Well, the word count does have a flaw. It counts everything if you're not careful. When we do the writing contests, I do make sure the stories and poems are under 1,000 words, but I also am careful not to count things like titles and author's comments. Still and all, I think you're right, jon....publishers do seem to be retro about some aspects of their business. But then I deal with a State Agency that has computer forms you have to type on because they are so computer unfriendly. Go figure.