Last week I mentioned that I’d be willing to write for those who were wanting me to. You’ll remember I said,
I can write about;
- Various aspects of blogging/writing
- WordPress
- Coding and visual aspects of web design
- Photoshop
Those are comfort zones, but if you’ve another topic you’d like me to write about, I might be able to accommodate what you’re looking for.
Well, about five or six people contacted me about writing a post for them. It’s not easy getting the time, but I’ve got one done so far, and you can find it over at Freelance Folder, where I’ve written, “5 Integral Steps to Help Secure Every Potential Contract“.
You’ll notice that ‘freelancing’ wasn’t on my list of topics to write about, but when Jon asked me, I couldn’t say no. I work closely with people almost every day, so it’s not like I’m ignorant of how to deal with similar situations as working with a client. I enjoyed writing the post, and I hope it’s beneficial to some.
Time ticks on…
The other thing I wanted to point out, is that it’s now two/three days (depending where you are in the world) after a certain date, and so far nothing has been announced or mentioned, even to say how many entries there have been.
In relation to that, I’ve had a couple of purchases of the theme which I’m happy about. But, what I’m more happy about, was the reaction and response of the first buyer. Lee bought the 2 sidebar version, and he seems thoroughly chuffed with what he got. If he’s happy, I’m happy 
A question for the Mac owners…
I implied recently, that I might be buying a Mac soon. Well, I bought one. I was hoping to wait six months, and treat myself to the Macbook Pro, but, necessity came faster than expected, and along with that, the newly updated Santa Rosa Macbook model, which accommodates up to 4Gb of ram, a better processor, and slightly better graphics. I did a good bit of research, to make sure the Macbook would be powerful enough for what I need. After being satisfied that it would be, I not only got one at a really good price, I also got it equipped with the 4Gb of ram! 
As I wait for it to arrive, there’s something which is been on my mind a lot. What fonts come with it? I ask this, because I’ve been starved of Helvetica for far too long, and I’d like it for a coming project. Does anyone know where to find a list of fonts? edit - I found a list, and it comes not only Helvetica, but Helvetica Neue Light, which is perfect for the project I’m working on. Yay!! I was going to buy Swiss 721 Light Extended, but this is even better!
The Adobe prison…
There’s an aspect of creating a really great product, which consumers have to despise; you get to charge (almost) whatever you want!
Due to buying the Mac, I need to purchase Photoshop CS3, and probably Illustrator as well. I tried the GIMP, as a Photoshop alternative, but it’s just not sufficient for what I need. On the other hand, Inkscape is a pretty powerful alternative to Illustrator, but I don’t know if it’s enough either.
So, I’m trying to figure out what to buy. Do I buy Photoshop and Illustrator on it’s own, or buy a package? There is the Design Standard package, which, along with the above, comes with two programs I’ll rarely (if ever) need, InDesign and Acrobat Professional.
The other package, is the Production Premium, which along with Photoshop Extended and Illustrator, comes with the really cool AfterEffects (see in action), Premiere Pro, Soundbooth, Encore, and Flash. It’s an expensive outlay though. From Adobe, States $1,699, UK £1,655, AUS $3,025. However, I can get my hands on a US version for about £1,400 (about £705).
So, the way I see it is this. I could get Photoshop on it’s own now for about £200, and Illustrator for about £350. I’d have what I absolutely need to get by, but with iMovie ‘08 being a bit useless for video editing, I’d probably need at least Final Cut Express, which is another £100 or so. So, I’d be fairly merry by spending £650 for three products. But for slightly over £700, I could have access to seven of the most professional products in their categories.
The other beauty of it, is the integration of all Adobe products. I mean, you can import psd’s and work with the layers in Premiere as far as I’m aware. You can transfer clips from AfterEffects to Premiere without rendering too.
It’s a heavy price, but it seems like a no-brainer. It’s the price of honesty. I could get all this and more illegally, for a tiny fraction of the price, but it’s just not worth it. What do you think?
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Added Commentary
By Lee
on 22.12.07
Armen, just to follow up the comment I made on my blog, I am thrilled with the Bedrock theme. I have received several comments from folks who really like the new look to my blog.
Thanks for doing such a great job with the theme, and also for giving me a mention here!
Also, just for discussion sake, have you taken a look at Paint Shop Pro as a little cheaper alternative to PhotoShop?
By MrCorey
on 23.12.07
I agree with your honesty stance. If you intend to ever make money with your talent, then the tools that you use should be paid for if the license requires it. That’s why I’ve been trying to get by with Gimp and other free tools, as I don’t have the funds to spare. I have no experience with Macs beyond my mom’s old 266mhz machine running OS 8.5
By Peter
on 24.12.07
I know I mentioned this one to you yesterday, but in the insterests of any lurkers on this page, those sharing your cell in the Adobe prison might like to check out Gimpshop.
I still use Gimp au natural as I haven’t had much need for Photoshop, but I can appreciate the difficulties involved in trying to switch.
At the end of the day, I’d recommend buying the suite if it will save you time (read: $) in the long term, especially when you’ll probably get some return on your investment through your design work.
For the hobbyist/part time graphics editor like me, Gimp is ample for my needs.
By Christine O'Kelly
on 24.12.07
Congrats on your new Mac! I just bought my first Mac about 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. You are now the 3rd blogger that I know of that has just purchased a lack with the last few weeks… just curious - what compelled you to make the switch?
By Armen
on 24.12.07
Lee - No problem my friend. I’m just thrilled that you’re pleased.
As for Paint Shop Pro, I have a friend who uses it, and thinks it is easier to work with than Photoshop. To be fair, it may be true. The problem is, I’m at the stage where I know how to work with Photoshop, and to change would probably bring productivity to a halt for a while. Plus…I’m just thinking, do you even get Paint Shop Pro for the Mac?
MrCorey - Yeah. Being honest, I remember a time when I wouldn’t even have considered paying the full price. Let’s just say, my conscience is more tender these days. If I was a joiner, I’d be paying the full price for the best tools.
Peter - Yeah, I’m going to go and download it now. This cell is far too crowded
If I was just convinced of what the future held for me, then I’d know what to do. I’m going to go and download Gimpshop now, and give it a go.
Christine - Welcome!
Good question. It’s difficult to give a concise answer. In the past, there’s no doubt, Mac’s were overpriced, and I would never have bought one. Now however, that’s less of an issue. Granted, for the hardware spec I got with the Macbook, I could have got something more powerful (on paper) if I had went Windows, but not much. On top of that, anything I found that was more powerful for the same price or cheaper, lacked the build refinement, screen quality, and battery life of the Macbook.
This is something I’ve given some thought to for over a year now. Ignoring everything I read on the net, anyone I know in person who has made the switch, hasn’t regretted it. They are convinced that life is made easier with a Mac.
Furthermore, if I had bought a Windows based machine, I’d still be wondering if I should have got a Mac instead. At least now, the curiosity will be subdued.
By Jermayn Parker
on 02.01.08
If you get the package you could get Flash which would mean you can now look at sIFR
By Armen
on 02.01.08
Jermayn - Yeah, I know buddy. I have my eye on the Production Premium suite right now, and I’m about to pull the trigger. I found it cheaper
By Jermayn Parker
on 02.01.08
So you have to sweat talk the wife???
Haven't you got anything to say?