RE: NBWin and Endnote

["Paul Falzer" <paul.falzer>]

Fritz,

In response to your comment:

> I have NOT tried to generate reference lists [in EndNote].
> Thus far, the journals that take the sort of thing I write
> don't require them: footnotes or endnotes are enough.
>
> My life would be simpler simpler if I could exchange data
> between EndNote and Ibidem, and use each where appropriate.
> (It would also help if Ibidem allowed me to copy the
> information that appears in the window at the bottom
> of the screen onto the clipboard.  From there, I could
> use it any way I wish.)

Thanks for replying. Besides creating footnotes, in-text
references, and reference lists, I use EndNote for generating
subject bibliographies and organizing my library research. For
instance, I generate two lists of all new references pertaining
to subject X: One list, sorted by author and year, contains all
of the bibliographic data I've compiled, including keywords,
abstract, notes, and links. The second list, sorted by journal,
year, volume, and starting page (in that order) contains a basic
reference only. As you know, EndNote can output a bibliography to
a plain text or RTF file. I prefer the latter because it retains
formatting. Unfortunately, NBWin does not yet have an RTF filter,
though I understand that one is in development.

Most bibliographic programs, including EndNote and Ibidem, use a
proprietary database format; consequently, it is impossible to
create a direct link between bibliography programs. Because the
import and export facilities of every program I have seen are
limited, awkward at best, fraught with complications, and
ultimately unreliable, trying out a new program (which for me
would be Ibidem) requires a commitment I am reluctant to make --
especially when I am working on a series of papers and deadlines
are approaching.

It is unfortunate that EndNote does not work with Nota Bene as
neatly as it does with WinWord and WordPerfect. I assume that
Nota Bene and Ibidem work together in a similar fashion. I could
ask about the compatibility of Ibidem with WinWord, but I can
anticipate the answer. Your point is well taken about WinWord's
intrusive tendencies. With some digging, you can learn how to
customize the interface and remove most of the unwanted features.
Still, and I suppose this is true for any piece of gear,
compromises are inevitable. In any case, the more you learn about
the subtleties of a complex software program, your standards
become higher and your patience diminishes in evaluating an
alternative.

Happy New K,

Paul