SPECTEXT®
Subscribers Ask:
Q: Why are some reference standards indicated the same way as English and metric units?
A: Some referenced standards are written as two separate documents, one in English units, and one in metric units. These documents also have two distinct document numbers and titles. For ASTM, metric equivalent documents have an "M" appended to the document number and "(Metric)" appended to the document name. Because most subscribers will work in English only or metric only units, these reference documents were coded to allow automatic deletion with the editing macros provided with SPECTEXT®.
Q: Why was the format for listing the reference documents changed?
A: Previously, the reference documents were listed at the "A." level paragraph with a space between each listing. The publishing organization was included with each document (other than ASTM) to help specifiers understand the source of the document. This method created lists in some sections that were so long that the paragraph numbers were double and even triple letters.
The new format does two things to help improve readability. First, the publisher's name was removed from each listing and used as a heading to organize the references. Secondly, the list of references was demoted one paragraph level, under the publisher's name. This eliminated the blank lines between the references and eliminated double letter paragraph numbers. The result is a shorter list, that is more easily read and edited.
Q: How can I match a specification format that the architect is dictating for specific projects? We do not want to permanently modify our master documents.
A: When you begin a new project you should create a new project directory. Copy the files you need into the new directory. You can create a new template or a new sample document that contains all the formatting to match the project requirements.
Open one of your existing SPECTEXT® files. Modify the format by editing the document styles. (You can find information about how to do this in your word processing manual or help files.) Set the fonts, type size, tabs, margins and any other formatting in the document styles. As you change the styles the changes will be applied to the current document automatically. When the format is correct, save the document. In Microsoft Word, save the document as a template file with the ".dot" file extension.
Then use this file to apply the new styles to all the files in your project folder. In Microsoft Word, attach the new template to each file, making sure you select the option to automatically update the styles. In WordPerfect, import the styles from the saved file into each document. These steps can be done manually or automatically with macros. In your word processor, record a macro to apply the styles to an open document. Then use the SPECTEXT® macro applicator to apply your recorded macro to all files in the project directory.
Q: How can I find out how to contact the organizations that publish documents referenced in SPECTEXT®?
A: In the July 2000 issue of SPECTEXT® a new file, named RefOrgs, was included with each subscription. The file lists the name, address, telephone number, and Web address for each organization that publishes a document that is referenced in SPECTEXT®. You can find the document in the folder named "References" on the CD-ROM that you received.
The CSRF newsletter is published for SPECTEXT® subscribers and others involved in design and construction. To obtain your copy of Creating a Common Language®, please contact the CSRF Support Center by telephone at 1-877- SPECTXT or 410-838-7561 or you may e-mail us at supportcenter@csrf.org
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