The index question

One of the questions about The Blogging Church that needs to be answered this week is whether it should have an index. Most of you are avid readers and more than a few have written books yourselves. Do you have an opinion on this one?

My instinct is to not have one. There is a small expense involved (it is usually created by a professional), but the main reasons are: I rarely use an index, the chapters are very specific and self-contained, and I've read a number of non-fiction books recently that didn't have one.

On the other hand, an index is still quite common and I assume many people rely on it.

Here's your chance to be heard! What do you think? Yes or no?

Comments

[Nathan Smith]

I wouldn't sweat the index, unless of course there are quite a few highly technical acronyms sprinkled throughout the volume, in which case it might make a handy reference.

[John Swaringen]

Do you think the book will be sort of a "reference" or "how-to" guide? It's been my impression from what you've said that it is intended that way. If so.. an index is a must. If not then I think you can get away without it.

I'm just thinking about all those times I'll be saying WWBS (What did Brian Say...) and want to look it up.

[Geoff Surratt]

The first thing I'll do when I get your book (of course I'll be getting your book) is look up if you mentioned my church. Then I'll want to know what other churches you mentioned. Then I'll want to know if I made the book. (Not likely, but I always look.) I'd go with the index. You can build it yourself, but its probably worth the money they'll charge. (If you do have them do the index, be sure to proof it carefully. You'll be amazed at some of the crazy entries they'll come up with.) They'll most likely just subtract it from royalties, so you won't really miss the money.

[L.L. Barkat]

Okay, I love an index. I admit, I'm a user. Yet, I've been advised to leave it out of my own non-fiction memoir/spiritual musing book. Hmmm....

In the end, I believe it's about access and providing entry points for as many people as possible. I hope you get a good response on this, to help you make your decision!

[Phil Crissman]

I was going to say "Absolutely yes, no book is complete without and index!" -- but... I realize that though I like to see it there, I only use it in fairly technical books.

So like others have already said, I'd say the importance of an index would be directly proportionate to how much technical material exists in the book, the sort of stuff someone might want/need to look up later.

If in doubt, have an index, I think.