Question 234: You've been fairly quiet this month, Derrin. Are you continuing the column? How are things coming on getting your book out?
Answer: Excellent questions.

Most definitely, yes, I am continuing the column. I've had to take a break this month because it has been an extremely busy month. Not only have I been on the road a great deal, but I have been finishing the programming of the electronic versions of Who's the Employer, 3rd edition, and getting my youngest son ready for a two-year mission to Guatemala. I thank those of you who have been sending questions for the column; I will start answering them again in November.

Many of you have heard that I will be formally coming on board with SunGard Corbel shortly. I've been doing seminars for them for a while now and really enjoy it. Part of the fun is getting out and getting to meet many of the readers of this column. I am pleased to say that my arrangement with them is structured to leave me the time to do this column and other projects important to me, such as PIX and my book (naturally).

The book is coming along well and shipments will start this weekend. Just a few days behind schedule. I expect the initial shipments of the print edition will be done by mid-November for those who pre-ordered. I also hope by that point to have the CD and Web versions available as well.

Unlike prior editions, the print edition will come in a looseleaf binder. Why? Because I'm going to updating the electronic versions from time to time, and I want those having the print version to have access to the most recent material. For those who don't want to bother with updating, you don't have to. For those who do, you will be given a web address with the most recent updates which you can download, print, and put in your book. I will email you when those updates are available. I have no idea what the frequency will be, but I expect it will be quarterly.

It's amazing. I cut off material for the book about 6 weeks ago, and already there are three things I would like to add that have recently come across my desk. The looseleaf format allows me to do that.

For the electronic version (CD and Web), there will, of course, be complete hyperlinks to citations within the book and to critical IRS source material. I have also included hyperlinks to most of my BenefitsLink columns. Frequently, the columns have additional analysis or examples on specific points.

The CD version will include a separate search utility, which will allow you to search for any word or phrase in the book. Anyone with a modern web browser should be able to use the CD (although it will be optimized for Windows machines). The search utility will require Windows 95 or later.

I am pleased with the way the book is coming out. I hope those who purchase them will be as pleased as I am.

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