chuq@plaid.UUCP (09/17/87)
And so it was suggested...
If you are desktop publisher then you shouldn't be without the "Pocket
Pal" published by International Paper Company. This inexpensive (under
$10) guide first appeared in 1934 to aid pressmen and those in the
printing industry. The most recent edition covers almost all aspects of
commercial printing. The books also presents a very nice historical
overview of printing and of inks. From copy/prep, typographic imaging
to plate making, graphics arts and printing - this guide serves as an
excellent resource. If you plan on seriously getting into desktop
publishing you might consider it prudent to become familiar with the
industry responsible for taking your personal computers output and
making it look nice on paper. Also - say you are asked to prepare 5000
copies of a 16 pages newsletter you will produce on your PC, MAC, or
Sun. Are you going to let your printer buy your papers? Ouch! That'll
cost a lot. How about buying it straight from the paper company --
they'll sell to anyone with a check and a signature. The "Pocket Pal"
tells me that one 35x45 inch sheet of paper will provide 16 pages of
8.5x11 (sure you could have figured that out in your head - but can you
compare text and cover stock weights?). The point is - there are lots
of nice tables. Printing is very expensive. A knowledgeable consumer
gets a better deal and, often, a better product.
Have you heard about Brown's Index (ISBN 0 946824 00 2). This $14.95
book provides information about Photocomposition typography. As the
cover says - its a compendium of terminologies, procedures and
constraints for the guidance of designers, editors and publisher.
$14.95 - it makes sense to buy it if you want to know all about the
fonts and characteristics of Merganthalers, Varitypers, Iteks, and
Compugraphics. I consider this a valuable resource when I'm detailing
the specifics of a PostScript L100 or 300 versus some of the more
traditional machines and their front-ends.
Lastly - for you Ventura users there's "Inside Xerox Ventura Publisher"
by James Cavuoto and Jesse Berst. Published by Micro Publishing and New
Riders Publishing (everybody and there brother is becoming a
typesetter, printer, distributor...) this $19.95 book is a godsend to
Ventura users. It's packed with insightful chapters filled with
suggestions, techniques, examples. If you use Ventura buy this book. If
you don't use Ventura then buy the book and then you'll want to buy
Ventura (PageMaker, Quark, RSG, et al. users forgive me...). ISBN
0-9340350-13-X.
One note - the last book, "Inside Ventura...", was produced using the
product and output to a Laserwriter. Bad choice. 300dpi is great for
lots of things - one's decision to use 300dpi should be based upon
audience AND paper. 300dpi on newsprint works like peanut butter and
jelly, bees and honey, etc. But put it on glossy paper for a magazine
and Mein Gott! Other than that - that books a winner!
David Geller
Electric Logic, Inc./UNIX & C Consulting
The Press Corps/Electronic typesetting and publishing
Washington, D.C.
P.S. I'll prepare a PostScript ready table of printed resources as well
as one in tbl form and send it to the net in a bit. Also - A review
of the new NEC LC-890 will be written this evening and sent to this group
and comp.laser-whatever tonight. (Great printer!)
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Chuq Von Rospach chuq@sun.COM Delphi: CHUQ
We live and learn, but not the wiser grow -- John Pomfret (1667-1703)