text:
- Analysis
- Content Management
- Context-sensitive Help
- Customizing the Outputs
- Database and Database Management
- Development Environment
- Development Features
- Development Features - Extras
- Development Platform
- History
- Hyperlinks and Cross-references
- Images
- Import Content From ...
- Import Features
- Index
- Localization and Translation
- Outputs
- Reusable Content Across Projects/Multi-project Features
- Reusable Content Within Projects
- Reviewing
- Single-sourcing Features
- Support
- System Administration
- Table Editor
- Web Standards and Accessibility (#a11y)
- Workflow
Toggle feature descriptions on/off.
|File backup
|More robust version available (costs extra)
|Report problems and suggestions
|Reports (Archived)Track the progress of a project through archiving reports.
|Reports (Dynamic)Scans that allow users to click to open the content that the issue is located in.
|Run reports
|Test DotNetHelp links
|Test HTML-based Help links
|Test underlying HTML
|BranchingMerging, all permissions, rollback, status tracking, user permissions, version control, version control maintenance - footnote all because the functionality exists if the user has TFS.
|Check-in/check-out: dynamic Dynamic check-in/check-out means that the HAT tracks which topics are currently opened for editing and by whom. As a user, all you have to do is open the topic to check it out. (No other application is required, and it may be possible to dynamically check out other types of content, like hyperlinks and images.)
|Check-in/check-out: file (may need separate app)File-based HATs may include or integrate with an application that lets you check out the files that you need to work on. When you are finished making your modifications, you then check the file back in. A separate application may be required.
|Check-in/check-out: project HATs that allow multi-authoring will also allow a user to check out the project so that it can be modified (for example, by modifying the table of contents or adding/removing files). A separate application may be necessary.
|Cloud-based review using Acrobat.com
|Cloud-based review using SharePoint for RoboHelp
|Contribution/SME WorkflowUsing Word, FrameMaker & MadCap Contributor
|Controlled Language/Simplified Technical English IntegrationAuthors can use a standardized vocabulary and style to improve consistency, eliminate ambiguity and reduce complexity. Furthermore, authors can ensure compliance with corporate terminology and style guide rules using advanced interactive checker and quality measurement features.
|Merging filesThe HAT lets you merge two topics together, incorporating edits from both.
|Native (.aspx) output for publishing to SharePoint
|Permissions: foldersWith Source Control Integration.
|Permissions: groupsWith Source Control Integration.
|Permissions: role-basedIf the HAT is also a content management system, it may provide for permissions based on the user's job (writer, editor, legal, and so on).
|Permissions: usersWith Source Control Integration.
|Project file databaseSome HATs store project information in a database, which tracks topics (files), images, and so on. Because a project database is only used by the HAT to track various types of information, this is not usually a "make or break" feature.
|RollbackWith Source Control Integration
|Roundtrip Acrobat PDF ReviewAuthor creates a PDF of an entire project or only selected topics, snippets, and master pages. The PDF is sent to authors and subject matter experts for edits. Using the free Adobe Reader, the commented PDFs are then returned to the author, who selectively accepts or rejects the suggestions.
|Separation of content and presentation (ad hoc formatting allowed)"Separating content from presentation" means that what you see in development may or may not be what you see when you view the output. "Ad hoc formatting" means that you can override any applied styles in the editor. (For example, Microsoft Word lets users apply whatever formatting they want to text, thus overriding any styles defined in the template.) Ad hoc formatting results in style overrides in the published output, and requires more effort when formatting changes need to be made during development.
|Separation of content and presentation (no ad hoc formatting allowed)"Separating content from presentation" means that what you see in development may or may not be what you see when you view the output. If the HAT does not allow "Ad hoc formatting", it means that users cannot override any applied styles in the editor. For example, XML editors do not allow ad hoc formatting. As a result, less formatting effort is required during development.
|Source Control, IntegratedNative Support for Microsoft Visual SourceSafe, Microsoft Team Foundation Server (TFS), Subversion, Perforce, source control tools that use MS SCC API.
|Status trackingThis feature lets you track the status of a topic (or possibly other object). It is known by different names, including release control, release states, and status.
|Track Changes for Author-to-Author Tracking Authors can track the history of changes made to topics including dates, author name, and comments.
|User permissions (security)HATs that are content management systems may let you apply various levels of permissions to your projects. For example, one group of users may not be allowed to edit topics in a specific folder.
|VariantsFor snippets and variables.
|Version controlIf the HAT is also a content management system, it provides for version control. This lets you maintain separate versions of topics (and is different from history, which tracks revisions to a specific version).
|Version control: maintenanceIf the HAT is also a content management system, it provides for version control. This lets you maintain separate versions of topics (and is different from history). Version control maintenance means that you can apply global settings that will be used for version control.
|View relationships between non-topic and topic objects in a projectWhen you are working on a project, it helps when you can view the various relationships between topics and other objects (like graphics, hyperlinks, table of contents, and so on). This feature only indicates that the HAT includes this capability at some level. Check the vendor's site to see what relationships the HAT reports on.
|View relationships between topics in a projectWhen you are working with a project, it helps when you can view the different topic relationships. Some HATs provide this information in graphical form, while others provide it as a list.
|AliasingThe HAT lets you provide aliases for the context-sensitive Help. Aliases let you specify that one topic should be substituted for another (WinHelp), or match topic IDs to HTML files (HTML-based output).
|APIThe HAT provides an application programming interface (API) that can be used to "hook" the Help to the application.
|Automatic mapping of topicsThe HAT provides the functionality needed to automatically create a map file for the application. (This doesn't mean that the Help will automatically link to the application; you will have to work with the application developers (engineers, programmers) to make sure that the map numbers correspond correctly.)
|Automatic workflow for creating context-sensitive Help for C++ applications
|Context-sensitive Help APIs for Android and iOS
|Context-sensitive Help: .NETThe HAT provides a customized output for .NET applications. (Note: .chm files can also be used. This feature is for HATs that have created an output specifically for .NET applications.)
|Context-sensitive Help: existing (other) applicationsYou can use the HAT to create context-sensitive HATs for existing applications. The output that you produce will be used in addition to the application's default Help.
|Context-sensitive Help: Test Dot Net output links internally.
|Context-sensitive Help: Web/Mac/*nix applicationsThe HAT can be used to provide context-sensitive Help for Web applications on any platform. (This is typically some kind of HTML-based Help.) The HAT may include an API to make it easier for your developers to set up.
|Context-sensitive Help: Windows applicationsYou can use the HAT to create context-sensitive Help for Windows applications. (Use the features under the Outputs category to find out what types of Help can be produced.)
|Edit map numbers by topicThe HAT provides the functionality necessary to edit map numbers by topic, so that the Help author can apply the map numbers provided by the developer (programmer, engineer).
|Embedded Help
|Map Help topics to interface visually
|Map number/context ID/map ID editorThe terminology changes as the years go by, but map number, context ID, and map ID all mean the same thing. (HAT-Matrix has standardized on "map number".) If the HAT provides a map number editor, it means that it provides a way for you to see all topics and map numbers at one time, and you can individually edit them as necessary.
|Batch BuildBatch Build means create output for multiple deliverables to local system.
|Batch Publish Batch Publish means send the latest build to its published location (typically server-based).
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): BreadcrumbsThe HTML-based Help output will include breadcrumbs, which serve as an indicator to the end-user of where they are in the output.
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): Browse sequencesThe HTML-based Help output includes browse sequence buttons (Next and Previous), which lets the end-user proceed from one topic to the next in the order specified in the project.
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): FAQs (link or button)The HTML-based Help output includes a link or button to frequently asked questions.
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): Index (link to Index in topic)The HTML-based Help output will include a link to the index, which may be displayed as either a link or a button which is usually customizable.
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): Sections (parent/children/sibling topic links)The output includes navigational topic links that are assigned based on settings in the project. Typically, the hierarchy (or tabe of contents) is used to determine the parent/child/sibling relationships. These links are usually customizable.
|Automatic navigational links (HTML): TOC (link to Contents in topic)The HTML-based Help output will include a link to the table of contents, which may be displayed as either a link or a button which is usually customizable.
|Automatic navigational links: 'List of' support
|Automatic navigational links: Mini-TOC for print, online, or both
|Automatic navigational links: Relationship table
|Batch Build and PublishBatch Build and Publish means to create the output and send it to its published location.
|Boolean search, phrase search
|Built-in feedback form
|Command line publishingYou can publish the output(s) outside the HAT. This option means that your programmers (developers, engineers) can publish the Help at the same time that they compile the application. In some cases, you can use a command-line script with a scheduler to publish the Help at an off-time (for example, during the middle of the night when the server load is decreased).
|Crop and registration marks (Print)
|Custom title page for printYou can include a custom title page that will be included when you publish to Microsoft Word or PDF.
|Customizable layouts (output): Cascading Style SheetsYou can customize the different HTML-based Help outputs with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). The HAT may or may not include a CSS editor (or some other way to modify the styles that will be used).
|Customizable layouts (output): HTML templatesYou can customize the different HTML-based Help outputs with HTML templates. The HAT may or may not include the capability to edit the HTML template files.
|Customizable layouts (output): PDF templateYou can create a customized template that can be used for PDF output. (Check the vendor's site to see if you have to create a custom Word template for PDF output.)
|Customizable layouts (output): WinHelp stylesYou can customize the styles used in the WinHelp output. (Please note that WinHelp has been deprecated by Microsoft with the release of Windows Vista.)
