This disk contains the most recent version of MacLex which is for general distribution; also a folder of documentation files in Microsoft Word 4.0 format; and a folder of some selected Djinang (Australia) lexical data from a lexicon of mine produced many years ago on DEC equipment. These demo files are not intended as models of 'good style'; and empty fields (formerly used for formatting purposes) have been left in them. The demo files allow you to load a lexicon immediately and play with the program.
There is no longer a documentation file for MacSort, this has been incorporated into the documentation of MacLex. (All of MacSort's features are included within MacLex, so I am no longer distributing MacSort as a separate application.)
You do not need to print the 'version history' file. It merely lists recent changes and bug fixes. For those updating to the latest version of MacLex, it would be worth reviewing this file.
I have also changed the documentation files (as from version 2.1) so that as I add new features, not much of the documentation needs to be reprinted. The A file will differ each time, since it has the table of contents; so too will the last file. The penultimate file will be the one documenting major new features.
PAYMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION
MacLex is copyrighted by SIL and myself, and currently is freeware. You may circulate copies to others, provided you include this information file, the documentation files, and the demonstration files.
Although MacLex is free, I am unable to support its distribution to others unless I receive a small financial return to cover costs of postage, disk, time and handling expenses. I will trust your sense of 'fair play'.
The following costs will apply each time I am asked to supply the most recent version of MacLex:
Handling $6.00 (if payment in Australian dollars),
or $11 (if payment is in another currency)
Postage Australian dollar value of stamps on package
Disk $2.50 (or nil if you supply your own disk)
Please add these figures, and round to the nearest 50 cents.
Payment by International Money Order, or cheque, in Australian dollars would be preferred. Payment in your local currency is acceptable, but the handling cost then becomes $11 because of bank conversion fees here in Australia.
UPDATE POLICY
I continue to work on MacLex as time permits; sometimes I make rapid progress within a month or two, at other times several months may go by without me having a moment to spend on further development. There is no way I can predict when significantly new versions will be available. However, probably once every 6 months would be a reasonable estimate.
If you like MacLex and want to receive updates directly from me, then the following is the system I propose to use.
1. Everyone I supply a copy to will be included in a database which I will maintain (using MacLex of course!); including the version number last supplied.
2. When I receive a request from you, whether or not you send a disk, I will check the database to see which version was last sent to you. If I have not developed MacLex significantly since that point, I will refrain from sending a new copy to you until I have completed the features I am currently working on implementing.
3. Exceptions to point 2 above are the following:
(a) you indicate to me that you want the latest incremental version "as is", even though some of the new features may not be finished; or
(b) you have run up against a serious bug and need a bug fix as soon as possible.
I always send each new version which is for distribution to the following U.S.A. address, for the benefit of SIL members primarily, but others can obtain copies from this source if they wish.
JAARS
Computer Department, Attention: MacIntosh coordinator
Box 248 WAXHAW
NC 28173 U.S.A.
Their publication "Notes on Apple Macintosh" will, from time to time, give information about development and latest version number available.
BUG FIX POLICY
1. Minor bugs (that is, for which there are work-arounds and which do not seriously impare MacLex's performance):
These I will try to fix as time permits, as soon as they are reported to me, or when I find them. However, I would not distribute a new program version containing just minor bug fixes - that would waste your money and my time. (If you want such fixes done and a new version sent, then the above costs would apply, including handling).
2. Serious bugs (that is, no work-arounds exist, and program performance is seriously impared):
These I will give top priority to fix, and prepare a new version for distribution. I will waive the handling charge for everyone requesting the fixed version for a serious bug, but the other charges will still apply. The fixed version will not be sent automatically, sorry. You will need to ask for it.
3. I cannot guarantee to be able to fix every bug. Your use of MacLex is at your risk. I will simply do my best. Sometimes it takes months of creative testing, recoding and head scratching to eliminate a bug.
Note: I have been told that version 1.1d fails, for some people, on some Mac models. It worked fine for me. If you or anyone has encountered this problem, I urgently want you to contact me and preferably send me your data. If I can reproduce the crash, I'll be able to chase the bug. You'll also need to tell me what Mac model you use, and what system number.
DOCUMENTATION
On the first page of the first file, I state which version the documentation reflects. If this is not different from what you already have, then nothing will have been changed.
ADDRESSES
Till early 1994, I will be at the following address:
3/17 Bourke St.
Mentone Victoria 3194
Australia
Phone (03) 583 5969
After that, I will be in PNG and can be contacted only by letter at the following address:
SIL
Box 103 Ukarumpa via LAE
Papua New Guinea
(SIL's PNG phone number is 77 3544, PNG does not have area codes.)
