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December 2003 Table of Contents
Tech Talk
By Brad Herring
Welcome back! This month we are going to continue our review of software with a look at NetObjects Fusion and Final Draft 6.0.
NETOBJECTS FUSION - Looking for web presence but can't find a webmaster?
Look no further. NetObjects MX is a great tool for building and managing simple websites. If you can use a word processor, you can build a website with this WYSIWYG interface.
While not the strongest web building tool on the market today, it sure is easy for a novice or non-programmer type to get a decent looking site up on the web. Text, graphics, and site layout are easy to manipulate. Once you are finished you simply click the "PUBLISH WEBSITE" button and away it goes.
I use this program for sites that I must maintain constantly. It makes it very easy to modify a page quickly (i.e.: upcoming events, streaming audio/video pages, newsletters, and the such). It's also easy to maintain multiple sites - a great solution if larger ministries have their own page for their outreach.
If you are a programmer-type, you might get frustrated over the simplicity. It is possible to add code, but it is difficult to do so. The program has certain tags that must be worked around and your code must go before, in between, or after. So while it's a little annoying that you don't have full HTML control, it is possible to add code. For me, I build all of my basic pages in NetObjects, and my custom pages are built to match in other programs that allow me to manipulate code. I simply add the file as an asset and link to it from within NetObjects. It's actually a very simple solution and keeps the majority of my page design easy and quick.
The greatest thing about NetObjects is that you can simply drag pictures and text to where you want it to be. All of the formatting is done behind the scenes automatically. Really nice. This allows you to be more creative and less technical.
As with almost all software, there is a learning curve. The novice user should be able to find themselves building very simple pages quickly. The more advanced features will come with time, but once you learn them you will see how simple they are. There is also a host of plug-ins available for the software as well. Therefore, it is not necessary to re-invent the wheel every time you want a special feature. These plug-ins are generally inexpensive and easy to install.
Expect to pay $140 - $150 for the first program with future upgrades being about half that cost. For more information, visit the website at www.netobjects.com .
Final Draft 6.0 - Is there a scriptwriter inside you?
If you are working with drama or multi-media and find yourself often times writing scripts, this is a program you simply have to check out. Gone are the days of clumsy word processors, annoying templates, and macros. Step into the world of Final Draft. We use Final Draft for all of our multi-media scripts. Since we began using the product, it takes us about half the time to write a script.
Final Draft allows you to pick the format you want to use and it takes care of the rest. No longer is it necessary to keep crossing technical writing and artistic writing boundaries. With Final Draft, you simply write creatively. It takes care of the rest.
With it's onboard tools you'll be able to navigate through thousands of character names, easily rename a character through the entire script, get up to the minute scene information, and more. You can even find out how often one character interacts with another and the percentage of lines any specific character has.
If you are into computer voices, you'll be happy to hear the many different computer voices included with Final Draft. Assign a voice to a character and the computer will read your script! Now, don't expect an Emmy Award Winning performance, but it's enough to let you shut your eyes and hear a piece or two. You'll either love it or hate it.
A simple push of the TAB key navigates you through CHARACTER, LOCATION, PARENTHETICAL, and DIALOUGE. This program really takes the work out of writing.
It will also allow you to write treatments and concepts as well as scripts. Multiple users can work on a script at once (even collaboratively over the internet). Comments can be placed within the document for writers to communicate with each other as well. This is ideal if you have an entire team of writers.
Perhaps the best news is that the great people at Final Draft make this program for both the Mac and the PC. So regardless of your platform preference, you'll be able to work with this tool. Not only that - the scripts are completely compatible between the two platforms. I can even work on a script on my Mac while you work on the same script at the same time on your PC. Isn't technology great?
Final Draft sells for $199 on their website (www.finaldraft.com) There is also a version for AV format if that is your preference. Their website gives you a full walk through of the product and you can even download a fully working demo (you just can't save or print).
If you write scripts - this is a program you MUST checkout.
As always, for more information and other timely reviews visit us online at: www.churchproductionresources.com
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