New issue (August 2011) of Pagoda Notes available

[Peter van Es]

The board has decided to stop using snail mail to send out issues of Pagoda Notes to the membership. Those members outside of the US always retrieved and printed their own copy anyway, because too many copies arrived in bad shape or very late overseas.

Now, for the first time, you can download a US LTR size or A4 size copy of Pagoda Notes. You can download your copy here, but remember, you must be a Full Member of the group, and logged in.

After downloading your copy you can print it yourself, and you'll have a fresh, unwrinkled, unspoiled, warm copy to read, all without having to walk your long drive to the post box.

Of course we are interested in your opinion on this new method of distributing Pagoda Notes. That's why we've created the totally unbiased poll on this topic, and we would like to see your vote.

Note: we can see your vote!  

If by accident you voted incorrectly you can change your vote!

Peter
 

[admin]

Note: we can see your vote!

This is a blatant lie. All voting is completely anonymous...

[mdsalemi]

Just as an FYI--the printing of past Pagoda Notes, for what ever reason, was abysmal at best.  That's not a reflection on the content, or the editor, but on the actual machine chosen to print it.

The PDF of this latest version is superior on the screen, and prints better here on my old laser than any Pagoda Notes delivered to me in the past.  So, I believe the current method is better.

[Raymond]

How do I download the little tear and wrinkles the post office used to put in it for me?

Seriously, it looks great.  Can't wait to get home to read it.  Thanks gentlemen!

Maybe my dog can help with the tearing?

[mdsalemi]

How do I download the little tear and wrinkles the post office used to put in it for me?
Seriously, it looks great.  Can't wait to get home to read it.  Thanks gentlemen!
Maybe my dog can help with the tearing?

No Raymond, what you want to do with it is this: first, scuff all the pages so the blacks are kind of gray.  Put some random folds in it.  Then, fold it properly, staple it, and mail it from your office to your home.  THEN it will give you that warm cozy feeling of the old Pagoda Notes!     Your dog is probably too smart to touch it.

[cth350]

If we're sticking with electronic delivery, how about going to color photos?  The PDFs look grand, but color would be wonderful.  Thx -CTH

[Benz Dr.]

Just a simple question. Why ask these questions here or put the poll here? Surely non members wouldn't be so interested and might well vote when their input isn't really needed.
 Just a question - doesn't matter to me.

[rmmchl]

how do I get to the notes?-I can't find where to download them

[66andBlue]

Hi,
take a close look at Peter's post again - the first one in this thread.
He wrote:
Now, for the first time, you can download a US LTR size or A4 size copy of Pagoda Notes. You can download your copy here, but remember, you must be a Full Member of the group, and logged in.

Do you see that "here" is underlined?  Click on it and the link will get you there, but make sure you are logged in!

[Jim Donati]

This is great. The quality of the newsletter is much improved,   It can be viewed on the computer, smartphone or iPad.  If one chooses, it can be printed and read like before, only to be degraded once printed on substandard printers. 

I vote for full color pictures as suggested by another member.

In fact, I believe you may even be able to to include  embedded hyperlinks in the PDF that may prove to be very helpful to link articles directly to the technical manual, an Internet page or ?

Jim

[Peter van Es]

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/PagodaNotes

[mdsalemi]

If we're sticking with electronic delivery, how about going to color photos?  The PDFs look grand, but color would be wonderful.  Thx -CTH

The color photos SHOULD actually be easier for the editor.  Converting color to B&W properly (as opposed to simple means) is a several step task; leaving the photos in color is easier.

[Jonny B]

To clarify a couple of points.

The reasons why we published PNotes in black and white -
1. Cost
2. Generally smaller file size to send for printing
3. To maintain a distinction between PWorld

It is no big deal at all to convert from color to B&W using Pages (Mac).

However, still a good suggestion, I will be following up with the board.

[mdsalemi]

It is no big deal at all to convert from color to B&W using Pages (Mac).

It isn't the conversion itself, it is the conversion done properly, and it is a big deal (in my opinion).  The easiest of course, is the one button method which generally leaves flat and dull images.  For one-button ease, Photoshop has it; Photoshop Elements has it; Pages has it, and probably many other photo programs do too.  Most digital photographers and digital imaging specialists will concur that the one-button methods leave much to be desired.  Any good book on the software will have many methods improving on the one-button.  Pro digital photographer Ken Rockwell explains what I mean with examples:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/photoshop/b-w.htm

There are special programs and filters you can use and buy to improve the process, too--some costing more than the original software(s).

So, for Pagoda Notes, leaving things in color is easier and better (assuming you are starting with color images in the first place!)  I'm all for PDF delivery and color if that's what you are starting with.  With over 95% voting in favor of PDF delivery, I assume it is a given!