Adobe - Golden Key to the Kingdom
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- Empowermom
- Hero Rocketeer
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I'm a little fish in a big ocean when it comes to design because I'm self taught. I grew up in the Jetson era when our modern conveniences were science fiction to the masses rather than reality. I have an insatiable desire to know everything techno. I know I'll never attain that goal, but the adventure of learning is the fun of it all, so I enjoy the rides into the vast unknown.
I've spent decades getting my hands on every piece of code and software I could afford, collecting books, tutorials, even reading the books of friends taking courses in colleges. I pick their brains and we learn from each other. Talking to me is like talking to a tech magazine (so I've been told) and unless you're into what we are doing, you are bored stiff and looking for an exit in less than a minute (tops).
But oh my friends, did I find a gold mine this week. I've been lusting, drooling, wishing and hoping I could (some day) afford to get my hands on more than one or two components of Adobe just to "see" what it's capable of. I've used numerous software packages trying to duplicate the functions necessary to compete. In a few words, "You just can't touch that!"
Lacking $2,600 or more to get what I wanted, I resigned myself to find workarounds for the few who insisted it was the only way to go. Well I got that chance recently. But, being a miserly sort, I was bound and determined to make my money work for me and select only those elements I "needed" and save the "toys" for later. I found this decision almost painful as I viewed all the tutorials on each and every product they offered.
Lo and behold, the Holy Grail was sent from above for us mere mortals to play with!
Adobe has a new program for us poor folks! You can't finance their software. But now, you can have it ALL... yes... ALL of Adobe for $49.00 a month. Holy Moly, Batman! And it gets better. You can pay monthly! No "annual" payment. There is a commitment for a year to get that price, but who of us wouldn't find a way to pay? I know I can. A couple logos and a themepack covers the cost. And if I have Adobe.... OMG! I can't tell you the creative tools that will make my graphics zing now. Not to mention, you get every plug-in, auto updating... and much more. (Taking a deep breath... I'm so excited I'm hyperventilating!)
So, if you don't see me around for a while, I'm off on a new learning curve. I got the whole ball of wax and I'm in tutorial land (PLUS FREE training....) It just don't get none better! (I'm swooning as I speak!) And did I mention... you can use it on TWO computers LEGALLY! ... and 20 gig of space to collaborate in... unlimited bandwith... supports 5 sites.... WOW!
I dare any of you who have been lusting over Adobe to try it out. This is not an affiliate link and I'm not a partner (yet).... but think about it... all of Adobe at your fingertips.... ohhhhh, the possibilities....
Gotta' run now, I'm swooning again. I just hit designer's heaven and life is SWEET!
Did I mention it even has a Joomla plug-in? ***splat!***
Note: Sorry. Empowermom just fainted. This is her daughter. I think she wants to share this.
www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud.html?promoid=JQPEQ
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- Henning
- Preeminent Rocketeer
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see also
designshack.net/articles/software/adobe-...oftware-a-good-idea/
A little warning to those who still have a lot of Macromedia FreeHand files.
Illustrator can't open those anymore. You only have the newest version.
Illustrator 5.5 opened them quite good. Illustrator 6 can't do that.
Once you singed that cloud deal you don't have licences anymore.
If you stop the cloud deal you loose everything.
Also note that not every Adobe update was worth paying for it. Almost all ".5" CS updates like 5.5 were a bad joke and many designers skipped that (and bought it in the grace period for CS6).
So you have to consider some things – right now I can only recommend the cloud 100% for starters that don't have the money to go for the box-versions and to users that really need many of those applications.
Don't think that Adobe invented the cloud deal just for the good of mankind.
One could think the cloud deal is a way to force users to "buy updates"
and the future will tell if Adobe will keep the cloud price stable ...
P.S.: I'm a Adobe user since Photoshop 1.0
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- Sarrene' Grant
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Hello Empowermom, long time no talk! I hope you are doing well.
My thoughts on this is kind of mixed. I think it is a great idea for those just starting out, or need the software "right now". However, as in the article I agree 100% with the long term cost verses rewards. I have been using photoshop since 1.0 as well just like henning, and correl for as long if not longer. I remember getting my first CS when it came out as well. It was well worth the cost.
I am however, very bad with getting my updates on a regular basis. Mostly because of the notation that henning mentioned about older files not being able to be opened with the newer versions. Because of this, I have both cs3 and cs4 installed. Sadly, I did not get cs5 because of some of the changes, and in a lot of ways wish I had waited for cs3 (Adobes so called Targa "fix" was a bust in cs2, and worse that our older targa format files would not work with cs4.) Since I still use tga's quite often in GUI design, I really like and need that true transparency in the layered versions. Another reason why I have both cs3 and 4 installed. You cannot do this with the 'cloud'.
Over all, I think If you can find a way to get a nice CS suite (I have a habit of getting the masters collection) that is your best route. There are some companies out there that can set up pricing for you, help with financing or other options. In the end.. after a year or so, you have the full copy of the program(s) and will not loose anything if you decide to not upgrade, or in this case stop your yearly subscription. Even the older ones can and do work. As I said, I have both cs3 and cs4 installed for both have different pros and cons.
I had gone with CDW, since they have good support and can help you get what you need. The people there are really great, and the deals are even better, especially if you have a business account (you need to have a registered buisiness, ie: tax id or EIN). - Feel free to contact me via messenger. I am always willing to help out when I can.
