“But many writers loved WordStar, a word processor notably good for actual writing. As computers moved on from DOS to Windows, and word programs grew to encompass features that strayed far from organizing words on a page, WordStar hung back, whether in DOS emulation or in the hearts of its die-hard fans.”
It was painful. Apple’s Pages is better. Probably the only one I’ve never used was Nisus.
@feloneouscat While this is all true, the modern word processors are different because they were built for secretaries and businesspeople.
I’m an engineer and beg to differ. We write REAMS of documentation.
@feloneouscat The linked article discusses why 'writers' prefer WordStar, Yeah, I too write documentation, but never considered myself a 'writer'. I also create proposals and quotes. I consider the writing I must do to be business communication for the most part and that's handled beautifully by Word.
I also write, not just documentation. Everything from proposals to stories. I never thought it was a good program. It was what existed until something better came along.
There is a concept about software called the “baby duck” theory—that what your are introduced to becomes your default.
I’ve never had a default. I’ve used everything from homegrown to expensive (aka IBM). I absolutely hate Word. I’ve had to rewrite because Word turned it into a Trump speech.
@feloneouscat I remember playing with Electric Pencil and MultiMate in the way back days. Truthfully the MS tool find to be the most useful in my work is Excel.