RE: RE:Markup query

[Peter Gentry]

>As others have said, it is definitely in the notation PDF.
>
>As an alternative to searching (which always used to be my first 
>port-of-call) may I suggest you explore using the index 
>instead or as well. 
>You may find that quicker and more accurate.
>
>If you have specific proposals for improvements, please let us 
>know.  And if 
>you want an example of a really bad manual, try Sibelius.
>
>--
>Phil Holmes 
>
I have now downloaded the notation.pdf which looks like a key manual. I didn't 
before because the html referred to 2.16 anyway most
of the markup problems are dealt with in there.

I seem to have touched a nerve somewhere. I don't mean to criticise the manuals 
when clearly a huge effort has gone into preparing
them. I only observe that they seem to be largely aimed at those familiar with 
the syntax allready. 

I think the simple examples are fine to get you started but you soon run into 
deep water when ones limited knowledge trips you up.

As a small example setting various swiches true/false in the paper block often 
seems to have no effect - I guess the reason is that
those switches are irrelevant in the context.

Another puzzle arises from the use of user defined variables a variable 
xtext="aaaabbbcc dd" can be 
can often be used but in markup but in some circumstances it cannot - ie 
\justify-string \xtext (or #\xtext)fails whereas
\justify-string #"aaaabbcc dd" works. When # is required the variable \xtext 
cannot be used.

I have a long experience of "helpful" manuals (IBM especially) where you need a 
manual to understand the manual or a degree in IT
before opening the book - as opposed to the old BBC B micro manuals which were 
excellent. 

Lilypond manuals are far superior to most but the new user faces a fairly 
daunting learning curve which I suspect will put a lot of
people with less time on their hands off it.

The capablilities of Lilypond are vast probably more extensive than any other 
single piece of music software I have encountered
(Sibelius is way too expensive for me to try). I recommend NoteWorthy Composer 
and Lilypond to everyone. Forgive me for being thick.