Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2000 11:55:06 +0000 From: Lambert Schomaker To: tc-11 Subject: TC-11 title/poll feedback Dear TC-11 community, the poll deadline has passed. Of the effective 230 email recipients, a number of 34 have taken part in the poll, and they have chosen unanimously the title: "Theory and Applications in Text Processing". This is a good result, thank you for your involvement. It may mean that a desire for balanced attention to theoretical and practical aspects is indeed present within TC-11. However, as can be expected from an intelligent community, a number of issues have been raised. One distinguished member of the community proposed "TC-11: Text Processing" relieving us from the weight of the term "Applications". But this also exposes more clearly the fact that "Text Processing" is a rather broad concept. Such a title would cover activities which we do not consider to reside under Pattern Recognition, due to the absence of a physical sensor: The areas of Information Retrieval (SIGIR), computer linguistics and even Snobol string manipulation would all fit well under such a general title. This line of thinking introduced an interesting perspective (as things are stirred up anyway): Why not change the TC-11 title completely? "TC-11: Machine-based Reading" sounds a bit stuffy "TC-11: Reading Systems" may be interesting I suggest that you consider this issue. In brief, the TC-11 field concerns: [INPUT: pixels or planar coordinates]==>[OUTPUT: text and layout interpretation], with the intention to balance theoretical and practical issues. Furthermore, the demarcation line with TC-10 should be clear from the title. In case a lively discussion does not emerge within a few days, we will proceed just as planned and I will gladly put forward the proposal: "TC-11: Theory and Applications in Text Processing". Your highly-valued opinions can be sent to me and will be summarized. Best regards, Lambert Schomaker