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Re: When does a "Template" become a "Form"

for

From: Sailesh Panchang
Date: Jan 18, 2011 10:45AM

Michael,
That is certainly your prerogative. But the questions I'd ask myself are:
What do I do with the files after they come back with data? Will
content formatted as a form facilitate data validation or process of
pulling data into a database or other repository? Or are the answers
reviewed and processed manually and their particular format is
unimportant? So if a form format is not going to be useful, then you
can avoid the extra work!
Regards,
Sailesh Panchang



On 1/18/11, Langum, Michael J < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
> On occasion, we get request to post WORD files (see example attached) that
> are intended to be used by end-users to provide information back to our
> program offices. They are NOT formatted as WORD forms, but simple .doc
> files.
>
> The thinking is that these WORD files are "Templates" that the end user can
> use to provide needed information, and are not FORMS.
>
> On the one hand, I'm inclined to say that they are forms, and that therefore
> they need to be built with FORM tools that provide prompts, and allow
> tabbing.
>
> But, since I'm the person who would typically need to re-format the files,
> I'm reluctant to give myself all the extra work.
>
> Any opinions?
>
> -- Mike
>
>