First, I vote for LICK. If the goal is to be a TeX product, then extend the language, and avoid the sound of plurality,
Second, I think LyX has a wonderful potential, and a magnificently executed actual. I have learned from where most of the text formatting is controlled, and it is surprisingly easy. Don't understand why I can't there also find *strikeout* among the forms. Also, why not add ability to select the font, when also selecting weight (bold, medium) and other features (normal, italic, slant)? Yet, these are minor points, and surely there are other mechanisms to which a LyX user should turn. Some of my experience is akin to that of one who transitions between editors, like those of use who use Borland Turbo Pascal for a number of years, and then moved to BRIEF. Ventura Publisher has its mechanisms, and LyX has a different sent. Sometimes, the mechanisms are homomorphic, sometimes not. In learning to use the mathematics interface took a little time, mostly because of not reading the manual I should think but, it is quite natural now. The integration of the mechanism with the corresponding keystroke is wonderful For example, when I need a variable that is subscripted, such as a label in a figure to which a text reference is needed, I simply select the proper font, which opens a box in the text, and there, I type, for instance, A_i, and the subscript box automatically opens, ready to receive the i. Behavior like this is quite natural, and smoothly implemented. Third, the political sensibilities of some participants hinders the collective goal. The generally friendly manner of postings does much to attract the interest of others; attacking those who show interest is a contrary force. I frankly have no preference for operating systems, nor for the systems which others provide. Complaining to me about the political struggle between Microsoft and Sun, or Microsoft and the free-software movement, is like preaching to an atheist. I don't care about such things. In their stead, I accept that the marketplace of ideas will win the struggle for truth, and that will bring minds. All good things to those who wait. I do care about helping the occasional activity, such as that which is LyX, and offer therefore those observations which may be useful. If they get used, fine; if they get ignored, fine. It is all the same to me. Fourth, I got some very good assistance from the developers and senior users, for which I am quite grateful. Even in those cases where replies were less patient, I got valuable replies that allowed me to greatly reduce the time to both acquire knowledge of the tool and produce a timely submittal of paper to conference. Now, with more leisure, I may turn to the online documentation, and gain more thorough familiarity with LyX. I am comfortable with LyX, and know a smidge of TeX. So, I am reasonably confident of being able to master the tool, even if it does now seem as if I am aboard a row-boat, in the middle of the Pacific. wrb
