Customer Reviews

Sams Teach Yourself Macromedia Flash 8 in 24 Hours

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I probably have a different background than most readers of this book, because I'm a professional web developer. However, on-line banking doesn't require Flash, so I had never developed with it. But now I want to write some web games, and this book gave me all of the groundwork I needed to start working in Flash.

The learning curve for Flash's design tools was the toughest part for me, and the start of this book covers it perfectly. I understood the timeline, layers, keyframes, and all the rest through his clear explanations. The Flash interface is definitely unique, so the explanations made a lot of things clear that otherwise would not have been.

The programming side of Flash seems to give many people trouble, but that was the easiest for me. Either way, his chapters about Actionscript are clear, simple but not simple-minded, and paced properly.

On top of all that, he answers his e-mail promptly.

This is my first review of any book. I felt strongly enough about this book to write up a quick review.

I'm a software developer by trade, not really a web developer (so far). I've started down the Flash road a couple of times and have never really done anything with it. Until now. My customer had a need for a flash movie clip so I bought Phillip's book after reading the reviews and they are right on.

I does take a bit more than 24 hours and I'm only on hour 15, but I'm comfortable enough to get done what I need to. This is a great book to get the basics down as well as learn a few of the millions of tricks you can do with Flash. Very well structured - logical and clear, at least to me.

Flash is a very complex program and complex to navigate if you've never seen it before. Phillip does an outstanding job all the way around.

Also, I had a question after publishing my moving and Phillip returned the email within 30 minutes. Awesome!

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.

I got this book in spite of the "...in 24 Hours" claim in its title... I just hate gimmicks. I'm very glad that I got over my distaste, because the first chapters were the most instructive introductory chapters that I have ever read and the rest of the book did not disappoint either.

Flash is unlike any other media creation tool and it requires a re-education that many content developers find challenging--much like an airplane pilot learning to fly a helicopter. What makes Flash in 24 Hours so special is that it not only teaches you how to use the software, but it also succeeds in teaching you "The Flash Way". You will find multiple "A-HA" moments where you'll set the book a side to extend on an example you just read.

If you are like me, you will be so caught up in the feeling of quick success that this book gives you that you will be tempted to complete the entire 24-hour process in one sitting.

This is the first book that I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn, and understand, Flash.

One warning though:

This book is not very deep. It touches on Action Script and some of the more advanced corners of Flash, but it will not help you build the next online store application or the next Home Star Runner web site. It's an introductory book that should be purchased along with a more specialized book that covers the particular needs that lead you to Flash in the first place.

This was the first book I purchased on Flash, and was my first time attempting to learn Flash. Right out of the gate, author Phillip Kerman has you building an animation that you can test and see for yourself! He goes to great lenghts to keep the 'tech-talk' and computer savy lingo to a minimum, which is a huge plus for those who don't consider themselves up to date on all things computers! He treats you like a first timer and tries to explain things on an elementary level, without giving too much detail or background to confuse you. His 'Try-It-Yourself' sections often leave room for you to customize them or try different angles. Some parts of this book seem complicated, such as the ActionScript language, which allows Flash its functionality characteristics, but a simple re-read of brief sections upon completion were almost always enough to grasp the concepts!
I would recommend this book for anyone who doesn't know anything about Flash, and wants to learn.

But, be SURE to take the authors advice in the beginning of the book and leave everything you ever knew about creating digital graphics at the doorstep. Trust me....you'll be glad you did!

Look no further, this book is great!
I had 0 experience in Flash before picking up this book. I just finished it and have gained a lot of knowledge. After finishing it, I wanted more. Phillip does a great job of making the reader excited about Flash. As you do tasks, you have a feeling of accomplishment because you're actually creating things, neat things.
He does a great job communicating to the reader step by step. It's so easy to follow what he's explaining and teaching.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested or just starting out with Flash 8. You'll get a complete understanding of the basics and you too will be wanting more!

I have always wanted to get into Flash but never found the time. Well after seeing a demo of Flash 8 I knew I had to include it into my production skills. At the time this was one of the only books available. I sat down and did all the lessons and was amazed at how easy the author explains it all! Great tutorials and little tests at the end! If your just starting out in Flash I highly recommend this book!

I am a self-taught novice graphic/web designer and I bought this book hoping to be able to incorperate some flash into my works. I downloaded the free 30 day trial of Flash 8 Pro and started working on this book. It worked like a charm. I am half way through the book and I already feel that I have a decent amount of knowledge in Flash.

Pros: The cost is obviously the first reason to buy this book. Significantly cheaper than all the other flash guides. The lessons are well layed out and cover all of the features of flash (or at least the half of the book that I have read so far). Could very easily be the only book you need to learn Flash.

Cons: Very few pictures, though that may be a personal preference. B&W images sometimes are confusing when dealing with color specific content.

As a 13-yr-old, homeschooled beginner in Flash, I enjoyed this book very much because of its clarity. I learned a lot of things that other authors didn't say anything about. If you are thinking of buying Flash 8 by Phillip Kerman I highly recommend it. It's a great book for beginners and experts alike. If you're looking for a book about Actionscript though, this is not the one. Yes, it covers the fundamentals of Actionscript, but it teaches you mostly about animating, drawing, layers, the library of Flash, etc.. Sams Publishing is also a great company, and you should not have any doubt about purchasing a book published by them. My rating for "Sams Teach Your Self Flash 8 in Twenty-Four Hours by Phillip Kerman" is too low: I wish there was something higher than five stars.

I'm a techie not a programmer by trade and I wanted to spice up my company web site, so what the hey lets get some flash on it, <G>..........
I waded thru a couple of other books and didn't feel I was getting a handle on the technology, After the first 2 chapters of Phillips book I felt that on was on the right track. I like to learn thru concrete examples and this book excels at that. You work thru progressively more difficult tasks and in the process gain a solid understanding of the technology. Very nicely done and I recommend this book highly.

Phillip's book is perfect for new Flash users, like myself. The examples and exercises walk you through processes with step by step easy to follow directions.

When I found myself in a jam, I e-mailed Phillip to ask him a couple of questions. Not only did he write back to me, he took the time to make sure that I understood what was causing the problem and how to fix it.

This is a great book by a fantastic teacher.I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about Flash.