Tuesday, June 30, 2009

31 is Not My Favorite Number

July 31 is simultaneously the date on which my two most important and excruciatingly difficult and nuanced chapters of my thesis are due to my advisor and the date I have to deliver my files to the printer for a brand new cookbook that I am designing and laying out.

Sweet Jesus.

+++++

I am going fly fishing on August 1 NO MATTER WHAT.

+++++

Yesterday, while working my fool ass off on the cookbook, I quickly remembered how much I LOVE indexing. I am not kidding, here. I love indexing a reference document so, so much. Ridiculous, right? But, oh, how I love it. I love systematically scanning the sections and subsections, then the paragraphs for important key words and topics. I love building multiple hierarchies in which to index topics. LOVE.

Of course, this task wouldn't be nearly as fun without the pretty fantastic indexing scripts in InDesign. I know I often curse Adobe and shake my fist in the air in indignation at how they own my ass, but I will give credit where credit is due.

+++++

Maybe I could freelance as an damn indexer? Damn. That would be fun.

[UPDATE]: Check it out! There is an American Society for Indexing!!!!


+++++

I know.

9 comments:

  1. Indexing?!? Oh god, we could've USED you last year, when we were indexing multiple state versions of Medicare drug formularies. UGH. We were having trouble with InDesign's indexing feature, so I had to cross-check nearly every drug on there to make sure it corresponded to the correct page number.

    Less than a month of feverish thesis writing - Whoo!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm guessing you wouldn't have a lot of competition in the Indexing job market. :-)

    But, a cookbook... how fun!

    ReplyDelete
  3. P&D - Yeah, InDesign isn't perfect, by any stretch. But it sure beats doing it all by hand. Though, I think I would totally dig that if I had a bit more time.

    I like trying to nuance the index, and am playing with tagged words to try and help.

    Sick, I know.

    LoriD - That is my hope! Hee!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was just going to say exactly what LoriD said. I HATE indexing. I imagine there are tons of people who would gladly shell out the cash to have you do that for them.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I fervently wish I understood what the hell "indexing" is, because this is so funny! You know there are jobs doing that. There just have to be. Awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  6. i am still not sure i understand what "indexing" is, but i'm pretty sure it's so very, very not for me ;-)

    i hope the thesis goes AMAZINGLY this month!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love indexing! Indexing IS fun!

    Why did I quit editing? And can I come work for you?

    ReplyDelete
  8. OMG, I have a friend who is a librarian -- she does indexing as well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I do not have the words to convey how much I disliked my indexing coursework in graduate school. I understand that it's extremely important and I have a great deal of admiration for those who enjoy indexing and are good at it.

    ReplyDelete

Sorry for the word verification. Spambots have found this little blog!