park Resort Refreshment Break 3:45pm - 5:15pm Alexis Park Resort Session 4 Length Normalization in Degraded Text Collections Amit Singhal, Gerard Salton, Chris Buckley; Cornell University Extraction of Thematically Relevant Text from Images Francine R. Chen, Dan S. Bloomberg; Xerox Palo Alto Research Center Measuring the Effects of Data Corruption on Information Retrieval Elke Mittendorf, Peter Schauble; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) 6:00pm - 10:00pm Happy Hour Dinner Boyd Dining Room, Frank and Estella Beam Hall, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Adminstration, UNLV Tuesday, April 16, 1996 7:30am - 11:00am Alexis Park Resort Registration 8:00am - 8:45am Alexis Park Resort Invited Speaker Information Retrieval - From Academic Research to Practical Applications Hans-Peter Frei Union Bank of Switzerland 8:45am - 10:15am Alexis Park Resort Session 5 Keyword-Based Browsing and Analysis of Large Document Sets Ido Dagan, Ronen Feldman, *Haym Hirsh; Bar-Ilan University, *Rutgers University Tailoring a Retrieval System for Naive Users Adrienne J. Kleiboemer, Manette B. Lazear, *Jan O. Pedersen; MITRE Corporation, *Xerox Palo Alto Research Center Improving Full-Text Precision on Short Queries using Simple Constraints Marti A. Hearst; Xerox Palo Alto Research Center 10:15am - 10:30am Alexis Park Resort Refreshment Break 10:30am - 12:00pm Alexis Park Resort Session 6 Degraded Character Image Restoration John D. Hobby, Henry S. Baird; AT&T Bell Laboratories Automatically-Generated High-Reliability Features for Dichotomies of Printed Characters George Nagy, Xiaoyin Wang; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Retrieval Strategies for Noisy Text Daniel Lopresti, Jiangying Zhou; Panasonic Technologies, Inc. 12:00pm - 1:15pm Lunch Alexis Park Resort 1:15pm - 2:00pm Alexis Park Resort Team Debate "Defect Models are Important to Advance the State-of-the-Art of Optical Character Recognition" Affirmative Team: Henry S. Baird AT&T Bell Laboratories Robert Haralick University of Washington Negative Team: Daniel Lopresti Panasonic Technologies, Inc. George Nagy Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Moderator: Tom Nartker Information Science Research Institute 2:00pm - 3:30pm Alexis Park Resort Session 7 A General-Purpose Japanese Optical Character Recognition System Sargur N. Srihari, Geetha Srikantan, Tao Hong, Brian Grom; State University of New York at Buffalo, Center of Excellence for Document Analysis and Recognition OCR and Voting Shell Fulfilling Specific Text Analysis Requirements Thorsten Jager; German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) Histograms to Evaluate OCR Accuracy and OCR Coupling Philippe Lefevre; EDF-Direction des Etudes et Recherches 3:30pm - 3:45pm Alexis Park Resort Refreshment Break 3:45pm - 5:15pm Alexis Park Resort Session 8 Logotype Detection in Compressed Images using Alignment Signatures A. Lawrence Spitz; Daimler Benz Research and Technology Center Reliable Recognition of Handwritten Marks in Checkboxes B. Latanzio, A. Garzotto; Swiss Life Information Systems Research Generalized Form Registration Using Structure-Based Techniques Michael D. Garris, Patrick J. Grother; National Institute of Standards and Technology 5:15pm Alexis Park Resort Symposium Adjourn Wednesday, April 17, 1996 8:20am - 8:30am Alexis Park Resort ISRI Welcome Thomas A. Nartker, Director Information Science Research Institute Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering University of Nevada, Las Vegas 8:30am - 9:45am Alexis Park Resort The Fifth Annual Test of OCR Accuracy Steve Rice Information Science Research Institute 9:45am - 10:00am Alexis Park Resort Refreshment Break 10:00am - 12:00pm Alexis Park Resort ISRI Research Reviews ISRI Staff ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Invited Speakers Hans-Peter Frei is the head of UBILAB, the Information Technology Research and Innovation Laboratory of the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Dr. Frei holds a diploma in mathematics and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Zurich. Before joining UBS, he was a professor of computer science and chairman of the Department of Computer Science at ETH, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. Prior to that he was the head of a management support unit of a large Swiss insurance company. Dr. Frei has held several research positions with various research institutions, such as HumRRO, IBM Research, Xerox PARC, University of Melbourne, and ICSI of the UC Berkeley. His research interests focus on interactive systems and in particular on information and document processing. Michael Lesk received the Ph.D. degree in Chemical Physics in 1969. He joined the computer science research group at Bell Laboratories, where he worked until 1984. Since 1984 he has managed the computer science research group at Bellcore. Dr. Lesk is best known for work in electronic libraries, including the CORE project for chemical information, and for writing some Unix system utilities including those for table printing (tbl), lexical analyzers (lex), and inter-system mail (uucp). His other technical interests include document production and retrieval software, computer networks, computer languages, and human-computer interfaces. Dr. Lesk has been chair of the Association for Computing Machinery's special interest groups on Language Analysis and on Information Retrieval. During 1987 he was Senior Visiting Fellow of the British Library, and he is currently Visiting Professor of Computer Science at University College London. Juergen Schuermann received the Dipl.