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Posted on 15/10/10 4:28:23 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Do we need the DVD?
There have been moves at Focal Press to remove the DVD from future editions of their titles, and replace them with downloadable content - tutorial files, training movies, and so on. I'm not sure this is the way to go. On the one hand, it means files can easily be updated where necessary, and there won't be the problem of having to replace damaged DVDs. On the other hand, it means all the Photoshop files will have to be downloaded from a website before you can use them. The other advantage is that those who buy Kindle and other digital editions will finally be able to get their hands on all the additional content. What do you think? Good idea, or bad? I'm interested to see your comments. |
Posted on 15/10/10 8:26:55 PM |
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michael sinclair
Off-Topic Opportunist Posts: 1869 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
Yeah, downloadable seems okay, cos I only looked at the very latest How to Cheat in Photoshop in our local waterstone's--I hasten to add that having paid for three previous volumes is enough: you know what I mean. 
I'm sure one of my mates on this site would give me the "crack" code (that is if one was necessary)--you know what I mean. |
Posted on 15/10/10 11:17:18 PM |
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GKB
Magical Montagist Posts: 4032 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
My own publisher went out of business shortly after my last book was published (I do hope there wasn't a connection!). No disc was involved in this particular case but if there had been files to be downloaded it would have meant that nothing would have been available. _________________ Why is there only one word for ‘Thesaurus’? |
Posted on 16/10/10 1:38:03 PM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
My CS4 book from Amazon did not come with a DVD and I've been meaning to find out how to obtain one. I like the idea of downloadable files, but do agree with Gordon. Therefore my vote has been to keep the DVD format. I know this is probably more expensive for the publisher, but my view is that the DVD is easier for the reader. Nick |
Posted on 16/10/10 9:47:11 PM |
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Paul 2007 thru 2010
Lego Legend Posts: 361 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
One worry is how long will the content be available? If I want to read a book 5 years later will the data still be there? I can see any advantages from a publisher's point. A book wouldn't have to be delayed just because the DVD content hadn't been finalised. Why print it at all really. Do it fully digitally and the publishers can save a bundle. |
Posted on 19/10/10 07:37:16 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
Good points. I don't think there's much danger of Elsevier going out of business, Gordon, but surely their point is that as a download the content would always be readily available? |
Posted on 06/11/10 11:55:08 AM |
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David Asch
Tech Support Posts: 1913 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
My argument for keeping the DVD is one of accessibility: despite the Internet being almost ubiquitous now, there are still places where dialup is the only method of connection, and that's not just in rural areas, either. To make online content feasible for all users, the hires images would have to be dropped, and the movies would need to be compressed to standard YouTube quality; not the best for following a tutorial. Having the DVD means you could copy all the content to the hard disk prior to going somewhere of limited or no connectivity as well. _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |
Posted on 06/11/10 12:42:08 PM |
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Jota120
Ingenious Inventor Posts: 2615 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
I totally agree with David. I'm sure the high res images and quality videos would go, plus your references/pdf to older versions of your book. I feel the same for other Focal Press books that provide DVDs. |
Posted on 16/11/10 12:24:23 PM |
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Andrea abbott
* Posts: 10 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
I have a couple of other books about creating digital fantasy effects in photoshop with NO dvd just a website address to download, Problem one I bought the book fairly late after its release so alot of the images I needed were no longer hosted by the website, They are also very low res and as such it has deterred me one from trying to create the image and two from ever buying any of the guys books ever again When I go to Brighton I take my mac book, but mostly have no internet access. But still like to work in photoshop, having a DVD means I can do this I still think the DVD is a good idea maybe a trail of having some way to download the content and see how popular it is If you provided the content on-line would book sales drop? as people could just down load the material needed without the book? I am not sold on the internet being our god Personally I like the book I like the DVD it allows me to work on my own when its quiet and not being hooked up to the internet The way the DVD was packed this time was not good my DVD is damaged, when i have purchased the How to cheat in elements books the disc has always been in a cover, this time its in an envelope the disc is scratched and was covered around one edge with gum, my Mac ejected it. BTW Hello David again  hope your well |