|Customizable layouts (output): Word templatesYou can create a custom Word template that will be used when publishing print output. (In most cases, it's best to create a copy of the vendor-supplied Word template and make modifications to it.)
|Customizable layouts (output): XSL or XL-FOYou can customize the layouts for the different outputs by using Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) or XSL-FO (Formatting Objects).
|Customizable layouts: Print configuration
|Customize Glossary with choice of expanding, tooltip, or popup
|Customize MS HTML Help (.chm) with WebHelp Skins
|Customized Screen Profiles for author-defined device sizes
|Display You can view a list of the most popular pages that visitors have requested.
|Dynamic User-Centric Content User can filter content in the output by certain author-defined categories such as by Role, by Geography, by Application or any other category the author may define.
|Enable "pinch to zoom" for iOS devices
|External Content Search URL shows in results if user searches on a term prescribed by the author.
|File extensions: customized for HTML-based Help output
|GlossaryYou can include a glossary in the published output. The HAT may provide automatic linking of glossary terms; check the vendor's website.
|Hyphenation control (print)
|Margin notesMargin notes are small chunks of content, usually one paragraph, that appear in the left margin when publishing to Microsoft Word and as a popup when publishing to some form of online Help.
|Master pageSimilar to a page template, a master page lets you include certain content in all associated topics. Master pages can be used for online and print output.
|Master TOC
|Mobile output skin editorFor look-and-feel or localization.
|Output templates: customizableYou can modify the output templates to reflect your corporate identity (also known as the "look and feel"). Check the vendor's website to see what's involved in making the customizations; some HATs include designers or wizards, while others require that you edit the templates using the appropriate editor (Notepad, Microsoft Word, an HTML editor, etc.).
|Output templates: designer or wizardYou can use a wizard to create custom output templates. Wizards sometimes make it easier to create customized versions of the output.
|Output templates: localizedCan use supplied localized templates or modify them.
|Page Layouts (Print)
|Permission-based accessOne common request on various email lists is how to present content based on the end-user's login information. HATs with this feature let you add end-user permissions to your HTML-based output.
|Project SynonymsAuthors can create a synonyms that direct the end user to relevant content.
|Publishing Profiles / Conditional Output
|Responsive HTML5 Layout Customization Editor
|Right-to-left outputs
|Schedule BuildsLinks to Windows Task Scheduler (or some other application) so that builds can be scheduled.
|Screen Layout Editor for HTML5 Output
|Scripting after publicationCan be accomplished using the command line compile
|Search HighlightingAuthor chooses the highlight color for the search result keywords.
|Search Highlighting in HTML5 Output
|Search in output: CGI (may require separate CGI script)Most HATs produce HTML-based Help that automatically includes a Search tab. However, HATs that let you use CGI search provide the functionality necessary to edit the layout of the output so that you can link to a different search engine instead.
|Search in output: DHTMLThe content on the Search tab included in the HTML-based Help produced by the HAT is dynamic HTML, which uses JavaScript to create the results page. Because the search results are created when the output is created, it could take longer for the search results to display for large books.
|Search in output: Natural The HAT includes a "natural" search engine that provides the content for the Search tab in the output. Natural search relies on statistical analysis to add enhanced natural language search functionality, which makes it language-independent.
|Search Ranking An optional column shows the numerical ranking in search results pane.
|Search Results with Context A brief sentence describes a topic to help the user determine the most relevant search result.
|Security Settings (PDF)Lets you assign security settings to PDF files without using Acrobat.
|Security Settings (Print)
|Skinnable HTML Help (.chm) from WebHelp Skin
|Synonym support in search (HTML-based Help)"Full-text search" lets users look for specific words that may be used in the Help. However, one of the weaknesses in full-text search is that users might be looking for the "wrong" term (for example, they might be looking for "changing" when the terms "modifying" or "editing" might be used instead). When Microsoft was developing Microsoft AML (their XML schema for Vista Help), they added the ability to include synonyms in the topic properties so that users could find the right topic, even if they typed in the "wrong" word. A HAT that supports synonym search has added this same type of functionality, which makes the search more powerful. This is especially helpful for Help files with no index (or a weak index).
|Topic Search Keywords
|User-Customizable: Home pageThe end-user can customize the home page that displays when they launch the HTML-based Help.
|User-Customizable: SearchThe end-user can customize the results displayed on the Search tab.
|Widow/orphan control
|Content database: DB2Content is (or can be) stored in a DB2 database.
|Content database: JDBC-compliantContent is (or can be) stored in an JDBC-compliant database.
|Content database: JETContent is (or can be) stored in a JET (Microsoft Access) database.
|Content database: MSDEContent is (or can be) stored in an MSDE database.
|Content database: MYSQLContent is (or can be) stored in a MYSQL database.
|Content database: SQLContent is (or can be) stored in a SQL database.
|Content database: SQL ExpressContent is (or can be) stored in a SQL Express database.
|Content database: XMLContent is (or can be) stored in an XML database. The HAT may let you use an existing schema or DTD (like DITA or DocBook), or may require that you use the vendor's schema or DTD.
|Database maintenanceIf the HAT uses a database for content, it also provides database maintenance functionality. Note: The type of maintenance that is available is dependent on the type of database, and may require a database administrator instead.
|OfflineIf the HAT uses a content database, it provides the functionality necessary to create a "copy" that can be worked on separately from the master database.
|Re-synch databaseIf the HAT uses a content database, and lets you create an offline version to use, this option lets you re-synch the content in the offline database to the master database.
|Adobe FrameMakerYou create content in Frame. Typically, the Frame files are added to the project and published on demand, but no editing of the Frame files takes place in the HAT itself.
|Editor: built-in word processor (not specified elsewhere in this category)The HAT provides a built-in word processor that you use to edit your content, which is typically a lot like Word.
|Editor: server-basedYou edit content in a server-based editor. (This is similar to a web-based editor, but runs over an intranet instead of the Internet.)
|Editor: Web-basedAll content is (or can be) edited through a web-based editor. Check the vendor's site to see what features are offered.
|HTML: any editor (for example, Dreamweaver, CSE HTML Pro, etc.)You can use any HTML editor to edit your files. You might lose some functionality from the HAT (because you're working in a different application). Check the vendor's site for more information.
|HTML: built-in editorYou create content in a built-in HTML editor. Check the vendor's site to see which features their HTML editor includes.
|Microsoft WordYou create content in Word. Typically, the HAT uses custom templates and DLLs so that Word is opened and contains specialized menus when you launch the HAT.
|Microsoft Word 2007You can use Microsoft Word 2007 to develop the content of your Help projects. (Check the vendor website to find out if you must uninstall and reinstall the HAT, or if it will automatically recognize the new version of Word.)
|Microsoft Word 2010
|Microsoft Word 365
|None (publishes existing documents)The HAT lets you build projects by specifying Word or Frame files that are accessed when the project is published. You use the specific editor to make changes to your files.
|XML: any editor (for example, XMetaL)You can use any XML editor to edit your files. You might lose some functionality from the HAT (because you're working in a different application). Check the vendor's site for more information.
|XML: any schema or DTDYou edit the files in an XML editor that lets you specify the schema or DTD that you want to use.
|XML: built-in editorYou edit your content in the XML editor (typically proprietary) that comes with the HAT. See other entries in this category for information on DTDs and schemas that can be used.
|XML: specific schema or DTDAll files are created according to a specific schema or DTD, such as the W3C's XHTML DTD or DITA. Check the vendor's website to see which DTD/schema they use.
|Author in Print Mode
|Author in Web Mode
|Auto SuggestionsWhile typing content, a popup may display below your text as you type. This is the Auto Suggestion feature, which analyzes text as you type and compares it to other content (e.g., phrases, variables, snippets) that already exists in the project.
|Automatic content and screenshots from Microsoft Access applicationsThe HAT scans your Microsoft Access application and automatically generates the HTML files, screenshots, and other elements needed to make the Help file and user documentation.
|Automatic content and screenshots from Visual Basic 6.0 applicationsThe HAT scans your Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 application and automatically generates the HTML files, screenshots, and other elements needed to make the Help file and user documentation.
|Automatic content and screenshots from Visual Studio 2003/2005 applicationsThe HAT scans your Microsoft Visual Studio 2003/2005 application and automatically generates the HTML files, screenshots, and other elements needed to make the Help file and user documentation.
|Automatic documentation from .NET assemblies
|Character Map
|CMYK Support
|Code Editor
|Code Editor (with Intellisense)The HTML/XHTML/XML editor included with the HAT a) lets you edit in code view and b) provides hints as to what attributes are allowed when you type a tag.
|Code Editor: Corrects invalid HTML
|Code Editor: CSS with Intellisense
|Code Editor: Split View/Syncs with the topic editor
|Code Editor: Validates against schema
|Color selection tool
|Conditional Authoring View
|Conditional Build TagsConditional Build Tags shown in special "output view" during development with "Show Tagged Output" command
|Contextual TabsContextual Tabs that appear when the author needs them. For example, when working in a table, the Ribbon tab expands to reveal commands to fit the task at hand.
