Sageline's Write*On, GPOStyle and Almanac
                         Copyright 1989 David Batterson

     Software companies continue to pour out hypertext software products, as
people like their ease of use and rapid display of text information.
     Sageline, whose motto is "software tools for thinkers," has now produced
three hypertext-based reference tools for writers.  Of course, others can use
them too, including teachers, office managers, public relations professionals,
lawyers and cab drivers.
     For those who HAVEN'T explored hypertext systems, you are in for a treat.
Though popularized by the Mac, the term "hypertext" was coined by visionary
writer Ted Nelson many years ago.
     Hypertext works in a non-linear fashion, linking various text topics
together, rather than the user merely scrolling through a text file.  This
approach is more like how our brains work, using free association and
narrowed-down choices to access information.
     You instantly know when you receive software with a seven-page manual
that it's going to be simple to use!  However, don't confuse "simplicity" with
"undeveloped," as these programs are packed with useful information.
     The large data files are compressed, and Sageline's hypertext engine
grabs the information instantly after you press the various hypertext buttons.
     Write*On Ver. 2.5 is a writing tutorial and reference work.  There are
five U.S. government writing handbooks contained in Write*On.  Rules of
punctuation, grammar, abbreviation, capitalization and numbering are covered
exhaustively.
     You also get tips on effective writing, and a style and usage guide for
common as well as unusual words and terminology.  Write*On features a thorough
index too, to help you find the exact writing topic or rule.
    GPOStyle Ver. 1.1 is the computerized version of the United States
Government Printing Office Style Manual, which is a standard reference widely
used both within government and in the private sector.  This is an abridged
version of the GPO Style Manual, containing the first 16 chapters.
     GPOStyle contains information that's of use by the general public.  It
covers some of the areas found in Write*On, but has much more information,
such as compound words, signs and symbols, footnotes, indexes and printing
mechanics.  There is also an extensive bibliography.
     Almanac Ver. 1.2 is a compendium of facts and information, divided into
categories:  Computers, Geography, History, Language, Math and Science.  These
are then subdivided into other topics.
     For instance, under History, you can access the U.S. Constitution, list
of Presidents, and text of Lincoln's Gettysburg address.  Under Geography,
you'll find area codes and state capitals.  Search under Science, and you can
study the table of the elements, or the planets.  There's much more too.
     Included with Almanac is the Sageline shell program.  It creates a menu
which incorporates these three (and any future) hypertext modules.  These are
useful reference works-on-a-disk which should find a market niche.
     Prices are:  Write*On ($49), GPOStyle ($79) and Almanac ($29).  For more
information or orders, contact Sageline, P. O. Box 2346, Kingston, NY 12401;
800-345-5571, 914-338-3025.
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     David Batterson writes about diverse PC applications.  Contact him via
the non-hypertext-based message system--MCI Mail: DBATTERSON.