-Ing. degree in Communications Engineering in 1960 and the Dr.-Ing. degree in 1968, both from the Technical University in Berlin, Germany. In 1963 Dr. Schuermann joined the Telefunken Research Laboratories in Ulm, Germany, which later became part of Daimler-Benz Research. Since 1974 he has been teaching Pattern Recognition at the Technical University of Darmstadt where he has served as Honorary Professor since 1981. Presently he is heading the Pattern Understanding Group of the Information Technology Department at Daimler-Benz Research embracing efforts in Text, Speech and Image Understanding. Together with his research group and the respective development departments he has been closely involved in the development of document understanding systems - especially in the postal business (AEG-ElectroCom) and in speech understanding systems, vision based driver assistance systems, and imaging radar systems for traffic applications. Dr. Schuermann is the general chair of the forthcoming International Conference in Document Analysis and Recognition ICDAR'97, to be held in August 1997 in Ulm Germany. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Debate Teams Henry S. Baird is a Member of Technical Staff at the Computing Science Research Center, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, New Jersey. His research focuses on the design and analysis of algorithms for machine vision with emphasis on the interpretation of images of printed documents. Dr. Baird is an Area Editor for the journal Computer Vision and Image Understanding. In 1989-91, he was an Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. He was principal organizer of the 1990 IAPR Workshop on Syntactic and Structural Pattern Recognition. His Princeton University Ph.D. thesis on algorithms for image matching won a 1984 ACM Distinguished Dissertation Award and was published by the MIT Press. In 1976, his Master's thesis gave the first complete description of the sweep-line algorithm, a fundamental technique in computational geometry. Dr. Baird is a senior member of the IEEE, a member of ACM, and active in the IAPR. Bob Haralick is the Boeing Clairmont Egtvedt Professor in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington. His recent work is in shape analysis and extraction using the techniques of mathematical morphology, robust pose estimation, techniques for making geometric inferences from perspective projection information, propagation of random perturbations through image analysis algorithms, and in document image analysis. Dr. Haralick joined the faculty of the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Kansas from 1975 to 1978. In 1979 he joined the EE Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he was Professor and Director of the Spatial Data Analysis Laboratory. From 1984 to 1986, he served as Vice President of Research at Machine Vision International in Ann Arbor, MI. Professor Haralick is a Fellow of IEEE for his contributions in computer vision and image processing. He is a Fellow of the IAPR for his contributions in image processing, computer vision and mathematical morphology. He has served on the Editorial Board of IEEE PAMI and is a past associate editor of IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics and IEEE Image Processing. He currently serves on the Editorial board of Real Time Imaging and is an associate editor for Journal of Electronic Imaging. Dr. Haralick received a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Kansas in 1964, a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966 and an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering in 1967. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas in 1969. Daniel Lopresti received the A.B. degree in Mathematics from Dartmouth College in 1982, and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from Princeton University in 1987. From 1986 until 1991, he was on the faculty of the Computer Science Department at Brown University. In 1991 he joined the newly-formed Matsushita Information Technology Laboratory as a Senior Scientist and leader of the Carbon Project. His research interests include document analysis, information retrieval, parallel VLSI architectures, and computational aspects of molecular biology. George Nagy received the B.Eng. and M.Eng. degrees from McGill University, and the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in 1962. For the next ten years Dr. Nagy conducted research on various aspects of pattern recognition and OCR at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights. From 1972 to 1985 he was Professor of Computer Science at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and worked on remote sensing applications, geographic information systems, computational geometry, and human-computer interfaces. Since 1985 he has been Professor of Computer Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Nagy has held visiting appointments at the Stanford Research Institute, Cornell, the University of Montreal, the National Scientific Research Institute of Quebec, the University of Genoa and the Italian National Research Council in Naples and Genoa, AT&T Bell Laboratories, IBM Almaden, McGill University, and the Information Science Research Institute at UNLV. In addition to document image analysis and character recognition, his interests include solid modeling, finite-precision spatial computation, and computer vision. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Registration Pre-Registration: before March 15, 1996 On-site Registration: Sunday, April 14, 7:00pm to 10:00pm Monday, April 15, 7:00am to 11:00am Tuesday, April 16, 7:30am to 11:00am Location: Alexis Park Resort Cost: $425.00 before March 15, 1996 $500.00 after March 15, 1996 Dinner Monday April 15, 1996 The College of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is one of the finest programs of its type in the nation, and has an international reputation as well. We are delighted to have the students from the College's Food and Beverage Management Department prepare and serve an outstanding dinner for symposium guests on Monday evening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The dinner will be held in the Boyd Dining Room in Frank and Estella Beam Hall. The cost is $20 per person. For resevations please fill out the section on the attached symposium registration form. Hotel Accommodations Alexis Park Resort, located near the center of the Las Vegas strip, is the host hotel for the 1996 Symposium. If you choose to stay at the Alexis Park Resort, please make hotel reservations no later than March 14 to ensure room availability. A reservation form is included in this advance program for your convenience. Due to convention season in Las Vegas, ROOMS WILL FILL UP QUICKLY AT ALL HOTELS. Please make hotel reservations as soon as possible. Should you choose to stay at a hotel other than the host hotel, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority can give hotel information and make all hotel room reservations throughout the city of Las Vegas. For more information please call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority 1-800-332-5333. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fifth Annual Symposium on Document Analysis and Information Retrieval INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE University of Nevada, Las Vegas April 15-17, 1996 Conference Registration Form Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Title: _______________________________________________________________________ Company: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________________________________ State/Country: ______________________________________ Zip: ___________________ Telephone: ___________________________Fax: ___________________________________ E-mail Address: ______________________________________________________________ Registration Fees Pre-Reg Regular Amount before 3/15/96 after 3/15/96 Conference Registration $425.00 $500.00 $____________ Includes lunch Monday, 4/15/96; and lunch Tuesday, 4/16/96) Monday Dinner (per person) $ 20.00 $____________ Conference Proceedings (Extra Proceedings) $ 50.00 $____________ (One Proceedings is included as part of the registration fee) 1995 CD-ROM $100.00 $____________ (1995 Conference Proceedings and Annual Report) 1992, 1993 and 1994 CD-ROM $100.00 $____________ (1992, 1993 and 1994 Conference Proceedings and 1993 and 1994 Annual Report) TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $____________ Enclosed is my payment payable by (check one): Check/Money Order _____ Mastercard _____ VISA _____ Discover _____ Make checks/money orders payable to: UNLV Board of Regents. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars and drawn on a U.S. Bank. For payment by credit card please fill out the following information: Credit Card Number:_______________________________ Expiration Date:__________ Please Print Name (as it appears on card):____________________________________ I authorize ISRI/UNLV to debit my account for the TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: signature: ___________________________________ Mail completed conference registration form and payment to: Symposium Manager Information Science Research Institute Telephone (702)895-4571 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Fax (702)895-1183 4505 Maryland Parkway Email sdair@isri.unlv.edu Box 454021 Las Vegas, NV 89154-4021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alexis Park Resort Hotel Registration Form P.O. Box 95698 Las Vegas, NV 89193-5698 Rooms reserved under the name: SDAIR '96 Mail your reservation directly to Alexis Park Resort or call Room Reservations: (800)582-2228 Fax: (702)796-4334 Reservations received after March 14, 1996 will be accepted on a space available basis only. Please reserve accommodations for: Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Home Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________ State/Country: __________________ Zip: ___________ Company Name: ________________________________________________________________ Business Address: ____________________________________________________________ City: _____________________ State/Country: __________________ Zip: ___________ Business Phone: ______________________________________________________________ SINGLE OCCUPANCY - $100.00 (+8% tax) TRIPLE OCCUPANCY - $115.00 (+8% tax) DOUBLE OCCUPANCY - $100.00 (+8% tax) QUAD OCCUPANCY - $130.00 (+8% tax) Will Arrive: _____________________________, 1996 Time: ____________________ Will Depart: _____________________________, 1996 Time: ____________________ Enclosed is my deposit payable by (check one): Check _____ Mastercard _____ JCB _____ Visa _____ American Express _____ Carte Blanche _____ Discover _____ Diners Club _____ Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________________________________________________________ Print name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:16:37 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Cynthia D Bertelsen Subject: Trends in indexing? In-Reply-To: <199601301726.LAA19184@batch1.csd.uwm.edu> ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I received a letter from a publisher last week, in response to a letter I sent them concerning my indexing services. Their response was that they no longer deal with freelance indexers but rather that they send out all indexing work to editorial agencies. Is this practice a problem for freelance indexers? Does the agency actually do the indexing or are the agencies the ones from whom we should seek new business? Any clarification of this would be helpful. Cindy Bertelsen |"When I get a little money, I buy books; and Blacksburg, VA |if any is left, I buy food and clothes." --Erasmus-- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:16:46 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carol Roberts Subject: Re: Dedicated indexing software-genealogy ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >You can order the GUIDE TO INDEXING SOFTWARE from the American Society of >Indexers, P.O. Box 48267, Seattle, WA 98148-0267. The cost is $10 for ASI >members, and $16 for nonmembers. Shipping is $3.00 extra (more if you order >more than 3 publications). HyperIndex is dedicated indexing software for the Mac. It's new and so won't be found in GUIDE TO INDEXING SOFTWARE. I recently posted a mini-review of it, which I can send to anyone who didn't get it and needs it immediately. Or you can wait for my formal review in the next issue of _Key Words_. Cheers, Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Life is good. Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com | Milwaukee, WI | ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:16:55 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Carol Roberts Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >Now I have only the Mac, and I am wondering if I need to get a >second computer to use in case it ever needs repair and I am >working with little time to spare, which is always. I do feel >somewhat insecure having only one computer, even with on-site >service contracts. Where I live, I could readily rent a computer the same day I needed it. (I use a Mac.) Since repairs are needed so seldom, I figure it would be cheaper to rent than to have an extra computer, which would also take up space in my office. An often-overlooked form of protection is backing up files. I keep a back-up of my entire hard drive (I use DiskFit by Retrospect). After all, if your hard drive gets fried, there's the issue of lost data, not just the issue of how long you're going to be without a machine. And don't forget that a surge protector won't protect against a direct lightening hit; I unplug my computer (and VCR, TV, etc.) during electrical storms. I'm afraid my habits are less commendable when it comes to that cup of coffee that sits next to my keyboard. Cheers, Carol Roberts, indexer and copy editor | Life is good. Carol.Roberts@mixcom.com | Milwaukee, WI | ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:17:05 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Jonathan Jermey Subject: Re: Working without a net (backup hardware) ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- At 10:26 29/01/96 ECT, Barbara Wurf wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I am wondering how many indexers have a backup computer system to >use for emergency use. We use a version of Macrex that will run off a 720kb floppy disk if necessary, and so if anything goes wrong with the 486 we can run it on the 386, and if (God forbid) something goes wrong with that too we can run it on the 1986 640k dual-floppy-disk laptop with DOS Version 3. This also helps if we're away from home and have to meet a deadline. I would advise you to go to a second-hand store and buy the oldest, cheapest computer *that will run your indexing software*, just in case. It should only be a couple of hundred dollars, and you can always let kids or visitors play on it when the 'big computer' is occupied. If it's a laptop then it won't take up much space and it may come in handy on trips. Incidentally, beware of 'computer rental' places. They charge the earth and the only time that I really needed one, for a Mac hard disk, nobody had it available. Jonathan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jonathan Jermey & Glenda Browne (Blue Mountains Desktop Pty Ltd. - ACN 071 232 016) Blaxland NSW Australia jonathan@magna.com.au http://www.magna.com.au/~jonathan Australian Wildlife in the Cheese Shop: "We had some, but the cat's eaten it." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:17:19 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Jonathan Jermey Subject: Re: Indexes in the news ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- At 10:26 29/01/96 ECT, Craig Brown wrote: >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran a review Sunday (1/28/96) of the book >"Breaking the News" by James Fallows. Reviewer Steve Weinberg gave the book >generally good marks, but added that a "shortcoming of 'Breaking the News' is >its lack of an index. Why a serious author and a serious publisher would >fail to take the few extra days to compile an index is beyond comprehension...." How long was this book? If even an index-aware reviewer thinks that an index can be compiled in 'a few extra days' then it gives a dim view of the way the rest of the world looks on our labours. Jonathan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jonathan Jermey & Glenda Browne (Blue Mountains Desktop Pty Ltd. - ACN 071 232 016) Blaxland NSW Australia jonathan@magna.com.au http://www.magna.com.au/~jonathan Australian Wildlife in the Cheese Shop: "We had some, but the cat's eaten it." ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:17:28 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: PilarW@aol.com Subject: Re: Al Franken/silly index ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Susan, You must have read my mind; we must have written our messages at the same time! Thanks for the info. Are any of the entries worth repeating? (hopefully some are tasteful and not toooo insulting?) tia, Pilar Wyman Indexing Annapolis, MD Tel/Fax: 410-263-7537 Email: PilarW@aol.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:20:23 ECT Reply-To: becohen@prairienet.org Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Barbara E. Cohen" Subject: Re: Rates and Earnings ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Maryann: You can check the most recent issue of the Women in Scholarly Publishing (WISP) newsletter--I can't locate mine at the moment, but I recall a list of fees for different publishing jobs there. Barbara ## -- Barbara E. Cohen Indexing & Editorial Services Champaign, IL ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:20:33 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Kevin Mulrooney Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >Now I have only the Mac, and I am wondering if I need to get a >second computer to use in case it ever needs repair and I am >working with little time to spare, which is always. I do feel >somewhat insecure having only one computer, even with on-site >service contracts. I would just like to throw in a vote for renting, then a few thoughts on used equipment. I have rented in emergencies in 3 cases and the cost was about $ 50/wk which I thought very reasonable. I live in only a mid-size town and there are dozens of companies renting computer equipment. On the other hand.....now that basic used 286 and 386 machines can be had for a few hundred dollars tops, and used 286/386 portables for under $ 500-600, the next emergency I would probably just use the situation to justify buying a used portable, which I've been wanting for awhile anyway! It might be different where Jeremy is, but in my town the only actual "store" selling used equipment is one called Second Source and their prices are laughably high. Given their understandable need to recoup showroom costs, advertising, etc., it's no wonder the best buys on used equipment are in the private market. I've bought several things that way myself, and some friends routinely get great deals by following the computer equipment newsgroups on Usenet. And don't overlook the ubiquitous local computer shows that offer great buys on new and used equipment. For those considering buying used Mac equipment: don't fall prey to the "Billy Beer" syndrome. To wit: don't (necessarily) equate asking price with value. Kevin Mulrooney ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dyslexics of the world untie! First State Indexing (302) 738-2558 276 East Main Street Indexer@inetcom.net Newark, Delaware 19711 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:20:43 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: DStaub11@aol.com Subject: Re: backups and laptops ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I use my partner's computer, which is my old 286, as a backup. I back Macrex indexes up onto floppies as I go, and then just moved over to the 286 when I had a memory problem that was corrupting things in December. If I didn't have that, I would probably rent a computer from one of several local clone stores--they deliver, too! That's how I started my business before I had the money to buy any kind of computer. I'm in the market for a laptop now, and wonder which brands you all have and how you like them. If it gets boring on the list, I'd appreciate e-mail. My partner and I are both going to be using it, so we're going for a high-end one. I'm especially concerned about input devices, since I'll be doing desktop publishing and graphics on it as well as DOS indexing and word processing. Thanks in advance for any leads! Do Mi ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:20:54 