|CSS Editor (or ability to edit CSS style definitions)
|CSS, Master: Project and target
|CSS: Multiple applied to topics
|Dynamic Content FiltersUsing conditional build tags and expressions, the author can create filtered content for the end user to view in Responsive HTML5 Layouts. End-users can then "self select" the content they wish to view by choosing a combination of filter criteria in the output. Filters dynamically affect the TOC, Index, Search and Topic content "on the fly" as the end-user selects the filters
|File TagsYou can assign "tags" to files in Flare, even folders. You can use file tags for many different purposes, such as assigning authors or milestones to topics. Flare lets you generate reports based on the tags that are assigned. This makes project development easier to track, manage, and schedule.
|Files: Open with drag-and-drop
|Fonts: create list of favorites
|Footnotes and Endnotes A footnote is a comment that is used to explain a specific area of the text. It is used primarily for print-based output. Both the area in the text and the comment contain a number or symbol that ties the two together. A footnote comment is typically placed at the end of a page where the corresponding number or symbol is placed in the text. Otherwise, you can place a comment later in the manual, such as at the end of a document, chapter, section, or book; in this case, the comment is usually referred to as an endnote.
|FrameMaker Live LinkingLink to FrameMaker documents instead of re-importing after changes have been made. The original is kept on a shared network location. If the original changes, the author is notified to keep content synchronized.
|Frames (HTML) editor
|Full-text search (across projects)
|Hanging Punctuation Support
|HTML Help Controls
|Lock Content and Elements
|MathML SupportFlare supports Mathematical Markup Language (MathML), which is a way to describe mathematical notations in XML. Recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), MathML in Flare allows you to embed virtually any kind of mathematical equation in the XML Editor. You can simply type or paste your MathML into the code and Flare will render the appropriate equation in the editor.
|Metadata: allowed in developmentYou can add metadata to your content for development purposes. This metadata does not get published.
|Metadata: fields in development
|Metadata: in output
|Microsoft Word Live LinkingLink to Microsoft Word documents instead of re-importing after changes have been made. The original is kept on a shared network location. If the original changes, the author is notified to keep content synchronized.
|Page Map
|Paste text (specify formatting)
|Plug-In API
|Project templates
|Pseudo-classes for drop-caps
|Redacted Text Support
|Right-to-left Authoring
|Scripting after publication
|Scripting in application (for example, macros)
|Spellchecking: Add dictionaries and hyphenation sets
|Structured authoring: enforced logically (headings assigned automatically)
|Structured authoring: enforced technically (through DTD/schema/application)
|Topic templates: built-in
|Topic templates: customizable
|Topics: Lock areas against editing
|Use regular expressions in Find and ReplaceRegular expressions are text strings that define patterns. For example, if the HAT allows for them, you could use the following to search for any email address: \b[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,4}\b
|Visual structure indicators
|WYSIOP editor
|Additional modules available
|AIR Help APIDevelopers can use special APIs to call context sensitive AIR Help topics in their applications.
|AIR Help Skin EditorA visual design editor allows the authors to create a branded color scheme and icon set for AIR Help output.
|Author CommentsYou, as the Help author, can leave yourself notes that are visible during development, but are not published. Some HATs let you do this with styles; at least one calls them "sticky notes".
|Build tags: keywords
|Build tags: other project files
|Build tags: topics
|Build tags: unnecessary; handled by application
|Build tags; apply custom tags (variant)
|Build tags; unnecessary handled by creating different books
|Content WidgetsWidgets that can be inserted into content to provide structured formatting and/or interactivity.
|Create and view media queries with Visual CSS Editor
|Custom mark-up language
|Customize tool GUI (personalize)
|Customize which Compile Errors/Warnings are displayed
|Export all or part of a project Based off of: Target, Conditions, Topic Tags, or Selected files
|FAQ creation template
|Flexible licensing
|Link Viewer See links into and out of a specific topic.
|Manage recent files list
|Management: document
|Management: project
|Menu/Toolbars: Dreamweaver
|Menu/Toolbars: FrameMaker
|Menu/Toolbars: FrontPage
|Menu/Toolbars: Microsoft Word
|Mobile Simulator Built-in simulator for testing mobile output.
|Multi-screen HTML5 Previewer across screen sizes and devices
|Multiple glossaries per project
|Multiple indexes per projectYou can create more than one index in a project, which lets you publish multiple deliverables that aren't identical. Typically, if you can create multiple indexes, you can also use conditional content.
|Multiple TOC: per project
|Object Variants (multiple variations)
|Quick Access Toolbar with commands customized by the author
|Real-time publishing
|Recently used styles list
|Remote access
|Responsive Design – Content reflows and adapts with screen size
|Ribbon User InterfaceMenu items logically grouped in tabs according to common workflows.
|Roadmap available (upcoming features)
|Scripting and automation supportA scripting engine and editor is provided with the ability to run either ready-made scripts or create custom scripts for "macros" and other repetitive tasks.
|Themes of light and dark colors according to author's preference.
|TOC: Master at project and target level
|Topic reviews and contributions
|MojoPacMojoPac lets you store Windows and frequently used applications on a USB 2.0 thumb drive, iPod, or external hard drive. If the HAT supports MojoPac, it means that you can store your Help project on a drive and use it on any Windows system.
|Windows 7RoboHelp 8 has been certified for Windows 7, 32-bit.
|Windows 8
|Windows VistaThe HAT can be installed on Windows Vista and will run without any problems. (Check the vendor website to see if you need an updated version of the HAT.)
|Windows XP
|Edit/audit historyHistory tracks changes made to previous revisions when you save the topic, or tracks when changes were made (even if the exact changes aren't tracked). The vendors use different terminology for this functionality, so check the vendor sites for more information.
|History maintenanceIf the HAT includes historical functionality, you may be able to apply global maintenance settings (for example, when history should be saved).
|History settings (Audit trail)HATs that provide version control use history to track changes between revisions. (HATs that don't have version control but that do have history, sometimes call history "version control". We know it's confusing.) "History" (whatever it's called) tracks changes when you save the topic. (HATs that are also content management systems typically track history for all types of content, including images, hyperlinks, and so on.)
|Topic backupCan create topic backup before making changes for reversion purposes.
|ALinks (conceptual links)
|Automatic bookmark support for headings
|Content-sensitive cross-references
|Cross-reference: PDF (output direct from tool)When publishing to PDF, all hyperlinks automatically become linked cross-references.
|Cross-references: Frame output
|Cross-references: Word output
|DHTML: drop-down hotspots
|DHTML: inline hotspots
|DHTML: screenshot hotspotsCheck with the vendor to see how this is supported.
|Drag-and-drop hyperlinks
|Formatted popups
|Glossary Term Links
|Jumps to filesWhen developing your content, you can create hyperlinks to files (for example, .doc or .pdf). The files may be located on the user's system (typically published with the Help) or may be located on an intranet or the Intranet.
|Jumps to secondary windows
|KLinks (keyword links)
|List of LinksProxy that create a list of hyperlinks to locations that have a style applied to them. You can pretty much create a list to anything: new content, images, tables, etc…
|Relationship Table Links
|Test: during developmentMost HATs use some kind of compiler to produce the different types of output, and usually, those compilers tell you if any hyperlink targets are missing. HATs with a development testing feature let you verify the link's target before compiling.
|Text-only popups: Dot Net Help
|Text-only popups: HTML Help
|Text-only popups: WebHelp
|Topic title and hotspot synchronization
|Add with drag-and-drop
|Conditional Image Map Areas
|Image callout support
|Imagemap/SHED editor (built-in)
|Insert Flash Movie in Word
|Minimum/Maximum height and widthIf the original image is larger than the maximum width or height that is set, it will be reduced in size so that it is no greater than the maximum value. If the original image is smaller than the minimum width or height that is set, it will be enlarged so that it reaches the minimum value.
|Movie-making application: built-in
|Movie-making application: separate but integrated
|Output controlled by settings
|Resize with style
|Resize with template
|Resize within editor
|Screen capture application: built-in
|Screen capture application: separated but integrated
|Support vector graphics
|ThumbnailsWhen you insert images into Flare content, you can specify that the pictures should be displayed as thumbnails (i.e., much smaller versions of the image). This is a way to condense topics so that pictures are not taking up as much real estate. When you use this feature, you can specify ways that the user can enlarge the image to see its full size in the output (e.g., by hovering over the thumbnail, by clicking the thumbnail).
|Adobe Captivate (.swf)Author can either import an existing Adobe Captivate movie or create a new one.
|Adobe Captivate 6 HTML5 Output
|Adobe Captivate 8 Responsive HTML5 Output Adobe Captivate 8 Responsive HTML5 Output including scalable output of video
|Adobe FrameMaker (.book)
|Adobe FrameMaker (.fm)
|Adobe FrameMaker (.mif)
|Adobe PDF (.pdf)
|ForeHelp projects
|HTML files
|HTML Help file (.chm)
|HTML Help Project (.hhp)
|Madcap Flare projects
|Microsoft SandcastleYou can import content from Microsoft Sandcastle files.
|Microsoft Word
|RoboHelp for Word projects
|RoboHelp HTML projects
|RTF (from Word)
|RTF (tagged for WinHelp)
|Text files
|WinHelp Help file (.hlp)
|WinHelp Project (.hpj)
|XML: built-in schema
|XML: DocBook
|Batch import
|Context IDs (map IDs) in .h/.hh/.hm file
|Context IDs (map IDs) in project
|FrameMaker Equations
|FrameMaker images with callouts
|FrameMaker markers
|FrameMaker master pages
|Generate images for anchored frames (FrameMaker)
|Import profiles
|Import rules
|Link imported source files to project
|Map formatted FrameMaker tables to table styles
|Map inline styles to CSS styles
|Map styles from HTML files
|Map styles from Word or FrameMaker files
|Preserve source styles
|Reference documents (edited in original application)
|Saved settings for referenced files
|Split imported docs: character count
|Split imported docs: style
|"See" and "See Also" support
|Advanced Index Styling
|Automatic indexing: hyperlink hotspot text
|Automatic indexing: topic titles
|Dynamic Filtering of Index according to end-user preference
|"Sort as" Index sortingAllows you to sort a term as something else.
