Python Output Parameter as String

Question

I'm writing this in 9.3.1.  Basically I'm taking in a string and trying to format it for a tool "Select Layer by Attribute".

I'm trying to write a python script to take in a string express, then I'm formatting it and then I'm sending out as a string but I'm having trouble with the output parameter.  Can you tell me what is wrong with my last line and what I need to change.  The line that is giving me trouble is 
gp.SetParameterAsText(output)

the error is stating 
Running script StringManipulator...
<type 'exceptions.AttributeError'>: Object: Error in parsing arguments for SetParameterAsText
Failed to execute (StringManipulator).

Here's my short script
import sys, string, arcgisscripting
gp = arcgisscripting.create(9.3)
userStr = gp.GetParameterAsText(0)
# userStr = sys.argv(0)
strList = userStr.split(" or ")
output = " or ".join(["\"APN\" = \'%s\'" % (item) for item in strList])
gp.SetParameterAsText(output)
#print output

If you want more background I'm why I'm doing this check out this post.  
http://forums.arcgis.com/threads/210...ed=1#post69372

Thanks
J

JMcNeil · Answer

Duncan,
Thanks! Before I was setting the parameter but that example showed me how to set like

gp.SetParameterAsText(1, output)

Thanks again.

J

Hornbydd · Answer

J,

Looking at the Help it says that you need to provide an index position for you output parameter which you are not supplying as shown in your sample code.

Duncan

JMcNeil · Answer

Duncan,

Thanks for the reply but I'm not seeing how the AddFieldDelimiters method will help me.  I'm not trying to format a field; I'm trying to format some text that I'm getting from a textbox from my endusers (arcServer).  Not sure if I'm missing something...can I use this method a different way?

J