Bob, you bring up a good point here. I'm going to copy Pavi just in case she hasn't seen this message. I think this really needs to be included in the manual. We have lost several volunteers due to unclear specifications up front. For example, though almost all Windows users have access to WordPad, we can't use it for validating because it doesn't retain section breaks and doesn't show page breaks with speech. The latter problem could be solved by hiring a Jaws/Window Eyes scripter to make a script file that volunteers can download. The former problem, the one about section breaks, is a Microsoft issue we can't get around. I can only speak from a Windows perspective since I'm not familiar with the Mac or Linux. I would put the requirements this way in the manual. Validaters must have and use one of the following: Microsoft Word Kurzweil WordPerfect (if you have some sight since speech doesn't announce page breaks) Openbook Wyn Wizard A modern Pacmate or BrailleNote Open Office, (if you are sighted since speech doesn't work with this program) Validaters cannot use: An old notetaker like Braille Lite or Braille 'N' Speak (It doesn't retain page breaks at all) WordPad Notepad Windows Live Writer A text editor Monica Willyard _____ Bob Writes: Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Re: How to be a black belt validater? This is an excellent suggestion Kaitlyn. I would like to see something about necessary tools and preferred tools. For example, is ms word a necessary tool? or is Kurzweil preferred over Openbook? Can a validator validate properly using only a notetaker? I realize that this would be a difficult section because we all, obviously, prefer the tools we have on hand, and the prices for adaptive technology prohibit us from buying a whole new bunch of tools just because it seems that these are the preferred method. However, a person couldn't validate using only a text editor with a spell checker because page numbers wouldn't be maintained. I suspect that most of the early books into the collection were submitted using only a text editor. However, if a new volunteer wanted to use a text editor to validate a book they'd be out of luck. Thanks. Bob