Service/Song Archive

Some Technical Details

Compiled rtfs

An rtf file is the text of the document itself with special characters embedded to denote fonts, lie spacing, etc. I have typed in text of the various parts of each document and included a set of macros that reference the various features of the rtf language. When I compile the document source, these macros get expanded into the complete rtf file.

I have created the files in this way to allow easier maintence of and additions to the archive. Rather than remembering the somewhat cryptic rtf instructions and all the layout information, I merely put in my code for the various blocks of the file and then type in the text. This mehtoid also allows me to make a stylistic change in one place and have it take effect in every file that uses that bit of style information. If you have the creeping suspicion that I am talking about a Makefile, you'd be right.

Text alignment

Each component of a particular document is set in its own style. Included in the style information is the text block width and position. Adjacent text blocks are made narrow enough that they can fit side-by-side, and positioned such that they align their tops. By specifying exact line spacing that is the same in both adjacent blocks, each line of text stays lined up.

What else?

I put this information here because I though you might be curious. There should be enough detail to either satisfy your curiousity or pique your interest. If you really want to know, mail me and I'll tell you more.

Last update: 28 March 2003
This page maintained by Daniel Macks.
Please mail me with any concerns or suggestions.