|Customizable language skins
|Development support (can have multiple languages within the project)
|External translation support
|External translation support: generate XML file
|External translation support: SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol)
|Localized interfaceThe HAT lets you choose which supported language you want to use for the interface. This is a "nice to have" feature if members of your team are native speakers of one of the supported languages.
|Select language for spell check
|Specify Localized Character Encoding At the time of generation, the author may choose the character encoding for a particular Single Source Layout output.
|Support for: double-byte languages
|Support for: RTL (right-to-left languages)
|Support for: single-byte languages
|Support for: UNICODE
|Track localization process within project
|Translation memory: built-in
|Translation memory: integrated
|Adobe AIR output: Application
|Adobe AIR Single Source Layout
|AIR Help Comment Moderation and StorageAuthors can enable comment moderation and designate a network location to store the comments.
|AIR Help CommentingEnd users and authors can add comments to published topics. Comments can be limited to the end user, or shared with other authors or end users.
|DHTML (HTML, CSS, + JavaScript)One of the HAT's supported outputs is Dynamic HTML, which combines HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, and the Document Object Model (DOM).
|DITAOne of the HAT's supported outputs is XML that validates against the DITA schema.
|DocBookOne of the HAT's supported outputs is XML that validates against the DocBook DTD.
|DotNet Help (proprietary)One of the HAT's supported outputs is a proprietary HTML-based Help system that supports .NET applications. A custom viewer is required.
|eBookOne of the HAT's supported outputs is an eBook, which is usually a Windows 32-bit executable that looks very similar to an HTML Help file (although customization is possible). Check the vendor's site to see what features are offered for their eBook format.
|Eclipse Help
|End-user self-selected content This persona-based content reflects the end-user's ability to self-select their Geographical Location, Role, Product focus, etc., when filtering content while using the TOC, Index and Search.
|EPUB 3 Support
|EPUB 3 Validation
|ePub formatConforms to open standard format for ebook readers and handheld devices.
|ePub support for embedded custom fonts
|FrameMaker (.book)One of the HAT's supported outputs is FrameMaker (.book) files. Check the vendor site to verify the FrameMaker version.
|FrameMaker (.fm)One of the HAT's supported outputs is FrameMaker (.fm) files. Check the vendor site to verify the FrameMaker version.
|Generate installable Native apps for Android and iOS
|HTML 4.xOne of the HAT's supported outputs is HTML 4.x.
|HTML Help 1.xOne of the HAT's supported outputs is HTML Help 1.x, originally released by Microsoft in 1997. HTML Help is in maintenance mode, which means that no new features will be added and only critical updates will take place. Due to changes in various Microsoft security patches, HTML Help can only be run from a network location if the registry is changed.
|HTML-based Help (IE7 compatible)One of the HAT's supported outputs is HTML-based Help that has been optimized for IE7.
|HTML-based Help (Local Chrome Support)You can view our WebHelp system off of your local files structure using Chrome.
|HTML-based Help (possibly named)One of the HAT's supported outputs is HTML-based Help. This output causes the most confusion because of various naming issues. Some vendors have named their output (for example, RoboHelp calls theirs "WebHelp", and Flare uses the same term). As a result, questions on various email lists require several passes to verify which HAT is involved and if the question is specific to an vendor's output or related to any HTML-based Help output.
|HTML-based Help (server based)
|HTML-based Help AIR
|JavaHelp 1.xOne of the HAT's supported outputs is JavaHelp 1.x, an HTML-based Help format created by Sun Microsystems.
|JavaHelp 2.xOne of the HAT's supported outputs is JavaHelp 2.x, an HTML-based Help format created by Sun Microsystems.
|KeyHelpOne of the HAT's supported outputs is KeyHelp, a free ActiveX control that enhances the capabilities of Microsoft's HTML Help. KeyHelp's features include popups, embedded windows, auto-sizing windows, information types, and script extensions.
|Kindle Fire (.mobi or KF8)
|Microsoft Help System
|Mobile App creation Mobile App creation of native iOS and Android apps installable on smartphones and tablets.
|Mobile Output
|MS Help 2 (Visual Studio .NET)One of the HAT's supported outputs is MS Help 2. Although this version of Help was never publicly released and is not designed for creating general applicaiton Help, it is used by Visual Studio .NET Help and the MSDN library.
|MSReaderOne of the HAT's supported outputs is Microsoft Reader .lit files, which are based on HTML Help (.chm). Note that Microsoft no longer supports the .lit file format in Office 2007.
|Oracle HelpOne of the HAT's supported outputs is Oracle Help, an HTML-based Help format created by Oracle. Oracle Help can be distributed for use on desktop systems using Java, or over the web using a Java servlet.
|Palm ReaderOne of the HAT's supported outputs is Palm Reader .pdb files, which is a binary file used for eBooks.
|PDF (Microsoft Word 2007 .pdf)One of the HAT's supported outputs is Microsoft Word 2007 PDF.
|PDF (Portable Document Format)One of the HAT's supported outputs is PDF. You may or may not need Adobe Acrobat or another similar application installed. Check the vendor's site for more information.
|PDF (Unicode)One of the HAT's supported outputs is unicode PDFs, which are typically required when publishing Russion or Asian languages. While Adobe PDF does not currently support Unicode, it is possible to generate it if you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat installed.
|Print (Microsoft Word .doc)One of the HAT's supported outputs is Microsoft Word document (.doc). (Check the vendor's website to see what flavor of Word is supported, as Word 97-2007 can produce .doc.)
|Print (Microsoft Word 2007 .docx)One of the HAT's supported outputs is Microsoft Word 2007 Office Open XML (.docx), which uses XML and compression.
|Responsive HTML5 output Author uses customizable layouts to generate responsive output for desktop, phone and tablet breakpoints, including Right to Left outputs.
|Right-to-Left Outputs
|RTF (Rich Text Format)One of the HAT's supported outputs is RTF, a file format supported by many applications.
|Search Output of Microsoft Office documents
|Search Output of PDF documents
|Search Output with user option for "AND" Search
|Search Results Context is customizable Search Results Context is customizable by the author for each topic to help end user choose the best topic
|Slide Presentations One of the HAT's supported outputs is slide presentations. Typically, these slide presentations run through a browser, but check the vendor's site to verify.
|Socially-enabled Outputs
|WinHelp 4One of the HAT's supported outputs is WinHelp 4. Please note that WinHelp is not natively supported in Windows Vista. (It is possible to run WinHelp on Vista, but users must download the WinHelp engine, which cannot be redistributed.)
|XHTML 1.xOne of the HAT's supported outputs is XHTML 1.x. Typically, HATs include the necessary navigational tabs (Contents, Index, and Search), although it is usually possible to customize the results.
|XML (Microsoft Word 2007 .xps)One of the HAT's supported outputs is Microsoft's XML Paper Specification (XPS), which is a subset of the Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML). The XPS viewer is included in Microsoft Vista.
|XML (validated against built-in schema)One of the HAT's supported outputs is XML that is validated against the vendor's schema. If the vendor also provides an XSL file that transforms the content to HTML, the XML file can be viewed through a browser.
|XML + CSSOne of the HAT's supported outputs is XML that is formatted with Cascading Style Sheets. (This isn't the recommended method for formatting XML, but it works.)
|XML + XSLOne of the HAT's supported outputs is XML that is formatted with XSL (which is the preferred method).
|XML transforms (.NET) These allow advanced users to apply transforms to our XML output.
|XML transforms (XSLT) These allow advanced users to apply transforms to our XML output.
|Alias files (content-sensitive Help)
|Auto Index Sets
|Auto Suggestion Sets
|Browse Sequences
|Conditions/conditional tag sets
|Custom Formatted Lists
|File Tags
|Global Project Linking
|Glossary / Glossary Objects
|Header file (for context-sensitive Help)
|Header Files
|Hyphenation Rules
|Images and Multimedia
|Imported files
|Index entries
|Index Link Sets
|Index/index objects
|Language Skins
|Page Layouts
|Project settings
|Publishing destinations
|Relationship Tables
|Reusable formatted chunks of content
|Reusable formatted chunks of content (programmable)
|Search filter sets
|Shared Linked ResourcesAuthors can reuse content that is stored in a shared network folder. Authors are notified if changes are made to the original so that topics may be updated.
|Skins/layout design
|Style Sheets
|Synonym Files
|Table Styles
|Templates: external
|Templates: internal
|TOC/TOC objects
|Topic/topic objects
|Variables/variable sets: used in development
|Variables/variable sets: used in output templates
|Conditions/conditional tag sets
|Equations Flare provides an internal Equation Editor that allows you to create and embed equations in your content.
|Frame text inset
|Index entries
|QR (Quick Response) CodesYou can insert a QR code into a content file (e.g., topic, snippet) using the XML Editor. A QR code is a type of barcode that can be read by devices such as smart phones. The data encoded in the QR Code can be text, a website URL, an email address, contact information, or SMS (Short Message Service, which is used for sending text messages). Basically, QR codes are a way to bridge the gap between a static print document and searchable, more detailed online information at your fingertips.
