Just put out $30 for _Beginning Javascript_ 4th edition, having started a JavaScript review and realized my first edition of said book was a "bit" dated.

It is frustrating to find, already on p. 7, evidence of sloppy editing after the cut-and-paste of the update. Under the heading "Where do my scripts go?", instead of a general statement introducing the <script> tag there's a paragraph that belongs (and actually appears) on p 9.

The next paragraph ("Linking to an external JavaScript File") proceeds as if the <script> tag has been introduced, as it starts: "The <script> tag has another arrow in its quiver." But we haven't even been introduced to the <script> tag, let alone learned about the "first" arrow in its quiver!

If I weren't counting on having this updated book for reference, I would be tempted at this point to send it back for a refund. I hope this start isn't indicative of the quality of the book as a whole.

Computers and word processors and desktop publishers can't substitute for careful copy editing.

Come on, Wrox!

PS--my wife says you should give me a refund and let me keep the book.

p. 14: The text claims XHTML is "the standard used throughout this book." Yet, starting with p. 34, the book consistently uses <br> rather than the proper <br /> for XHTML.

p. 24: Starts using 'language="JavaScript"' in the <script> tag--with no explanation as to why this has been added. Also in the next example; then on p. 31 it disappears again.

p. 26 "Now that you've seen how to cope with errors..." No--nothing so far about coping with errors!

p 34 "However in Chapter 4 you'll be looking at the Math object...." No--it's in Chapter 5.
"Strings are covered in more depth in Chapter 4, and advanced string handling is covered in Chapter 8." No-it's Chapter 5 and Chapter 9.

p. 35 "...because it will all be explained in Chapter 4." No--again, it's in Chapter 5.

The publisher kindly provides a page for typographical errors. But these are not typographical errors. These are evidences of negligent editing. I hate to think what kinds of problems this schlock will provide a JavaScript newbie. Wrox should probably demand their money back from a certain C.M.Jones, who is listed as Copy Editor.

I'll stop here, unless Wrox wants to pay me to do more copy editing for them.

Econophil: Most of the editors (and editorial managers) are off for a few days for the holidays. I'll try to get someone to look at this promptly when we're back on Jan 4 and at least determine what we can do better in the future.

If you'd like to discuss further individually, please drop me a line at
jminatel
at
wiley
dotcom

I'm also out for a few days but I'll respond the week of the 4th.

__________________
Jim Minatel
Associate Publisher, WROX - A Wiley Brand
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Hi all,

I am a newbie to js and pulling out my hair.

On page 88 and again on 93 the book makes reference to a section in chapter 2 about setting up your browser for errors.

I can't find this info in any section of the few chapters I have gone through.

I agree with the script tag info being very vague and am left wondering why sometimes its used and sometimes not. Also noticed some capitalize the J and S and sometimes not. Very confusing.

Would love it if someone could point me to the section on setting up my browser. Especially since on page 88 it so blatantly states that if I am not set up then now would be the time to start.

Thanks
kim

Well, on top of that, the <script language="javascript"> is obsolete, esp. with XHTML.

You should be using <script type="text/javascript"> (yes, all lower case).

*DO* visit more JS forums and ask questions! There's a good general JS forum at www . codingforums . com