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Re: voice recognition software

Sally,

Back in November you asked what software I use for back-of-the-book indexing and what some of the features of the software are.

There are several major software packages available, with Cindex being the software used by probably a majority of indexers. I still use the DOS version, although it is no longer supported by its distributor, Indexing Research, Inc., which now has moved on to a Windows version. Dinosaur that I am, I'm hanging onto my DOS version simply because I like it, and I don't feel the need to get the latest version of any program when the one I have is satisfactory and does what I need it to do!

As to features. Cindex, both the old DOS version and the new Windows version, is loaded. Basically, it can do just about anything the indexer wants it to do. I couldn't begin to list the many features of the program!

I notice from your signature line that you index periodicals. I think you'll be amazed at how much time an indexing program would save you, and how much easier it would make your work. I don't have the url on the top my head for Indexing Research, but if you go to the American Society of Indexers website, there is a link there not only to Cindex, but also to Macrex, another of the major programs, and, I believe, to Sky, a third major program.  All three of these manufacturers offer trial versions of their software, and you probably will want to try all three to see which one you're most comfortable with. None of them are difficult to learn. I got my Cindex program years ago in an emergency, when I was first starting indexing and had a dreadful deadline in front of me, went to work with it immediately, and produced an index in record time. The ASI url is asindexing.org

While you're at the ASI website, you might want to read some of the information there about indexing. There's a lot of helpful material available there not just for indexers, but for editors and authors as well, and I think you might find it useful.

Finally, if you're interested primarily in indexing (as opposed to writing, editing, and other publishing tasks) you might want to consider joining ASI and one or more of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs). For example, I'm a member not only of ASI, but of the Gardening/Environmental Science SIG (since my primary interest in in indexing gardening and horticultural material) and the Culinary SIG (since I also have a major interest in indexing cookbooks). The SIGs can give you lots of specialized help if you need it. 

Hope this answers your questions and is helpful.

Lina Burton
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