|Relationship TablesA relationship table is an element used to link related topics together. It is similar to concept links or related topics links. Although a relationship table is a common feature in DITA, you do not need to be using DITA or know anything about DITA in order to take advantage of relationship tables in Flare or your other outputs.
|Reusable formatted chunks of contentAlso known as "snippets", "embedded topics", "rich content variables", and others, this feature lets you create formatted chunks of content that can be re-used in other topics.
|Templates: external
|Templates: internal
|TOC/TOC objects
|Topic/topic objects
|Add Content, Images, Equations, Snippets, etc. to review packages
|Automatically Include snippets with containing topics sent for review
|Free Review through ContributorUsing annotations
|Free Review through PDFSave any topic as PDF through File > Save To and send it for review.
|Free Review using Flare
|Hide Content from reviewers using Conditional Expressions
|Lock Text and Elements for Review
|Select Variables to be displayed to the reviewer based off of Targets
|Send topics for review through UI
|Send topics for review using the TOC
|Track Changes
|Automatic mini-TOCs for sections
|Automatic Related Topics/See Also links
|Conditional build expressions Conditional build expressions can be customized for more author-friendly names rather than long strings of boolean logic
|Conditional Content: any file type
|Conditional content: flags or tags
|Conditional content: inclusion/exclusion
|Conditional content: styles
|Conditional output variablesYou can create variables with multiple values that resolve according to the selected output profile, which could apply to a specific output type, client, or both.
|Embedded topics (nesting topics)
|Modular Help
|Variables, development: custom date and time
|Variables, development: file object
|Variables, development: list of values
|Variables, development: multi-definition
|Variables, development: system
|Variables, development: text
|Variables: used in output templates
|Email list: private: (must register)
|Email list: public
|Email support (free)
|Email support (paid)
|Knowledge Base
|Newsgroup/user forums
|RSS feedsThe HAT vendor provides RSS feeds for its website, blog, or support forums (or more) so that you get the latest news as soon as it is published.
|Submission/contact form
|Subscription plan
|Support: incidentYou can file a support call for a single discrete issue. Check the vendor's website for their definition of "incident" and the associated costs.
|Support: limited during evaluation
|Support: unlimited during evaluation (typically email)
|Telephone support: free (may be limited)
|Telephone support: paid
|Training: from independents (consultants and trainers)
|Training: from vendor
|Trial (evaluation) available: crippled development
|Trial (evaluation) available: crippled output
|Trial (evaluation) available: time limit
|Trial-to-full version: insert serial number/key.
|Trial-to-full version: reinstall
|Clear locks
|Customize HAT GUI
|Define supported languages
|Integration with Active Directory
|Integration with SharePointIf your company uses Microsoft SharePoint (software that allows organizations to collaborate, share files, and publish information to the Web), you can connect to a SharePoint server. Doing this makes it easy to access and edit the SharePoint files from any of your Flare projects. You can even copy SharePoint files to your project with mappings that let you keep them synchronized with the source files. In addition, you can use the SharePoint server to store any kind of template files supported in Flare so that they can be used by any Flare users in your company.
|Maintenance: groups
|Maintenance: users
|Organize project support filesFolders in the Project Organizer
|Publish directly to SharePointEnter the SharePoint site destination to streamline publishing.
|Search engine tuning
|Separate application (may be named)
|Sitemap creation
|Add 'Continued from" to table captions
|Change text direction in a cell
|Drag-and-drop columns
|Drag-and-drop rows
|Lock Table
|Page breaks on table rows
|Preformatted quick tables
|Repeat table captions on each page
|Row sortingSorts rows of table in ascending or descending order.
|Table mergingMerging If you have two tables in a content file (e.g., topic, snippet) that are positioned one after the other, you can merge those tables so that they become one. You can do this by using the paste icon that may appear to the right of the tables. Merged tables will become part of the table that it was merged into, inheriting the styles of the 'parent' table. You can choose to: Merge Up, Merge Down, Don't Merge and set a default behavior for the next time you merge tables.
|Table properties
|Table StylesYou can modify the look and feel of multiple tables at once by editing the properties in a custom table style sheet. These table style sheets let you easily and quickly create patterns, page break, and different looks for tables. Table styles also contain mediums, so you can have other styles that only apply to the table when output to another format (i.e., print). ("Reusable across projects").
|Table Styles editor
|Text-to-table/Table-to-textEasily convert selected text directly to a table or convert your existing tables to text.
|Accessible application (http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php)
|Accessible output: Priority 1
|Accessible output: Priority 2
|Accessible output: Priority 3
|Accessible PDF files (tagged)The HAT can produce PDF files that include metadata to make them more accessible.
|Built-in W3C code validator:
|Section 508 Compliant
|Valid (W3C) CSS
|Valid (W3C) HTML output
|Validate Strict XHTML
|AutomaticThe HAT provides for an automatic workflow process, based on status entries applied by users.
|ManualThe HAT provides workflow functionality, but you (and any other users) are responsible for maintaining the correct status entries to track the workflow.
|Setup (may require separate app)In HATs where workflow functionality is provided, you (as the user) can set up how the workflow progresses (for example, you can customize status entries). If the workflow is provided as a separate application (which may cost extra), you have more control when managing the workflow.
|Workflow (additional module)The vendor provides a separate optional module for tracking and maintaining workflow processes. (It may cost extra.)
|Workflow (built-in)The HAT includes workflow functionality (although it may be limited). See the vendor's website for more information.


text:
November 30, 2015
A five-hour search for a woman missing in Wolfe County ended happily overnight.
Just after midnight, search crews found the 59-year-old woman who disappeared from the Sandy Ridge area.
Searchers tell 27 NEWSFIRST the woman was four-wheeling with her family when they became separated.
The woman's four-wheeler then ran out of gas, and she ended up walking until search crews found her.
She's said to be safe and doing okay this morning.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
As preparations are made for the final day's play of The Open 2011, yesterday's rain and wind have cleared. Despite the inclement weather of the last 24 hours, the Championship remains fiercely contested and today is certain to see some scintillating competition.
The course at Royal St George's continues to present the excellent conditions expected of the host venue of golf's oldest Major. With greens rolling true and fairway turf tight and firm, the standard of the course pays testament to the months of dedicated preparatory work that has been put in by Course Manager Graham Royden and his team of greenkeepers here at Sandwich.
"The greens were double cut at 3.5 mm on Saturday, having been single cut on Thursday and Friday", explained Royden. "This decision was made as it was anticipated that the greens were going to slow down due to the rain and wind which was forecast for yesterday. The greens are currently running within the window of what The R&A asked for."
The remarks from the players have further testified to the standard of the golf course; "I've not had one complaint during the entire week and the players have actually been seeking me out to comment on the course; I spoke with Tom Watson, who said that the greens were fantastic", added Royden. "We are delighted with the condition of the course and how it is playing, despite the rain and wind, and are confident that the test of golf provided is worthy of determining this year's Champion", commented Grant Moir, The R&A's Director of Rules.
Assisting the greenkeepers at Royal St George's, has been The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Open Support team. This 60 strong group of volunteers has been providing practical help and support to the course management team at the host venue of The Open, every year, since the initiative's inception at St Andrews in 1984. The volunteers, who are all greenkeeping professionals from both the UK and abroad, have been assisting with bunker preparation and the mowing of putting and chipping greens, throughout the week of the Championship. The supplementary assistance provided has proved invaluable in helping with the extra pressures placed on the resident staff throughout an Open Championship.


text:
Climate change hurting China's grain crop: report
Beijing (AFP) Nov 5, 2010
Climate change could trigger a 10 percent drop in China's grain harvest over the next 20 years, threatening the country's food security, a leading agriculture expert warned in comments published Friday.
Tang Huajun, deputy dean of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, warned crop production could fall by five to 10 percent by 2030 if climate change continues unchecked, in an interview with the official China Daily.
"The output of the country's three main foods -- rice, wheat and corn -- may suffer a 37 percent decline in the latter part of this century if the government fails to take effective measures to address the impact of climate change," Tang was quoted as saying.
China, which produced 530.8 million tonnes of grain in 2009, plans to increase output to 550 million tons by 2020 to ensure food security for the world's most populous country of more than 1.3 billion, the paper said.
The environmental watchdog Greenpeace said in a recent report that China's food supply would be insufficient by 2030 and its overall food production could fall by 23 percent by 2050.
Tang is the chief scientist for a government project launched in September to study the impact of climate change on China's grain production over the past 20 years at 11 research stations in the north and south of the country.
"Agriculture has been the worst hit by climate change and some negative effects have become more obvious due to rising temperatures and water shortages over the past 10 years," Tang said.
Drought is the biggest threat to China's grain harvest, causing an annual average loss of 15 to 25 million tonnes from 1995 to 2005, or four to eight percent of the country's annual output, Tang said.
