Ordered list syntax.

[Chris Purcell]

> Michel Fortin <michel.fortin at michelf.com> wrote on 03/26/04 at 7:45p:
>
>> Here are some test cases:
>>
>>      This is a paragraph containing the number
>>      1. This is the second phrase of the paragraph.
>>
>>      This is a paragraph containing the number
>>      1. The second sentence contains number
>>      2. But it's still the same paragraph.
>>
>>      This is a paragraph containing no number.
>>      1. This is a single item list.
>>
>>      This is a paragraph containing the number
>>      1. The second sentence contains no number.
>>      1. This is the first item of a list.
>>
>> How do you make sure what is a list and what is not in all these
>> examples? Easy, just write the rule that way: "A list must be 
>> separated
>> from the previous paragraph by a period or a colon at the end of the
>> previous line, or by a blank line". What do you think of this rule?
>
> These are great test cases. As you pointed out in a subsequent
> message, I'm not sure your suggested rule will work, because I don't
> think we can make those punctuation requirements. But we still
> should find a way to make these test cases work.
>
> Perhaps one way to do it could be to state that a top-level list
> must have a blank line preceding it, but not sub-lists. This would
> solve many, but not all, of the potential conflicts.

Here's another test-case:

     I think any "do what I mean" rule will break. Here's reason no.
     1. A full-stop can finish an abbreviation. Reason no.
     2. Paragraphs can wrap in the worst places.

:)

Chris