I'm so glad to have read all of this...here is what I had posted which seems
to reach most of your comments.
As an experienced legal secretary, Information Technology Support Specialist
and soon-to-be on-the-job trainer in a renowned legal firm, I believe it is
mandatory for me and for Microsoft Word users in this work environment (and
others similar to it)to share my opinions and observances of the totally
remodeled Word 2007 interface.
Although I am now an advanced Word user, I was once a devoted, passionate
and unconditionnal WordPerfect user and was for many years. I believed and
still believe that Wordperfect was really user friendly, easy to customize,
flexible, and mostly, transparent with regards to the logic used in the
structure and management of word processed documents. All of which I believe
Word does not have.
My transition to Word was done with teeth-grinding, frustration,and regrets.
With years of hands-on experience (and sweating), extensive and diversified
training, and a huge microsoft library (books, videos, learning software and
cd's and dvd's) .... I have finally managed the use of advanced functions in
creating long complex documents, in this not-so user friendly interface and
rigid structure. I now know most of the workarounds necessary to function
with Word.
Last year, almost converted to Word, I had the shocking experience of
meeting with the new Microsoft Word 2007 new interface. Past the initial
shock, I did extensive reading of your Microsoft Office 2007 books, visited
numerous specialized Word sites, and used Office 2007 for a year. Before
writing this email, I was still trying to convince myself that I would adapt
sooner or later, and forget this transition. However, I am convinced I will
work with Word 2007 because I have to, but will never appreciate the
interface that has been totally remodeled considering (no doubt)the needs
and opinions of beginner users.
I believe, the new interface has been developed on the basis (according to
my analyses and experience)of answering the needs of beginner users to create
fancy and good looking documents rapidly.
This would be fine if the sale of document processing software was intended
for a clientele of beginner users and high school students who use word
sporadically for basic tasks. However, I believe, that word processors are
destined for intermediate to advanced users evolving in the professional
workplace to answer to the demands of professionals who make it possible for
users to have access to expensive and rapidly changing software.
The new concept of a "contextual" working environment does not favor a
logical use of Word and the mastering of its functionalities. According to
me, (and many experts) this concept has left, experienced intermediate and
advanced users looking and searching for tools and functions necessary to the
logical structure of documents in Word.
Tools now made available in this new contextual environment are limited too
the particulars of the document being worked on. Therefore, focusing
user-actions to be task and document-specific rather than promoting and
facilitating structured, logical and methodical working methods which result
in well-structured, logical, stable, efficient and professional documents
through the use of templates, styles, outlining and numbering.
Also, this new concept does not create, a smooth-flowing and efficient
work-flow process obtained by the acquisition of automation processes
resulting from the repeated execution of actions in a logic and methodical
way.
The only work-around suggested for this major obstacle is to create
customized toolbars (which most experienced users do not use anyways, because
it is much more efficient to use keyboard shortcuts) and go back time and
time again to the Microsoft Home button. Note, that inexperienced users
usually do not take the time to create a customized environment.
My main concern here, is not only that this new interface, may cause
document processing to become a nightmare and encur lost of time and money
for users, consequently businesses, but that it may also compromise
companies' strive to achieve and maintain a professional, consistent and
unified corporate image. The basics of marketing will be at peril.
If you wish to obtain specific examples in support of what I have advanced I
can supply you with them, but Word specialists have written books and books
bringing out the importance of understanding and mastering complex document
structure mechanics to achieve long, complex, stable documents. Several
specialists also mention the increased efficiency of document production when
using keyboard shortcuts. Why go back to using the mouse more often with
toolbars, buttons, contextual menus and contextual work interface.
For a final Word, why not change the programming of your interface (Word
2008 maybe?)to the one used by Wordperfect programmers?
Why try to reinvent when a majority of users agree that Wordperfect was the
most user-friendly word processing interface.
I thank you for taking the time to read me, and I sincerely hope that I will
be able to reignite my passion for long complex documents.