Other weather-related natural disasters such as floods, hailstones and typhoons have also taken a toll on grain production, he added.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
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Farming Today - Suppliers and Technology
The Hague, Netherlands (SPX) Nov 05, 2010
A unique acacia known as a "fertilizer tree" has typically led to a doubling or tripling of maize yields in smallholder agriculture in Zambia and Malawi, according to evidence presented at a conference in the Hague this week. The findings were central to the arguments of agroforestry experts at the conference, who urged decision makers to spread this technology more widely throughout the A ... read more
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text:
View Ned Brines, CFA's Comments BY TICKER:
Latest | Highest rated
Weekly Market Notes: Housing on Life Support [View article]
Sorry for the oversight.Jun 29, 2010. 04:12 PM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Outlook: Credit Crisis Part Deux [View article]May 25, 2010. 10:51 AM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Outlook: Credit Crisis Part Deux [View article]May 24, 2010. 03:37 PM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Why All the Complacency? [View article]
I was not suggesting that individuals were more intelligent allocators of capital. However, at least they are allocating (usually) to something they want versus where government spends their money. I think we all agree that government spends too much capital in areas in which we don't agree on items we don't feel like we want.Apr 14, 2010. 02:48 PM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Why All the Complacency? [View article]
Regarding high versus low earners, everyone earning a living should pay some level of taxes. Without being a tax payer, the incentives amongst voters is to buy into the "class warfare" perpetuated by politicians. We shouldn't be envious of higher earners, we should be trying to create opportunities for others to become high earners if that is their desire. Confiscating higher portions of capital in the form of taxes doesn't help lower income workers, it only penalizes higher income workers.
Finally, what really is a fair level of taxes and what constitutes a high earner? Penalties now begin at $150K of annual income, which in most states, unfortunately, is now upper middle class. The truly rich aren't beholden to W-2 earnings, so raising marginal tax rates only keeps the moderately successful from joining the rich.
When the Bush tax cuts expire, the marginal Federal rate will be in the 43% range. Add medicare, social security, capital gains taxes (and the upcoming medicare penalty), the health care premium, and state taxes, and marginal rates are in the 55-60% range (these are estimates, please don't attack me on tax laws or rates here). Is that fair or right?
The bottom line is everyone in this country has an opportunity to improve their position in life, and government's role should be to ensure that opportunity exists. Government's role should not be to "spread the wealth around" as our President has asserted. Moving up the socio-economic ladder doesn't typically occur in one generation, but takes multiple generations to achieve. My goal is to move up a notch from my father's socio-economic level, and my hope is that my children are able to move up an additional notch from where we reside now. Unfortunately, I'm facing the real possibility that government programs and tax policy won't even allow my children to equal the economic position that my wife and I have achieved.Apr 12, 2010. 02:08 PM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Cyclical Recovery in Secular Bear Market [View article]
Any viable solution for the entitlement programs is probably beyond the ability of our present political structure, which focuses on short term band aids and pandering for votes. When social security was first created, we had 7 workers for every retiree. Today we have just less than 4 per retiree, and in a generation will have only 3 per retiree. Since this is a pay as you go program, either the contribution rate will have to be hiked so high it will crush employment and stagger the economy (ala Europe, Greece being the prime example) or we will have to make major changes to the benefits. The first small step towards altering the benefits came in the early 90's when the CPI calculation was altered to include hedonistic pricing changes. That allowed SS to pay annual increases at a rate less than inflation. Unfortunately, it only pushed out the day of reckoning by a few years.
Without dramatic changes to the entitlement programs, take a look at Europe if you want the road map for the US future. Slow growth, high unemployment, and huge social welfare costs.Mar 29, 2010. 12:21 PM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: 2010 - One Week Down, 51 to Go [View article]
There are two reasons I liked this chart. first, it shows what percentage of the populace is paying for social services via taxes. With the aging of the population it helps demonstrate that social security, etc, are unsustainable without significant growth in the workforce.
Second, this chart takes out the subjectiveness used to determine who is in the workforce and who isn't. That determination is one of the most controversial parts of employment calculations.
It isn't a perfect chart, just a different way of looking at the employment picture.Jan 11, 2010. 10:59 AM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Is the Recovery Priced In? [View article]
Commercial real estate is a different story and a bit more complex. Commercial real estate typically lags the cycle, and this time is no exception. As I've commented in prior notes, some of the smarter money has been stepping in on commercial properties in distress. We have been seeing deals completed at 50% of recent cost (example-a recently completed $480 million development just sold for $280 million, completely wiping out the equity in the deal). The fundamentals are still deteriorating in commercial real estate, so there may be a greater opportunity on the short side. The banks have large exposure to the commercial side, and there may be better shorting opportunities in smaller banks which have large exposure to commercial loans, especially recently completed projects.
On Dec 14 11:43 AM buybuybear wrote:
> Thank you for your posting, I am a starting investor and read all
> I can to become familiar with all the terminology. I love these posts,
> touching on all aspects.
> I've been a bull since March and turned bear this Oct/Nov. I am finding
> it's hard to be a bear when there's so many tricks on the table to
> make results look good.
> One question I have is whether no one calls the US/markets on changing
> the rules all the time? Will there be a backlash at some point? If
> this is all acceptable should we not relax rules even more? That
> way the markets can keep going up.
> I am currently short (real estate), but it just doesn't pay off to
> be short.Dec 14, 2009. 12:51 PM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Deregulation has its pros and cons, and like all dogmas can be taken too far. The obvious mistake (among many) was the repeal of Glass Steagall. Let banks bank, let investment banks take risk, let insurers insure. Don't mix the three.
On Dec 07 08:51 AM kingaj12 wrote:
> Good stuff Ned.
> For the "anarchy is best" crowd, though, I do have to observe that
> the credit bubbles appear to coincide with periods of major financial
> sector deregulation and/or unregulated activity.
> So, please advise: how does the argument go? Partial deregulation
> is worse than no regulation?Dec 7, 2009. 10:39 AM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
Agree-both groups have been complete morons.
On Dec 07 08:35 AM MarketGuy wrote:
> Fantastic round-up article Ned. Many of your points, the TARP points
> in particular, are what I've been touting for some time now.
> My only comment is with your "political appointee experience chart",
> we see opposite ends of the spectrum with GWB and Obama with different,
> but equally devastating, results. It may prove several things:<br/>1.
> A balance is essential for governing success or,
> 2. "It's the government stupid", and doesn't matter anyway because
> there's always Congress there to throw a stick in the spokes. (a
> bit more on the cynical side, I know)Dec 7, 2009. 10:38 AM | 1 Like |Link to Comment
enigmaman-the average investor should be cautious. We have been advocating higher quality names at reasonable valuations. There are still high quality companies out there (think some of the multinationals like JNJ), however, valuations are getting stretched. From an equity standpoint I'd be taking profits on higher beta, lower quality companies (think small caps, energy and tech).
From an asset allocation standpoint it's a bit of a conundrum. On one hand treasury bonds are extremely overvalued, yet corporates have also moved. There are some opportunities in munis, but stay away from anything that isn't a GO (general obligation bond). That means avoiding project related munis such as toll roads, bridges, etc that aren't repaid from the general budget.
On Dec 07 08:15 AM enigmaman wrote:
> And the over riding good news is, what? What or where is the opportunity
> for the average investor?Dec 7, 2009. 10:37 AM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Papaswamp-we show those numbers quite often. The title of the note was obviously very tonque in cheek. Longer term readers know that I am very skeptical of the government statistics. Sometimes they are so obviously manipulated that they don't deserve comment.
On Dec 07 06:16 AM Papaswamp wrote:
> How about showing a total number of those 'no longer in workforce'?
> The government is merely peeling a larger percentage of unemployed
> from the stats making it appear the unemployment rate is going down.
> It seems they really are trying to talk their way our of this recession.
> 'Convince people everything is better and it will be.'
> This tells me that the economy is so bad nothing can be done. Our
> debt insurmountable, similar to Japan, that this is the new normal
> everything is ok level."Dec 7, 2009. 10:32 AM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Don't Fight the Fed [View article]
On Nov 09 11:15 AM Rick S. wrote:
> Did Senator Bunning actually say "systematic risk"? Twice?
> When you don't have the right word, you very likely don't have the
> correct concept either.Nov 9, 2009. 02:57 PM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Finish Line Is in Sight [View article]Oct 29, 2009. 11:28 AM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
Weekly Market Notes: Finish Line Is in Sight [View article]
On Oct 26 11:20 PM User 425118 wrote:
> What % does the top 5% make of the state's income? If it's 80% and
> they only pay 55% of the taxes then the fairness issue shifts from
> your conclusion, on the other hand if they earn less than 55% of
> the state's income then your argument is correct.Oct 27, 2009. 10:50 AM | 0 Likes |Link to Comment
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Khon Kaen, Thailand
In Thailand, the death of a loved one is never a sad occasion. In the Buddhist tradition, family members celebrate the life of the deceased. As a guest at a cremation ceremony, I saw female friends and relatives throw rice and flowers in beautifully made bamboo baskets on the funeral pyre. Considered the mother of life, rice is placed with the body as an offering to aid with passage into the next life. — Anna Yalouris '09
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DELTA, Utah — Investigators on Thursday examined a set of human remains found in a shallow grave in the Utah desert and said there is a "50-50" chance that they belong to a mother who has been missing since 2009 in a case that has grabbed national headlines.
Earlier in the day, a federal anthropologist determined the remains found in a remote area of central Utah are not ancient, but instead are much more recent.
The Bureau of Land Management forensic scientist had been called in by authorities after the human remains were found by cadaver dogs on Wednesday. Part of her job was to determine if the remains were those of ancient Indians or early settlers.
"We're not looking at some ancient burial ground," said West Valley City Police Lt. Bill Merritt. "This is not going to be some cowboy from the West."
West Valley City Police Chief Thayne (Buzz) Nielsen also said the remains were found in a shallow grave covered with dirt.
