FLASH: Author's response to Flash 3 f/x book reviews

[Ken Milburn]

>From the horses mouth: 


The biggest criticism of the book seems to be the fact that somehow a

number of files that were intended for the CD-ROM didn't make it. This was

due to miscommunication between the parties involved in putting all this

together, not to any attempt to mislead. I'm terribly sorry it happened.

Meantime, I have hired someone to re-construct all of those files and, as a

bonus, a few more. As soon as they are done (it will probably be another

week or so), they will be posted on the Coriolis site so that anyone who

buys the book can easily download them.


The other hit is that some people feel that the book isn't advanced enough

to suit their needs. If you are someone who has been using Flash on a daily

basis from the beginning of time, you may be one of those people. It would

simply be unlikely that a book written several months earlier could

possibly contain all the knowledge reflected on this list. I wish it were

not so, but console myself by knowing that the vast majority of people who

buy this book are not solidly entrenched in Flash and, in fact, may not

know much at all about graphics. Those folks will get a better, clearer,

more comprehensive and more patient view of how to make use of the program.

At the same time, the book has to add something to the documentation that

comes with the program. I do follow this list pretty closely and each new

edition of the book will certainly learn from this list as well.


Finally, I think you'll notice that the Amazon reviews consists of an

almost equal number of 180-degree opposite opinions. Seems to me highly

complimentary reviews are a counter reaction from other people who bought

the book and found the first two reviews inaccurate--at least in their

opinions.


I any case, no one would be well served by advertising claims that aren't

so. Both publishers and authors are human and do make mistakes--at least I

don't claim to be perfect. On the other hand, I do care about my readers

and if something is brought to my attention I'll certainly do my best to help.


I hope this note will be of help to those who are trying to make up their

minds as to whether this book will serve their own needs -- which is always

a highly individual matter. One of the flashers made up their minds by

checking out the book in a store before buying. If you're in doubt, follow

suit.


Meantime, I'd love to hear constructive suggestions from any who'd like to

offer them. Also, if any of you would like to suggest links, I'll be glad

to post them on the Coriolis site along with the other material that will

be going up there.



Ken Milburn

Author of Photoshop 4 f/x and The Flash 2 Web Animation Book, Ventana

Press 1997, Master Photoshop 5 Visually (IDG), Flash 3 f/x and Design

(Coriolis)

Coming soon: Photoshop Plug-ins 2000 (IDG) and The Digital Photography Bible

(IDG)

2934 Ford St, Suite 38, Oakland, CA94601Phone 510-436-6601, Fax 510-436-6695


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kmilburnpacbell [dot] net (mailto:kmilburnpacbell [dot] net)

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<http://www.kenmilburn.com/>http://www.kenmilburn.com 




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