Wanderings

It's been a busy week. That's "busy" in a bad way. Intrusions of life and living that must be tolerated, even when you'd rather ignore them. So, rather than whine, let's roam.

There's a very active underground of Paint Shop Pro users. Some are just casual users that do some really kewl stuff. Some are way over my head and I should be sittin' at THEIR feet. I've seen an interesting mix of sites built with, around, and even for, Paint Shop Pro. Tutorials, even for the new Version 5.0, abound, and anyone who really wants to learn how to use one...just ONE...graphics program, can take PSP and do damn near anything a body can do with Adobe's products. Plus, PSP even has some features Adobe doesn't, and they're ones you'll USE. Like the "tubes" of paint.

First thing I'm obliged to do is point you to where the action is. What good is a tutorial without the program? So, here's where you can get Paint Shop Pro, so you can get right into it. This is the so-called "demo" version of Version 5.0. Very powerful, very feature-rich, and very robust.

Now you need some common-sense, straightforward guidance on how to make magic! Not a problem. Starting with the very basics, and progressing to tougher stuff is what tutorials are designed to do. And a good one to take to heart is Linda Cole's fine work. She obviously knows the depth and breadth of PSP, and she lays it out very well.

Of course, what good is new knowledge without someone to share it with? For the longest time, I thought I was the only PSP user in the world. Then, I discovered "user's groups." Then, "web rings." I found friends, experts, novices, and seasoned professionals. What we found in common was that we loved graphics, and wanted to learn more.

Turns out, there were quite a few of us. And the Grand Opening of the Paint Shop Pro User's Group is underway right now! There's prizes, even. Just look for the balloons. And...best of all, you can join the group. It's all voluntary here, and it's really people helping people, not some help-desk dweeb who can only point, click and read the scripted answers.

Now, you've snagged the shareware version of PSP V5.0. You've memorized Linda's tutorial in three copies, and you've joined the PSP User's Group, and even posted a message on the bulletin board! You're hooked. We've got you now.

Won't be long till you're gonna be looking for graphics, scrounging magazines for images to scan, buying postcards you never intend to send...for

Go To Page: 1 2