XY CLASSES

[M.K. RICE]

I assume that you are probably not the person to whom this should be addressed,
but I do not know precisely where to write within your company. So, if you
could, would you please pass this on to the appropriate party for
consideration?
 I am the managing editor of the largest nursing dictionary in the U.S. Two
years ago, when I decided that XyWrite was THE program to use both for in-house
editing and for exchanges between the compositor (who had first suggested it),
I decided that my assistant and I should take a class in XyWrite.
  We signed up for a two-day class in Washington DC which was offered by
Mentor Technologies and which was apparently sanctioned by XyWrite as their
official instructors.
  It has since taken me two years to calm down from the anger I have felt (not
to mention frustration and disappointment) about this class. There were
several other publishers' representatives there; all of whom had some knowledge
of XyWrite. In addition, there was a gentleman from the Washington Post who
was head of over 700 PCs -- all of which use XyWrite. In short, we were all
knowledgeable publishing folks who were not novices in computing and/or word
processing.
  The PCs kept breaking down; the keyboards kept freezing and the instructor
did not know why. We were given two "free" booklets with lessons in them (this
WAS an advanced class) and little time to explore the lessons. The booklets
had errors (which my assistant and other students pointed out).
  The instructor (woman) seemed only to teach if no one asked a question.
NOW THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH!!! If she was questioned about something in the
middle of her spiel, she had to start over at the beginning again!!!
  At the end of two frustrating days trying to learn the ins and outs of the
features that XyWrite could bring to the publishing process, I think all of us
were more than a little disappointed at this sanctioned class. The end result
was the kicker.
  When we asked if we take the diskettes with the accompanying lessons on
them, the instructor told us "no". The booklets we _could_ take -- but without
the diskettes, most of the advanced lessons were useless to us.
  At the end of the sessions I was angry I did not write comments either to
Mentor or to XyWrite. Since then I have tried to make do with the manual and
XyWrite Made Easier (I will soon purchase the new book mentioned in your
newsletter).
  I would like to know if there is somewhere I can go that offers in-depth
instruction in XyWrite and which has been thoroughly checked out by XyWrite
personnel. Mentor Technologies is doing no one any favors.
  I have not asked for my company's money back (travel to DC, lodging,
carfare, meals, etc.), figuring that I REALLY learned a bigger lesson than
XyWrite.
  If you could just provide me with a SOLID series of lessons and hands-on
instruction and where I can to get same, I will be satisfied.
  This is the only time I have been disappointed with XyWrite and its products
and people. But what a costly disappointment to encounter! Had the class been
what it appeared to be, I would now know how to use redlining and columns and
many other features for which I originally signed up. I have had to readjust
my entire editing process to allow for my lack of knowledge in these areas and,
unfortunately, my lack of time to sit down and learn them under the publishing
deadline I face limits my use of XyWrite enormously.
  This is the most powerful and wonderful program that I have ever encountered
in my years teaching word processing and working in publishing. I am so very
sorry that, due to inadequate instruction, I am unable to take the time to
"figure out" what I had paid to BE taught by a sanctioned XyWrite instructor.
  If you think I'm ticked now, you should have seen me two years ago. It's
really hard to get over disappointment about products you are so very fond of.
  On the up side -- I think this BBS is a fine addition to your services, and
your SysOps are most gracious, informative yet lively and fun at the same time.
  I will never understand why anyone in the world uses WordPerfect when it HAS
to be "the" most difficult to learn/operate program designed. In a way I'm
glad XyWrite is such a secret -- on the other, I feel like renting the Goodyear
blimp to tell folks about it.
  Could you also provide me with info about the standalone products you
provide and particularly about XPL? I figure if I can cut three hours out of
my sleep time, I might be able to learn some more about this great program.
  Please pass this message on to whoever "watches over" your sanctioned
instructional programs. Perhaps there should be a training program for the
trainers held by in-house people at XyWrite? If so -- can I attend?