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Preparation

SumpThink333_2008mm.dot

The production of SumpThink is eased by the use of a document template. The following provides hints and tips on how to customise the document for each issue.

To download the template right mouse button click on the template link and choose Save Link as... or Save Target As....

A document template provides SumpThink with the basic styles, layout, and content to make preparation quicker and easier. It also provides a framework that provides consistency between issues, while allowing ongoing improvements through updates to the template.

SumpThink can be produced using Word or another compatible word processor such as Writer.

• download the SumpThink document template

Document properties

The document properties are used to alter the issue information (number, month, year) in one place and have it change in the several places where it is used in the document.

1. update the File | Properties | Summary information
   • Subject

2. update the File | Properties | Custom information
   (after changing each value be sure to click the Modify button)
   • issue number
   • issue month
3. to update all fields in a document, click Select All on the Edit menu, and then press F9.
4. to update all the fields in the header and footer File | Print Preview the document

Styles and formatting

Styles allow a single update to a style to consistently apply formatting to the document.

The template uses Styles. To view the Styles click on Format | Styles and Formatting.

To change a style move the cursor over the style and click on the triangular arrow that appears.

When these are changed they will update all places in the document where they are used.

After SumpThink is produced OpenOffice.org Writer is used to convert SumpThink to PDF. Because there are small differences in the rendering of pages minor adjustments may need to be made to the original document to retain the same pagination and layout. The PDF version is then emailed to the SumpThink email list and uploaded to the website.