Date:         Thu, 18 Dec 2003 10:09:50 -0800
Reply-To:     cassell.david@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         "David L. Cassell" <cassell.david@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV>
Subject:      Re: Annoying SAS Note
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Peter Crawford <peter@CRAWFORDSOFTWARE.DEMON.CO.UK> wrote:
> I'm resurrecting an old (September-2003) thread, because perhaps
> not all our SAS-L community are aware of the sasnotes list server.
> At 17Dec2003, it reports new and changed usage notes, including
> amongst many interesting issues
>
> 008952 Diagnosing AT LEAST ONE W.D FORMAT WAS TOO SMALL message
>     Component:  Formats in general
>     Release(s) Reported: 8
>     Release(s)    Fixed:
>     SN     http://support.sas.com/techsup/unotes/SN/008/008952.html
>
> Notice that "Diagnosing" !
> My reaction is "at last !"
>
> Of course, it's just implementing the suggestion of David Cassell
> below, but at least SI have done the work, for us !

Great Caesar's Ghost!  You mean someone actually *reads* the stuff
I write?

> The usage note includes a link to the sample site where their
> solution/work-around can be found at
> http://ftp.sas.com/techsup/download/sample/datastep/w_d_format.html

Let me point out that this code is literally diagnostic instead of
rectifying.  It provides a way of finding out which variable is
transgressing.  You will still have to fix matters yourself afterward...

> Another Christmas present from SAS Institute !   ;-))
>
> seasons greetings

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Enjoyable Saturnalia,
or none of the above, as you see fit...

David
--
David Cassell, CSC
Cassell.David@epa.gov
Senior computing specialist
mathematical statistician