Customer Reviews

Web Design & Desktop Publishing for Dummies

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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I'm actually going to purchase the book now, having already read the book. I checked out 10 books on desktop publishing at my local library and narrowed the field down to the three I thought were best in providing concise, valuable information. Two of the three were written by Roger Parker, and the Dummies book seemed written for a person who needs valuable information fast. I own my own small business and this book fit my needs the best.

Some folks might like it, but I've always been put off by the Dummies series' attempts to force sophomoric humor into serious computer books. So I alsmost didn't buy this one, but Parker's reputation as a solid straightforward writer made me take the chance. There's not one drop of cutesy humor; instead, there is a wealth of information that is immediately useable. Parker writes as if you're sitting across a design table from him and he's showing you how to create design magic all by yourself.

Other reviewers have offered high praise for this book, and I strongly agree with them. However, I feel obliged to offer a few counterpoints, since most readers will purchase this book sight unseen.

Roger C. Parker is a recognized expert in his field, and this book exemplifies his experience as if it were his portfolio and resume. From lessons on defining your message to practical tips on layout and the proper uses of color and type, most readers will certainly find some helpful bit of advice in this book. BUT IT ISN'T ABOUT WEB DESIGN!

This book contains no code, NONE, not one tag. Though there are good illustrations explaining the usefulness of tables and frames, for example, this book will not give you even the slightest hint as to how to create these elements on a page. The same can also be said of graphics. (However, the book does provide excellent insight into the subliminal impact of perforations, folds, and paper texture). And while technology marches on, this book has not - it remains a relic from the age of 28.8K modems.

So let us appreciate this book for what it is, a fantastic book on the fundamentals of graphic design. But readers might be better served by Parker's master work "Looking Good in Print" (ISBN 1566048567); its lessons apply just as well to PowerPoint and the World Wide Web. Fans of this series who actually want to make web sites might also consider "Web Design for Dummies"... it's about web design.

Today, I received my copy of this amazingly simple but thorough treatment of web design and desktop publishing. I'm a freelance writer and need to ramp up my tech skills. This book is launching me ahead at incredible speed with its simple advice. Roger Parker writes like the mentor you've always wanted. I will order more of his books because he makes good sense and doesn't sound techno-crazy. Every freelancer needs this book just to keep up.