[Fwd: Re: GRE PROGRAM] - my 2nd email to GRE

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Re: GRE PROGRAM
Date: 	Sun, 26 Oct 2008 21:11:56 -0700
From: 	Paul Martzen <[email protected]>
To: 	GRE <[email protected]>
References: 	<[email protected]>



I was hoping for a more encouraging response. 

The Dvorak keyboard layout was designed to be the most comfortable and 
efficient layout on standard keyboards.  It is named after August Dvorak 
who researched typing efficiency and comfort before settling on this 
design.   

Dvorak is now a standard layout easily available in the software 
settings on all modern computer operating systems.   Inexpensive Dvorak 
labeled keyboards or key overlays are commonly available.   Keyboards 
which are hardwired to switch between Dvorak and Qwerty are available.  
Making the Dvorak option available to any computer user who needs to use 
it, is a trivial matter.    Increasing numbers of typists are learning 
and converting to Dvorak.   Arbitrary discrimination against Dvorak 
users by companies such as ETS is a big roadblock to more typists using 
this easier layout.

Those of us who choose to use the Dvorak layout do so for varied but 
important and legitimate reasons.   Comfort and ease of learning are 
important to many.  Reduction of repetitive stress injuries (rsi) is a 
concern for others.  Two factors are especially important to me.  Typing 
on a Qwerty layout has always felt tremendously awkward and confusing 
for me and I have never been able to touch type on that layout.  
However, when I tried the Dvorak layout, it quickly made sense and felt 
logical and comfortable to me.    I am able to touch type on the Dvorak 
layout where I never could on Qwerty. 

Once a typist chooses to use Dvorak over Qwerty and has used it 
exclusively for many years, it becomes difficult and objectionable to be 
forced to type in Qwerty, especially when there is no legitimate reason 
to do so.    Forcing me to type with the Qwerty layout is an arbitrary 
discrimination against me and puts me at a disadvantage compared to 
those who are typing on their preferred layout.   It would be the same 
if you arbitrarily forced Qwerty users to type on the Dvorak layout.  
They would strongly object.  Even though a great many more people would 
object to typing on the Dvorak layout, their objections would be the 
same as my objection to typing on the Qwerty layout.  

It would be extremely easy for the GRE to offer the Dvorak layout option 
to test takers who need to use it.   The cost to ETS for such an 
accommodation is likely to be miniscule.    I can think of no pragmatic 
reason that you do not offer this option, so I assume that not enough 
people have complained about this failure.   I do consider the lack of a 
Dvorak option to be a failure on the part of ETS and I will continue to 
complain about it. 

Paul Martzen





GRE wrote:
> Thank you for contacting the GRE Program.
>
> Dear Paul,
>
> Regarding your inquiry:
>
> The GRE Test is administered on a standard English language (QWERTY) computer keyboard. QWERTY is the most common modern-day keyboard layout on English language computer keyboards. It takes its name from the first six letters displayed at the top of the keyboard. We recommend that test takers practice typing on a QWERTY computer keyboard before taking the GRE.
>
> Thank you for your inquiry. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you.
>
> If you have additional questions, please contact our Customer Service team at (866) 473-4373 or (609) 771-7670, or visit our Web site at www.gre.org. If you contact us via e-mail, please include all previous correspondence or a summary of information regarding your inquiry.
>
> ETS is committed to improving your customer service experience. Please take a moment and complete a short Customer Service Survey at http://surveys1013.websurveyor.net/wsb.dll/bfried/ETSProgramEmail.htm?WSB36=GRE so that we may identify ways to improve our service to you. If you're unable to access the survey by clicking on the link, please copy the entire link and paste it into the address bar of your web browser.
>
> Thank you in advance for your participation.