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Archiver > TMG > 2002-09 > 1030977353


From: Karla Huebner <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] Research & Output Solutions
Date: Mon, 02 Sep 2002 10:35:53 -0400
References: <5.1.0.14.2.20020830194543.041f8e98@pop3.norton.antivirus><5.1.0.14.0.20020830172308.00a0ce30@pop.sprynet.com><5.1.0.14.2.20020830095740.027fdf90@pop3.norton.antivirus><5.1.0.14.0.20020830004411.00a09d90@pop.sprynet.com><KBEEJNHPFAMCGLNKDFEFMEFAENAA.rdamon@beltronicsinc.com><5.1.0.14.0.20020829211843.00a17b50@pop.sprynet.com><5.1.0.14.2.20020830231229.02806a30@pop3.norton.antivirus><005901c250fc$ed75dba0$153ad843@oemcomputer><5.1.0.14.0.20020901054133.00a0c240@pop.sprynet.com>
In-Reply-To: <3D72F222.178C7567@sbcglobal.net>


I agree with Darrell that every default sentence needs a <[M]> somewhere.
It means a lot less editing on the individual sentence level. It also makes
the sentences somewhat less canned even when the structure is the same,
because you get more variety right from the start. (Remember, you can put
whole paragraphs into a suitably placed <[M]>!)

I really try to get my default sentences into the most usable possible form
(in most cases I start them with <[D]>) and while I'm not always happy with
my output, it's never because things sound too canned. There is not much
you can do to make a barebones life interesting, while a detail-rich life
requires constant adjusting of sentences as one finds out new data to insert!

Re birth sentences, my default is: [P] was born <[D]> <[L]>. <[M]>

The only problem I have with this structure is that if I have a memo of any
length, reports that start with BMDB data get a little top-heavy. I have
contemplated making separate "detail" tags for BMDB excess data so that
those could print in the more narrative part of the report, but that has
seemed like a dreadful amount of work.

Karla Huebner


At 10:07 PM 9/1/02 -0700, you wrote:
>
> > I have found it simpler to make sure that *every* tag type default
> sentence
> > has [M] (or an otherwise unused subfield of [M]) in it.
>
>I toyed with this idea as well, but since I really like to personalize
>my sentences (yes, more time) I add the [M] as I edit each tag. That
>allows me to vary its placement and incorporate split memo fields, which
>avoids the canned sentence problem. I have to admit though I haven't
>found a lot of creative things I can do with birth sentences so that
>might not be such a bad idea.
>
>
>Diana

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