More on Biblographic software

[Richard Gwyn Thomas <rg.thomas@nepean.uws.edu.au>]

Ozcons,
Would it not be possible simply to enter compile data into a standard
progam which everyone has, such as Excel or Access? Any spreadsheets
that
you would circulate are easily attachable and readable using software
already installed on virtually everyone's computer.

Standardisation of references beyond simple categorisation is
impossible.
No two journals have the same systems of referencing. There are many
'standard systems' of referencing and they all seem to used!
It seems to me that as long as such a spreadsheet contained all of the
bibliographic information required; First name or initial , last name,
title, editor etc. these can easily be edited by the end user.
Standardisation beyond this seems to be over-elaboration (unless the
suggested Bibtext program format is readable using Microsoft products?).
Whilst I, along with the whole of the computerised world, might dislike
Microsoft software, they are standard and anything that is put out for
general circulation via the internet must be based on availablity.
Unfortunately this means that information must be aimed at the lowest
common denominator computer system, within reason.

The software packages proposed might be the best in the world, and
provided
that they can be directly imported into standard programs such as
Filemaker, Access or excel the proposition that we compile a
bibliography
is a good one. However if they require alternative OS's then for whom is
the bibliography being created?

If the data is created in a proprietry speadsheet then it would enable
anyone to contribute to the list.

PS This is the standard system used other newsgroups.