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Philip W. Jones" Subject: Sample index In-Reply-To: <9601310809.AA05874@Rt66.com> from "Charlotte Skuster" at Jan 30, 96 04:52:34 pm ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Hello all, A quick question from someone just starting out. When you're sending a sample index to a publisher, what format should be used? Should you format it as if you were submitting an actual index or should you typeset it the way it would appear in the back of a book? Thanks, Heather /----------------------------------------------------------------------\ | Phil, Heather, Doug and Ivy Jones hpjones@rt66.com | | Los Alamos, New Mexico http://mack.rt66.com/hpjones/hpjones.html | \----------------------------------------------------------------------/ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:21:04 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Presley, Paula" Subject: Indexes in the News ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- If even an index-aware reviewer thinks that an index can be compiled in 'a few extra days' then it gives a dim view of the way the rest of the world looks on our labours. Aw, c'mon, Jonathan! In comparison with the entire publishing process, from idea, to MS, to revised (re-revised, etc.) MS, to production, to proofreading, to revision...., the index DOES take only "a few extra days" and the reviewer is correct. After ANY author and publisher invests the time and energy necessary to produce a book, not providing an index sort of diminishes the value of the author and publisher's work. ________________________________________________________________ Paula Presley FAX 816-785-4181 VOICE 816-785-4525 Associate Editor, Thomas Jefferson University Press Northeast Missouri State Univ. (Truman State University July 96) McClain Hall 111-L, 100 E. Normal St., Kirksville, MO 63501-4221 Internet: ppresley%nemomus@nemostate.edu ________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:21:13 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: Kat Nagel/MasterWork Subject: Re: Working without a net ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Subject: Re: Working without a net For years I said---and believed---that "It will never happen to me. Even if it does, I'll be OK because I always back up my files." Well, it -did- happen to me. A power failure crashed my system -while- I was making a backup. Trashed both my main hard drive -and- my backup drive. The first time this happened I moaned a lot, renegotiated a deadline, and borrowed time on a friend's machine to finish the job. The second time it happened I lost a client, re-wired some weird electrical circuitry in my 75-year-old house, and bought an UPS. The third time it happened, the UPS saved my neck---and my relationship with the client. But I bought a laptop anyway. The laptop mirrors my desktop machine. And if -both- of my computers die, my husband can borrow a similar machine from the school where he teaches. If -that- one crashes, I have arrangements with several other writers who use compatible hardware/software. I feel much better now. Paranoid, you say? You betcha! @Kat_____ Kat Nagel, MasterWork Consulting Services Rochester, NY LIFE1 (techwriting/docdesign) katnagel@eznet.net LIFE1a (MEDIREF) knagel@mcls.rochester.library.ny.us LIFE2 (vocal chamber music) PlaynSong@aol.com LIFE1 pays for LIFE2 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 15:21:40 ECT Reply-To: Indexer's Discussion Group Sender: Indexer's Discussion Group From: "Seth A. Maislin" Subject: Alphabetizing complications ----------------------------Original message---------------------------- The other day, I found myself creating an alphabetizing guide. The _Chicago Manual_ and other references talk about the alphabetization of non-letter characters, such as numbers and accented letters, but I found that with so many new computerized terms, one needs to know how to alphabetize words with embedded numbers, embedded punctuation, and initial punctuation. Keeping these in mind, the standards for treating hyphens also becomes more circumspect. It proved more complicated than I thought. So when people came to me (the resident indexer :-) and asked me for help in alphabetizing, I tried to come up with standards. And thus the guide was created. It's still in the works, so it's missing the all-important bibliography (such as the useful sections from the _Chicago Manual_), but I put it up on the web anyway. Let me know what you think, what you think is missing, what you think is wrong or misleading, and so on. Any comments would be appreciated. (Please email me directly at seth@ora.com.) If you don't have web access, I might be able to forward small portions of it. It's just too long to send via email, and the strange characters also don't translate into ASCII. If there is a portion that you want to look at, however, let me know, and I'll see what I can send. - Seth Maislin -- Seth A. Maislin O'Reilly & Associates 1687 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite #9 90 Sherman Street Brighton MA 02135-4836 Cambridge MA 02140 (617) 783-8502 phone (617) 499-7439 phone (617) 783-5304 facsimile (617) 661-1199 facsimile smaislin@world.std.com seth@ora.com WWW: http://jasper.ora.com:80/seth/index.html