Feature request use cases: Recyling content from one outline in another outline

Thought I would double check that there is no way to recyle content
from one outline to another except by copying and pasting content from
outline A to outline B. I use KnowIt extensively and believe this to
be the situation.

If I am correct, I urge that situation be fixed. It is a severe
usability bug. In the rewritten version of KnowIt, I would like to see
as many of the following use cases addressed as is feasible.

RECYCLING CONTENT USE CASES:

1. Inclusion:

(a). Copy and paste (also drag and drop) node, subtree, or entire
outline into another outline as a child to the currently selected node
in the target outline.

(b). Insert (import) outline as child tree structure of currently
selected node in target outline. (Accessible alternative to 1(a).)

(c). Append outline as new sibling(s) of top level nodes in target
outline. (Accessible alternative to 1(a)) (less important than 1(b)
since the functionality can be achieved using 1(b).)


2. Transclusion:

(a). In the same outline, transclude content of node X in node Y in a
manner that edits in either X or Y will be reflected in both nodes
(single point editing).

(b). In the same outline, transclude node X's children as children of
node Y in a manner that edits in either subtrees X or Y will be
reflected in both subtrees.

(c). Transclude content from different outline's node or subtree as
child(ren) of currently selected node in the target outline.

(d). For 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) convert transcluded content to included
content automagically upon export to HTML.

(e). For 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c), provide users with option to convert
transcluded content (per outline, per subtree, per node)  to included
content without export to HTML (subsequent edits in one node are no
longer reflected in the other node).

3. Pasteboard

3(a). Set node as pasteboard to which all of the environment's copy
operations are automagically appended, with separating characters. The
Windows-based NoteTab Pro text editor allows a single file to be set
as a pasteboard and it is incredibly useful to be able to maintain a
history of clip operations. E.g., lost a clip during editing? No need
to track down the original content again. Should you wish to see this
functionality in action, NoteTab is available free in 3 versions for
test driving at <http://www.notetab.com>. "Use as Pasteboard" is a
user action on the Document menu. The separating characters are
configurable under View > Options > Tools. Nearly all features work
when running under Wine, although I haven't checked on the Pasteboard
functionality, which might not.

4. Export

(a). To make all of the above more useful, enable export of subtree or
node as .kno file (or another format if used to replace .kno as Michal
previously mentioned was his goal).

4. Discussion

These suggested use cases might fall under a design goal of NHTKTSCT,
or Never Have to Keyboard the Same Content Twice, the Holy Grail of
document assembly. Having to copy and paste content one node at a time
is my single biggest usability barrier with KnowIt.

2(d) and 2(e) are in my opinion the most useful transclusion use
cases. E.g., transclude some content, edit it in a single node/subtree
until you reach a point where the content needs to differ, convert
transclusion to inclusion, then continue editing each node/subtree
separately. Example, when I am composing an appellate brief,
transclude a generic opening brief template, complete with cover,
mandatory headings and boiler plate, signature block, certificate of
service, certificate of corporate status, etc. Switch to inclusion and
fill in the giant blanks. :-)

Best regards,

Paul E. Merrell, J.D. (Marbux)

-- 
Universal Interoperability Council
<http:www.universal-interop-council.org>

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