Posted on 19/12/10 7:50:02 PM |
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mark williams
* Posts: 4 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
yes you need the dvd how else will you get the files, what happens if you are a way from your internet connection? and you have some free time and want to play. mind you thinking about it you will need that internet connection to be able to get into you tube to be able to understand fully what the book fails to tell you what you need to know! mmmmmmm |
Posted on 19/12/10 8:26:26 PM |
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Nick Curtain
Model Master Posts: 1768 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
You have to possess a fair understanding of PS, although fundamentals are covered. If there is an aspect you don't follow, then post your question on this forum and someone will help. You will find that Steve monitors the forum and is always on hand to offer advice. |
Posted on 20/12/10 00:06:36 AM |
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Sophie
Political Parodist Posts: 595 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
I definitely like getting a dvd. It makes the book more buyable. You offer so many goodies with each book it could be quite a pain to download the files, even if zipped. And as others have said, the quality of the images may be compromised and with photoshop work... |
Posted on 29/06/12 6:20:24 PM |
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Artwel
Satire Supremo Posts: 607 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
This topic was started a while back but I felt the need to comment.. I think having a DVD helps sell more copies of the book, some people might be tempted to 'aquire' a pdf of the book elsewhere, or maybe you could include a download access code in each book?. I copied the DVD files on to my hard drive for easier access but personally have rarely used them, mainly because Steve's book is so helpful anyway. Although learning by watching a tutorial is the best way to do things correctly. DVD's are slowly on their way out, even Apple is starting to phase them out of it's new (laptops). But I think they will be fine for the next couple of years. Future increases in internet download speeds would help for downloading HD content.. I currently have 1.5mb broadband 
A final suggestion for you Steve, a subscription website? We pay to join and access your tutorials and forum.. I mean we owe you for your time here anyway!  _________________ Quote of the day.. "Photoshop isn't really meant to be used for drawing".. |
Posted on 30/06/12 09:41:25 AM |
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Frank
Eager Beaver Posts: 1767 Reply  |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
Steve I have purchased books both ways and those without a DVD I download the lessons although usually low quality. Some books say you've just saved 5 dollars. Either way is fine with me as I usually do not use their pictures other than for learning. Artwell may have a good idea in that I have in the past joined subscription websites in order to learn and correspond with the instructor on specific topics (ie -the path tools in Photo Impact). I think I paid $20 thru paypal for various sets of lessons for which you get a number of lessons to complete and are critiqued by instructor and fellow students alike. A course could consist of nothing but making you an expert in the dreaded Pen tools or 3d etc. Drawback - very time consuming for you depending on # of enrollees. Usually a downloadable certificate is offered upon completion. |
Posted on 30/06/12 11:35:33 AM |
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Artwel
Satire Supremo Posts: 607 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
Good idea for a Friday challenge that Frank.. "Congratulations, you have mastered the Unsharp Mask Filter "  _________________ Quote of the day.. "Photoshop isn't really meant to be used for drawing".. |
Posted on 02/07/12 07:45:24 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply |
Re: Do we need the DVD?
Useful comments, Artwel and Frank. I also like having a DVD, as it means people can play the movies and use the images straight away, without having to spend ages downloading extra material. However, DVDs often go wrong, which means either I or the publisher have to send out replacement copies. I used to do this, until I worked out that the cost of sending replacements was more than the royalty I receive for each copy of the book purchased. So now I leave it to the publishers to do, and I'm not sure if they actually do it. The new edition of the book comes with a DVD, but I suspect it will be the last one. One advantage of putting the material online is that the cost of the DVD is saved (at least by the publisher); the other is that if there are errors, they can be easily corrected and files updated. The idea of a subscription site is appealing, but I don't think anyone would pay to join it. The nearest I get to that is the live webinars I do for Retouch Pro, which I reckon offer pretty good value for 10 dollars - but hardly anyone from the forum signs up for them, and I reckon this is a good indication that a subscription site would fail. Any other suggestions gratefully received! |