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                        HoTMetaL Pro 2.0 - Etc: An Update
                          Copyright 1995 Phil Leonard


 A few comments on the brand new release of SoftQuad's HoTMetaL Pro 2.0
 (http://www.sq.com) for publishing HTML documents on the Web.  My
 original copy of HoTMetal Pro 1.0 with its companion CD,  was bundled in
 a book called HTML Publishing on the Internet by Brent Heslop and Larry
 Budnick  for $49.  HoTMetaL Pro 1.0 was priced at $199 and 2.0 is the
 same price, however, quite reduced in price as an upgrade for $59.

 My original impression was that 1.0 was hard to use.  It is a rules based
 Word Processor.  You make a mistake and HoTMetaL barfs.  It is
 intimidating.  The authors of this book loved it, so I persisted. In
 truth, I came to love the program as well even though it was not quite
 polished.

 With HotMetaL Pro 2.0, not only is the program quicker and more user
 friendly, it now automatically chooses what it thinks would be acceptable
 when you make an error.  So instead of being confronted with "YOU CAN'T
 DO THAT STUPID!!!", it now elegantly inserts tags where you probably
 meant to put them and then asks you if this is what you meant.

 I've only used Pro 2.0 briefly, but as one quite familiar with HTML
 Writer and I have to wonder aloud at the blatant similarity between them.
 There are now three break-away button bars.  Almost every feature is now
 supported with hot-keys AND buttons.  It will open up unlimited browsers
 for previews.  It will open and convert almost any word processor format.
 And it will PUBLISH, that is, find and replace all of your
 file:///c:/gifs with http:///yourname/gifs, instantly opening and
 previewing your document in Netscape.  I am quite impressed.  It supports
 HTML 2.0, HTML 3.0, and Netscape.  It does an SGML document check and
 tells you each instance where you break the HTML 2.0 rules,and with what
 rule, whether it is with Netscape or HTML 3.0.

 Hot Dog!

 In the midst of looking at HoTMetaL Pro 2.0 another contender grabbed my
 attention. Hot Dog touted by many, looks as good as everyone says. It
 actually resembles HoTMetaL Pro 2.0 in many ways. Even so, I didnt spend
 much time with Hot Dog because it became immediately apparent, at least
 from my point of view, that three important elements are missing.

 First and most important, Hot Dog does not appear to show in-line images.
 Anyone who has coded HTML knows that long and complicated forms can get
 very confusing. I find it helps immensely when I can see all of the
 images and what HREFs are attached. Next, the HREFS in HoTMetaL Pro are
 colored and labeled with hot keys. They really stand out and separate
 themselves from the normal text. Just much easier to sort out. And
 finally, HoTMetaL pro converts all tags into small graphical images, like
 pentagons. The tags are much easier to see, and hide all of the tag code
 unless you press a hot key or icon.

 Hot Dog seems to have tons of options. I did not go through them all. I
 think it is much more user configurable than HoTMetaL. Whether it is
 familiarity with the product or just a good fit I find HoTMetaLs
 selection of options is exactly how I want it to work. When comparing the
 two programs I have to lean towards HoTMetal  probably because I just
 prefer it.


 Phil Leonard is a veteran Internet surfer who has developed a keen
 interest in HTML authoring tools for the Internet. This is his first
 contribution to WindoWatch...we hope not his last!  He can be reached at
 pleonard@cybercom.net

                                  ww



