[texhax] clashing style files

[John Burt]

Dear TUG,
I was answering a question I saw on TeXhax by a student who wanted to know how to use MLA style. So I sent him a sample file that compiles on my computer, with all the trimmings (my bibliography database, and so on). He couldn't compile it. It turns out that he was using a different file named mla.sty, one that messes up the ones most people use.

His file came from http://ctan.tug.org/tex-archive/macros/latex/contrib/mla-paper/
This is a wierd package designed to produce something like MLA style for student papers, but not to require BibTeX. (I think the authors have mistaken ideas about what MLA style is, too, but that's another matter.)

But the one that really does give you MLA style, and works with BibTeX is found at:
biblio/bibtex/contrib/mla/mla.sty

I'm a little worried that people who use programs like MikTeX, which go to CTAN to find style files not already on their system, will be picking up the wrong mla.sty file.

I thought I'd bring this to your attention.

with best wishes
John Burt