I am told that Word 97 even has a built-in export to HTML utility, making
 the necessary conversion a no-brainer.
 

Yes indeed.  I write most of my stuff in Notetab, but convert them into HTML 
using Word 97 due to the fact I literally destroyed most of the html editors 
I used before. . 

But in truth, all you need to take is save the *.doc in HTML format and get 
over with it.  Not everyone actually LIKES Microsoft.

Juuchan, the chibi jinzouningen
"I'm gonna rip your lungs out with a [SPORK!!]" 
                --Lunchtime and Ultra!