'Pathagorizing' Text

The process by which an existing document or form is prepared for use by Pathagoras is called 'Pathagorizing'. Actually, it is call 'neutering,' but we had so many complaints from dog owners that . . . well, you get the picture. ('Pathagorizing' is a phrase coined by us. Do not look for it in a dictionary.)

At its most basic, 'Pathagorizing a document' is adding variables and <<*Optional/Options*>> text blocks to your source documents. These elements turn a 'plain' document into an 'automated' document for document assembly purposes. Pathagorizing also includes the creation of new source documents and clauses so that you have a system that has as much variety as possible.

The goal is to make the individual source documents 'neutral' so that, after they are brought to the screen during a document assembly session, they can be quickly and accurately personalized for the specific client. The more neutral the document, the less chance that you will have a noun, pronoun or verb that is inappropriate in the context remaining in your source documents.

As you are Pathagorizing text, keep in mind that you are working with a standard Word document.

•	When you are creating variables, you can do so by typing text from your keyboard. [Customer Name] is a variable whether you type in free hand, or insert it into your document using another technique that Pathagoras provides.

•	All tools suggested below are tools, but not mandatory.

•	You can Pathagorize a document using any computer, even one without Pathagoras even installed. Pathagoras 'plain text' underpinnings allow this.

•	In addition to the tools listed above, don't forget about the various editing tools available to you in Word that can help you to Pathagorize a document.

o	If you have a variable that you want to place in multiple spots throughout your document, type it once. Highlight it. Copy (Ctrl-C will do it) it into your clipboard and then paste (Ctrl-V) it where you want it.

o	If you are Pathagorizing an existing document with a name (e.g. "John Doe") throughout the document, use the Find & Replace tool to find John Doe and replace it with [Customer Name]. Same result.

Click on the Prefix/Suffix Naming Convention button at the left (Table of Contents) for more information on how to Pathagorize text.