> For all of you non-programmers out there who might be lurking here on
> abiword-dev, this week's POW (Project of the Week) is something
> *anyone* (and everyone) can do.
>
> In a nutshell, the task is to evaluate the actual usability of AbiWord
> by using it to write and print a real letter, paying attention to
> everything that annoyed you, and sending a report of your experiences
> to abiword-dev.
>
> A lot of times, we focus so much of our attention on building software
> that we forget to take time to find out how usable it really is. The
> exercise of using AbiWord for a real purpose may reveal an irritating
> behavior which we need to fix. Alternatively, it may result in the
> satisfaction of noticing that AbiWord does not interfere with the
> process of using it for simple real world tasks. Either way, the
> project has benefited.
>
> Can't think of anyone to whom you would write a letter? Sorry, that
> excuse won't fly here. :-) Our suggestion is that you write a letter
> of thanks to someone who recently gave you good service in a retail or
> similar environment. This is a good choice, because:
>
> 1. It's easy, and the resulting letter is probably short.
>
> 2. AbiWord can handle it. Writing a letter requires no advanced
> formatting features.
>
> 3. It gives you a chance to make the world a better place. :-) For
> many people in a service position, a letter of thanks can mean
> even more than a gratuity.
>
> <digression>
>
> This is one specific example of a situation where a word processor is
> required and email just doesn't work as well. Put it in writing, on
> paper. Your letter will make someone's day, and it will find its way
> onto a bulletin board or into a personnel file.
>
> My letter will be written to commend the excellent service I recently
> received in purchasing a new car battery at AutoZone.
>
> For yours, almost any service position is eligible, including waiters,
> flight attendants or whoever delivers your newspaper. :-)
>
> </digression>
>
> To complete this POW, you need to perform all of the following steps:
>
> 1. Use AbiWord to write and print the letter.
>
> 2. Pay attention to everything annoying you encounter during your use
> of AbiWord. Don't forget to examine the printed copy to make sure
> it looks correct.
>
> 3. Actually send it. :-)
>
> 4. Send email to abiword-dev, describing the experience of using
> AbiWord. The goal here is to find out just how usable AbiWord
> really is for a simple task.
>
> 5. If you find a bug while using AbiWord for this POW, log it in
> Bugzilla. (Check first to see if the bug is already in there.)
>
> 6. And please, be careful not to break your arm while patting
> yourself on the back for being such a good person. :-)
>
> PS: For more background on the whole POW / ZAP / SHAZAM concept, see the
> following introduction:
>
> http://www.abisource.com/mailinglists/abiword-dev/99/September/0097.html
>
> --
> Eric W. Sink, Software Craftsman
> SourceGear Corporation
> eric@sourcegear.com
Does it have to be a letter? because in the upcomeing week i have to write a
3 page paper for english and i was planning on using abiword to do it.
Another little problem. I don't have a printer. But i usualy just print to
file then do a ps2pdf and ftp the pdf to my space on the ASU server and then
print it fromt he printers in the dorm. Would this work?