"They have found what looks like a grave where the dirt has been shoveled and moved around a little bit," Nielsen said Thursday.
Authorities have declined to elaborate on the condition of the remains or what other evidence was found.
Police have been searching since Monday in the area near Topaz Mountain in Juab County for any clues in the disappearance of Susan Powell. The site is about 135 miles southwest of the location where she was last seen at her home in West Valley City on Dec. 7, 2009. It is also just about 30 miles south of where Powell's husband, Josh Powell, told police he took his two young children camping on the night his wife vanished.
He is the only person of interest in the case, but has never been arrested or charged.
Merritt said the discovery "fits in with what we've been looking for."
However, he cautioned that authorities may not have any answers until the remains are taken back to a lab. Asked whether he was hopeful the remains belonged to Powell, Merritt called it "50-50 at this point."
Authorities planned to bring in fresh cadaver dogs to search around the area later Thursday.
Meanwhile, Susan Powell's father, Chuck Cox, was headed to the site, authorities said.
Susan Powell was 28 when she was reported missing Dec. 7, 2009, after she failed to show up for her stockbroker job. The case has cast a spotlight on Powell's husband. Josh Powell has not returned repeated calls seeking comment. In a string of national television interviews last month, he denied killing his wife or having anything to do with her disappearance.
"We would love this to be a break," Merritt said. "We hope, to a certain extent, that it is not Susan because that would mean that she is maybe alive somewhere."
The area is in a rugged remote section of Utah's central high desert surrounded by grasses and sagebrush and punctuated by jagged mountains rising from the flat landscape.
At the time of year Susan Powell vanished, it would have been covered in snow, the ground frozen.
Josh Powell was driving a minivan that night.
Merritt said the site would have been difficult to reach in December but not impossible.
"Impossible? I can't say that," he said. "Difficult? It probably would be."
Meanwhile, friends and family waited and prayed.
Kiirsi Hellewell, a close friend of Susan Powell, said the discovery of remains brought a sense of hope that the case might finally move forward but also sadness that she might really be dead.
"It's always a mixture of emotions because we've been down this road before with the discovery of bodies and remains," Hellewell said. "It's like a seesaw because we also don't want to find out that she's dead."
In May, speculation swirled that remains found in the desert about 50 miles southwest of Salt Lake City might have been those of Susan Powell, but authorities later said it was a young adult male.
Last month, investigators searched mine shaft-dotted mountains near Ely, Nev., and later served a search warrant at the Puyallup, Wash., home that Josh Powell shares with his father, seizing computers and journals.
This latest search is in an area popular for gem and rock hunters. Police have said Josh Powell liked to rock hunt in the area.
"From the very beginning he clearly indicated he had been in and around the area," said West Valley City Police Sgt. Mike Powell, who is not related to the family of the missing woman.
Susan Powell's father, Chuck Cox, expressed doubt that the remains belonged to his daughter because of how difficult it would have been to access the area in winter.
"We're just waiting," he said Wednesday evening.
The Powell family put out a statement late Wednesday urging police to put out details about the remains.
"With very little information available to the public, we can only hope that additional information is released quickly to minimize heartache to those of us who love Susan. In the meantime, we continue to hope for Susan's safe return," it said.
Josh Powell has said he believes his wife ran off with another man and has told police he left her at home about 12:30 a.m. on that Dec. 7 to go winter camping in freezing temperatures with their young sons — then 4 and 2 — about 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. The 4-year-old confirmed the trip to police.
Contributors to this story included Associated Press writers Brian Skoloff in Salt Lake City, Eugene Johnson in Seattle and Ted S. Warren from Puyallup.


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Who's the healthiest of them all?Comment on this story
Cape Town - Fast food giant Burger King descends on Cape Town early next year, adding another alternative to established burger joints in the city.
And the long-standing competition between the world's largest fast-food chain, McDonald's, and the second largest, Burger King, will heat up in Cape Town as they contend with old favourite Wimpy.
The menu for the local Burger King franchises is still being finalised and, while it is expected to be similar to those of other countries, it will cater to the South African market, according to Alisha Sadler-Almeida, financial planner for the local Burger King franchise distributor.
The three restaurants' menus may seem alike, but how do they stack up when it comes to kilojoules and fat content?
IOL sister publication Weekend Argus broke down the nutritional facts to help you decide where to get your next fast-food fix:
Start your day with Wimpy, which leads the way with the healthiest breakfast options.
The franchise's hearty honey oats contain 931 kilojoules, 8.7g of fibre, 6.3g of fat and 7.9g of protein. The bacon and onion brekkie bun is also a good choice, at 959 kilojoules, 10g of protein and just 5.6g of of fat.
Burger King's Egg Muffin narrowly beats McDonald's Egg McMuffin with slightly fewer kilojoules and fat. However, the Egg McMuffin packs more protein, with 17g versus the Egg Muffin's 14.7g.
But ifyou're craving a simple burger, then Burger King is king.
Its single-patty hamburger, topped with pickles, tomato sauce and mustard, and served on a sesame seed bun, has 1 254 kilojoules and 12.3g of fat. Watch out for the Whopper though, which lives up to its name with a whopping 2 778 kilojoules and 36.7g of fat. The McDonald's cheeseburger is also a decent choice, at 1 326 kilojoules and 14g of fat, but the Big Mac will make you bulge with its 2 076 kilojoules.
Wimpy is the worst choice to satisfy your beef craving. Its "healthiest" burger weighs in at 1 760 kilojoules and 19.4g of fat.
For a cold milkshake on a hot day, choose Burger King. Its regular chocolate shake has the fewest kilojoules, 1 442, and the fewest grams of fat, 4.3.
Wimpy's regular chocolate milkshake contains 2 591 kilojoules and a massive 33.9g of fat. The McDonald's medium chocolate milkshake has 1 800 kilojoules and 12.2g of fat.
Overall, Wimpy has a larger and more varied menu, with several healthy choices such as salads, wraps and veg sides.
McDonald's has two salads on the South African menu, but they aren't sold at all locations.
It remains to be seen if Burger King's healthier fare, such as its Garden Fresh Salads, will be sold at the Cape Town franchises. - Weekend Argus
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- Filed Under
Cincinnati police took a man into custody Tuesday afternoon after he raised security concerns after entering the WCPO-TV building lobby on Gilbert Avenue.
A white male in his 30s came into the building about 3:45 p.m., WCPO news director Bob Morford said.
When asked by a security guard if he had an appointment, the man said no, Morford said. When the man was asked if he wanted to make an appointment and declined, the guard asked him to leave. ...


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Jennifer Adams Meyers sits with pillows in summertime colors at her Scottsdale, Ariz., home.
- Filed Under
Now that summer's dog days have arrived, it's definitely time to think about lightening up your decor.
Lightening and brightening is exactly what Jennifer Adams Meyers does to her Scottsdale, Ariz., home in the spring and summer.
"Do it before the summer heat hits, because you're going to be spending more time inside," she said. ...


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Photos: From HS yearbook photos to Cowboys, the best of Tony Romo
Photo: GARY BARBER / Staff Photographer
BEST OF TONY ROMO PHOTOS -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) gives directions to the offense during the second half of the Dallas Cowboys home game versus the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX.
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Taipan, my french is fine, just dont understand why a minority of people on here have to revert to trashing peoples names to express themselves, though I suppose to them they think that they'r being extremely clever, but I'm sure that the majority would think exactly the oppossite of them. Same as swearing really, namecalling just shows the individual's lack of vocabluary and brain skills.


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Vietnam forum
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Joined Travelfish
12th September, 2007
Posts: 22
I am booked on the Bhaya Junk Boat for a 2 day 1 night cruise can anyone give me some feedback on this cruise please & what to expect.
Thank You
#1 Posted: 27/9/2007 - 10:54
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10th August, 2007
Posts: 5
Total reviews: 3
I did this 2 years ago and it's really spectacular, there´s not much to do but sit on the boat and watch the rocks go by but given that it's so beautiful, it's enough. You will get fed a fairly basic meal and can buy beer and stuff if you want. If you're a good swimmer you can go swimming but the water is deep and I saw enough jellyfish to put me off. I think we went to some caves on an island too.
At night the boat will go to Cat Ba island and probably you will have the option of staying on the boat or staying in a hotel for the night. The boat just sits in the harbour and there's nothing to do but count the cockraches and rats that inevitably show up so my advice would be to choose the hotel on the island, which should be included in the price of the trip. The hotel we stayed in was really nice, we got dinner, and then we were able to wander around the town and have a few drinks etc.
Day 2 is really just the trip back to your starting point and nothing much happens.
Make sure you bring plent of film or a big memory card as it really is spectacular, especially the areas with the floating villages.
#2 Posted: 30/9/2007 - 06:42
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Posts: 24
I read a lot of good reviews for Bhaya, which is quite pricey. But you can check other tour operators that offer less cost with the same quality service. I cruised in Halong Bay recently with Columbus Adventure Travel and enjoyed their service. Happy trip!
#3 Posted: 4/1/2010 - 00:01
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20th November, 2009
Posts: 11
Bhaya boat? cabin with balcony, clean bedsheets, friendly crew especially with kids, meals-great seafood, separate shower room and rest room and what else not? but expensive. By the way, which boat did you go since your question was posted 2007?
#4 Posted: 7/1/2010 - 17:05
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6th September, 2010
Posts: 4
Ha Long Bay - MINH HAI Rip Off BYO Drinks Problem.
