Thanks for all the information, and for helping me update and refine my view of the (TeX) world. For the project I'm doing now, which involves creating "desktop publishing type" documents (multiple text flows, explicit control of placement of text and graphic elements, etc.), ConTeXt seems to be winning hand's down. I may also be using the XML features, so that's another plus. However, I'm also attracted by the stability and widespread use of plain TeX and LaTeX. It's clear from this that whatever path I take, there are lots of very knowledgeable and helpful people to get me over the hurdles. Thank you! -pd -- -------- Peter Davis The Tech Curmudgeon - http://www.techcurmudgeon.com Ideas Great and Dumb - http://www.ideasgreatanddumb.com