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Frequently Asked Questions
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I have your earlier books on WordPerfect DOS macros. Do you have a book on WordPerfect for Windows macros?
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For over 10 years I self-published several books on WordPerfect for Windows macros, but these are no longer maintained, supported, or sold. |
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Why are your latest WordPerfect for Windows books self-published?
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The computer book market has changed dramatically since the publication of my WordPerfect DOS macro books. First, bookstores tend to shy away from books on applications software. Second, the general tastes of book buyers seems to have changed -- everyone is a "dummy" or an "idiot" these days; bookstores like selling these kinds of books because they sell fairly quickly. And third, WordPerfect doesn't have the tens of millions of users it once had. Though there are still millions of WordPerfect users around the globe, Microsoft Word is now the market champ, and the number of books on WordPerfect versus Word is testament to that. |
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Do you have any other macro support materials?
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With avenues of support for WordPerfect diminishing, I've put together several low-cost collections of macros and other files that I hope will help users extend the functionality and usefulness of WordPerfect.
See 201 PowerMacros, a collection of some 200 exclusive custom-written macros for WordPerfect 7, 8, and 9 for Windows. |
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Do you think WordPerfect will remain viable?
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Call me optimistic, but yes I do. WordPerfect still has millions of devoted users, who vastly prefer it to Microsoft Word. And, Corel seem dedicated to preserving WordPerfect and its remaining user base. Though it's difficult to predict the future, I see no reason WordPerfect for Windows (but maybe not WordPerfect for DOS) will be around for at least the next 5-7 years, and probably a lot longer. |
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My company decided to go to Microsoft Word. As you know, my old WordPerfect macro won't convert. Do you have a book on Word macros?
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Sorry, but no. Microsoft's documentation on Word's macro language is fairly complete, and there are some third-party books on the subject already. |
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What ever happened to WordPerfect for Windows Magazine? Is there anything that replaces it?
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I stopped contributed to the magazine in November 1996 when they ceased paying their authors for contributions. In 1998 the magazine closed their doors, leaving thousands of paid subscriptions unfullfilled.
For a great resource on everything WordPerfect, visit WordPerfect Universe.
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Do you give seminars on writing macros?
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Yes, but by special arrangement only. Typically, companies and other consultants contract with me to give seminars on macro topics. I've found that a two-day seminar works best. Class size can be as small or large as you like -- my fee is by the day, not the student. See for more details on macro seminars.
I also now provide "distance training" on macros, a sort of correspondence school via e-mail. Distance training is less expensive than in-person training, and is very convenient for you because you can progress at your own speed.. |
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What is your most recent commercially-published book?
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Robot Builder's Bonanza, Second Edition, is a complete revision of my best-selling guide on building amateur robots.
- A major revision of the bestselling "bible" of amateur robotics building--packed with the latest in servo motor technology, microcontrolled robots, remote control, Lego Mindstorms Kits, and other commercial kits.
- Gives electronics hobbyists fully illustrated plans for 11 complete Robots, as well as all-new coverage of Robotix-based Robots, Lego Technic-based Robots, Functionoids with Lego Mindstorms, and Location and Motorized Systems with Servo Motors.
- Features a pictures and parts list that accompany all projects, and material on using the BASIC Stamp and other microcontrollers.
You can check it out at Amazon.
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I hear WordPerfect 9 (part of Corel WordPerfect office 2000) comes with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Does this mean WordPerfect will be susceptible to macro viruses?
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As software becomes more complex and sophisticated there is always a chance of others exploiting that sophistication in negative ways. The version of VBA provided in WordPerfect 9 includes a number of security features, but macro viruses are still a potential (but perhaps not great) threat. See WordPerfect Macro VBA FAQ for some more information. |
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What are you working on now?
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I continue to be heavily involved with WordPerfect, including consulting on a full-time basis. Much of my business involves converting macros from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word, so naturally I am also heavily involved with Word.
And of course I continue to write macros for fun, update some of my books, help out at WordPerfect Universe, and still manage a few hours of sleep a night. |
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