You pay good money for a cruise eh?
Well on the Minh Hai they wanted/Demanded USD $10 to open you own bottle. You are not allowed to drink your own beer/drinks onboard.
You may buy their excessive priced drinks though.
I understand this is not the only boat pulling this number. When you pay for the tour, get an agreement you CAN drink BYO alcohol on board in writing before handing over your money.
It was my Birthday, I had brought my own Champagne, and the miserable bastards made NO exceptions. Many French on board thought this the lowest of the low. A local $4 bottle of wine became $USD 18 = you get the picture.
The next problem was that they skipped the Pagoda climb, because they wanted to beat the other boats back. The Grotto tour is Extra, stopping here, there - it is all extra.
I don't know if it was a dishonest agent for them, but when I arrived in Hanoi, the hotel they dropped me off told me I had missed the bus and must stay overnight. I found out the next morning I had an hour up my sleeve.
The boat the acommodation and even meals were fine. The Captain can't plead ignorance, as I had an interpreter and he had my passport. People were so angy, they sucked down cold beers on the landing areas, and in their cabins.
Highlight of the tour was watching three luxury junks racing to be first to the big cave, and one crashing into another junk breaking timber and multiple windows - and I thought they were all good drivers. At least our captain avoided, and gave way to the other demented captains.
Any boat that puts greed first, on Christmas deserves NO bookings.
So always check the BYO at the dinner table before handing over the money.
#5 Posted: 6/9/2010 - 19:44
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29th September, 2010
Posts: 5
We just landed in Hanoi and were looking into booking a Ha Long Bay cruise for 2day/1night. We only have until Friday here as we are flying to Laos. After reading all the negative posts about booking the cruises, I was just wondering if anyone has tried the Heritage cruises. Our hotel tour office seems to say its unreal (but of course they will say that!) Its $85 each for the night. Is this the regular price? It also includes all meals, kayaking, entrance fees and transfers etc.
Any advice? Nervous to book anything now!!
#6 Posted: 1/11/2010 - 12:51
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Joined Travelfish
6th September, 2010
Posts: 4
Do your research. But to me it looked pretty much all boats operated the same.
Get the extras included and written down. Typically it did not include extra for landing anywhere, beaches extra , islands extra, traditional village extra, grotto trip extra. Kayacks extra. The worst rip-off was No BYO, and overpriced drinks/alcohol - absolutely offensive - USD $10 to open your own bottle of wine.
The big kicker is always go if the weather is good - if it is overcast you won't see much.
Also remember China has almost exactly the attraction, so no great loss if you decide Chinese is better. And when you come back they will try to heavy you to do a trip to Sapa.
#7 Posted: 11/11/2010 - 19:34
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Posts: 4
Wow - 12 +++ USA, Canadian, others Dead - , Boad sinks, Captain and Crew jump ship letting the others drown while sleeping. Obviously the like jackets are decorations, and responsibility - well - what is that.
I think this will KILL tourism good - lost for words ...
#8 Posted: 17/2/2011 - 16:10
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Posts: 4
Good for you - Lets get the T-shirt 'I went on "Dream Voyage" and survived Halong Bay' out. This same boat already sank once before and killed before.
The official story of a broken pipe does not match that (foreign survivors) they saw a plank floating away, and no photos of the hole published either smells of a cover up. Mathematically the size of the pipe and or /pen valve is not enough to cause it to sink in a minute. A safety coverup/whitewash is even more damaging. All boat have a bilge/flood alarm - a simple affair - so another hole in the 'story'. Spell bribe., and not wanting to scare the tourists away.
Online Dan Tri newspaper reported Monday that the boat's insurance company will pay up to 20 million dong ($950) to each of the victims' relatives. OK Your life is worth $950
but Quang Ninh provincial officials are also providing an additional 20 million dong ($950) to the victims' families. I am told $1800 for a death is too low, even by Vietnamese standards,
and it would not cover flying the body back- or even funeral costs.
Simply put - I tell my friends to visit Thailand instead, less hassle and no expensive visa and paperwork hassles. Which tour company? None of em.
#9 Posted: 22/2/2011 - 17:10
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I could never imagine the future without an understanding of the past.
Home Education Magazine's recent past is complex and confusing. It will take time before that story can be told. But for our lapse in service, for issues missed and for the confusion that was caused, I apologize. It will take weeks, maybe months, to sort out all of our readers' specifics, but it will be done. Your understanding and patience are sincerely appreciated.
This is Volume 29, number
Before we had published Volume 1, Number 3 we were told that our magazine would do more harm than good, and that the only chance for families to live such a life with their kids as we were promoting would be to slide under the radar, and thus avoid the scrutiny of authorities. We were told that a magazine would have a vested interest, would develop a following, would draw money and power, would promote one right way to homeschool and thereby drive events, push an agenda, and in the end could not be trusted to truly help families homeschool.
What was this critic saying about our passion? Looking back, I see that the criticism was to protect how this person's family homeschooled: underground and out of sight. Knowing a little about his family, I will say they did have a wonderfully rich and interesting life, but thirty years ago many families also had wonderful, rich and interesting lives – underground and out of sight of the authorities.
By the time we heard this critique of our passion for what Home Education Magazine could be, the numbers were already against an ideal of homeschooling being out of sight of the authorities. The other part of the critique I took as something worth pondering – could Home Education Magazine truly be trusted to help families.
Beyond the fact that money and power can warp perspective, there was something else, something deeper to the truth of homeschooling.
"…the right way to homeschool, drive events, push an agenda… could not be trusted to truly help families homeschool"
This statement had its impact; it put me on notice then and affects my decisions now. I came to believe the essence of support for homeschooling would be respect for families – all families. And I came to believe that homeschooling was best served by remaining as grassroots, bottom-up as it possibly could. As it turned out, this statement was prophetic to the homeschooling movement and the forces that did, in the end, push it around.
As our little publication grew and we met more and more homeschoolers, what was striking was the diversity among the groups of families who were drawn to homeschooling. As the numbers grew and the authorities took notice, families in state after state banded together to work with legislators and school authorities to craft relationships.
Looking back is planning for the future.
What still amazes me is that within a few short years, with nothing more than a passion for our kids, collectively we took on an entrenched, pervasive, well-funded institution with a mandate by law, and carved out space for families to live their lives together. It did not take many legislative action days to convince me that the diversity of homeschooling families, working together, won this victory. What state legislator looking at their constituents, a group who defied pigeon-holing yet showed a unified front, could deny their request to assume responsibility?
The laws and regulations which resulted are not perfect; far from it. But the necessary space was created, and the bigger conversation – about trusting parents – was started.
Then came the politicians. The constituency chasing, evangelical politicians denying diversity, pushing an ideological agenda, driving events, fomenting religious divisions, portraying a 'one right way to homeschool' and claiming the victories of a grassroots movement as their own. Over the years Home Education Magazine has documented their actions and published warnings that following this path will weaken homeschooling freedoms in the end.
The unity of purpose which had won homeschooling freedoms in the face of conventional educational practice came under threat and was severely weakened in some areas, totally lost in others. But in my mind the biggest loss was the momentum which had been gained on the greater, often unspoken question: Can parents be trusted?
Homeschoolers – citizens – are ahead of the government in addressing this question and it is very sad that the effective leadership which homeschoolers were collectively providing was sidetracked.
The devisive political forces which pushed homeschooling around in the late 80's and early 90's appear to be losing their grip on homeschooling. At the same time a new generation of parents are looking at homeschooling as a way forward for their families, even while conventional education institutions, both public and private, have adopted the trappings of a homeschool model.
Looking forward
The challenge going forward is to support families' individual choices while continuing to work for the kind of independence that homeschooling can offer.
If you enroll in a public charter or virtual school are you a homeschooler? If you enroll part time, for sports, or science, or band, are you a homeschooler? Much virtual blood has been spilled on this issue over the years. The answers can seem simple. If you enroll in a public school program you are enrolled in public school. If you teach your kids at home regardless of the program you are a homeschooler. But the questions are too simple and these answers don't reflect the reality which is much more complex.
Some state organizations have wrestled with this issue. In Virginia, homeschool activists, while supporting all choices, were able to draw an early distinction between public virtual schools and homeschooling. In Washington state, homeschool activists were able to work effectively with their legislators and it is now illegal for public school programs to advertise to legally declared homeschoolers.
The lesson which will take us forward is that the same state-level grassroots activism we saw in the past still exists, and it is what has best maintained homeschooling freedoms.
Remember, these school programs, whether public or private, are actually following a path that modern day homeschoolers rediscovered. And while I still have concerns about keeping homeschooling distinct from schooling, I trust families and I believe homeschoolers can continue to lead the way forward.
Looking ahead, Home Education Magazine's renewed mission is once again simply to foster networking and understanding between the diverse groups of families who homeschool or teach their kids at home. To these families I would say "You are the parents who will lead the way for the next generation, just as it has always been".
"Home Education Magazine's bottom line is a belief in families, all families, and support for how you decide to assume your responsibility. Regardless whether you are a homeschooler, an unschooler, buy a canned curriculum, enroll in a public or private charter or virtual school, or hide underground, you have only one shot at raising your kids, and you can find support for that in every issue of Home Education Magazine."
Mark Hegener
once again Publisher
Home Education Magazine
Published in the Volume 29 Number 3, May-June 2012 issue of Home Education Magazine.
Subscribe to HEM.