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- Empowermom
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I think you may want to check that Henning. I talked to them about that. The new install (according to the gentleman I spoke with both pre/post sales) will not affect other/older products as long as you don't install over them.
And naughty me! I forgot the one caveat I should have stated. I am totally prejudiced and biased on this matter and I am a total Newbie on 13 of the 17 products I now have at my disposal. That being stated, read the tech specs, installation instructions and warnings on ANY product before you invest. This is a purely personal dream of mine... to know all things Adobe.
I am not saying "swtich" from all the products that you know, use and love. This is just the "icing on the cake" for me. It will take me months to absorb all of it. But "I" will because I'm a nut about creating things all things web and I like the adventure of learning.
Couple that with the fact we have posts upon posts from those just wanting Fireworks, and for whatever reason, don't want to spend the cash to get it/learn it. Here's an opportunity to know ALL things Adobe. Check out what the competition is using.... and a hundred other reasons I can think of as a dedicated designer who wants to be on her A-game at all times.
I am speaking to the others out there who have dreamed about having this opportunity but couldn't afford the costs. In the past, you could easily invest $2700.00 for the software PLUS plugins and add-ons. The free trial only wets your lips when you are parched for more. Many want the training that comes with the registered software. That's worth it's weight in gold when a Master's Degree starts at $48K per QUARTER now. And when you get out, you've been "exposed" to all the tools, but you haven't been "trained" on them.
I know my son-in-law is over the moon about this. He's about to start on his Masters and wants a competitive edge to get that scholarship/grant money WE need him to obtain so he can get where he's going. Couple that with a daughter seeking the same degree. Ouch!
So let's go with that. Hmmmm.... $600 for a year's commitment of everything there is.
What does that cover? Hmmmm. over $3000 software, no limited licenses or trials, install on 2 computers, auto upgrades, training, marketing analysis tools, SEO optimization training, access to all plugins/add-ons AND at a MONTHLY price (unheard of until now) PLUS we are the first to receive all new products to test. Yearly upgrades on their products alone could exceed this cost.
For those of us who couldn't afford that investment, this is a cherry deal. For the initial investment, I can keep this service for 5 years and not have to worry about upgrades? PLUS they host 5 sites with 20 Gig storage and unlimited bandwith? Can you say "hosting"? Guaranteed uptime.
Hmmmm..... the Adobe Hand is outweighing NOT trying it for a year before I invest. I'll just increase my knowledge base, which increases my skills, which make me more marketable. Seems like a win/win for the newbies who are just starting or those of us who were too poor to get it.
I will keep what works for me regarding other products. I still use my favorite PaintShopPro, and every product Xara ever put out. As well as many others as modules to "my" arsenal of tools... but NOW?
I can sample the candy and see if I like it. It may be too strong for me or maybe not enough. This way I'll find out without breaking the bank. I'll also find out if I have been wasting money on my tools of the trade (all costs combined), which cost more than Adobe in the long run to maintain, convert and otherwise "settle" for less than Adobe can offer plus keep those upgrades coming.
Will Adobe profit on my desire? Of course. Will this trend continue? I don't know. But during this Beta, I'd rather spend $600 on self-improvement than $3k. There's really no risk (for me "personally" to avoid debate). So I signed up. It gives me a taste of the cloud environment as well. While I understand it, I won't market it until I have a full scope of what I'm doing. This is another hot topic of debate amongst the best of professionals and one which I am watching, learning and monitoring intently. Now I have the added benefit of "experience" with it.
Of course Adobe will profit. I could too in the long run. They offer a profit stream as an incentive (if you so choose to do so). They get what they want, I get what I want... affordability and, IF it's good enough to pass my strict standards, I'll sell it. IF NOT, I can caution others with an example of why it isn't such a good deal.
For now, I'm happy to have the opportunity to learn about it first hand. It makes me a better designer... whether or not I use it. At least now I can support a decent conversation on the subject if I know the material. Even better, I won't feel "left out" when others go into Adobe Speak.
So here, I say again, this is just little ole' me, a kid in a candy store I never thought I'd be able to enter. Now, instead of others "telling" me how great it is (for me), I can judge for myself. Who could possibly learn all this in 30 days? Not me... so my trial is extended now and I'm pleased as punch. I consider this venture a CLE (Continued Learning Experience).
Thank you for the warnings... as I said, I've only dabbled with a couple of these programs. But here's my philosophy: If major movie houses and broadcasting companies are using it, I want to play with their toys. Maybe some day it will pay off. And if it doesn't I'll be the first to say, "Failure was never an option because I've learned something and I'm worth it."
This is one adventure I can't pass up. And now, I will reveal my nefarious motives for this venture.
Today, for the very first time, I have the latest Fireworks (full version) to play with RT templates to my heart's abandon. Now THAT is a true dream come true. And if I study hard, I might just become as smart as you before I die.... except you'll always be one step ahead of me, darn it!
Excuse my excitement today. I should have been more cautious about this. Most humble apologies if I misdirected any innocents.
... I'm done. No more posts, but I sure would welcome the opinions of others, both experienced and not.
Have a safe and marvelous day today,
Carol
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- Empowermom
- Hero Rocketeer
- Posts: 476
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- P.S. You can convert to boxed version at any time for any product IF you want it. Until you take that step, you will get full downloads of full version to two computers and it's all auto updated. You can cancel any time after one year with no obligation. After 30 days, you would be prorated for the time you used up to 50% of the 12 month membership. Most you can spend is $300 on try before you buy up to six months. Recommend reading the fine print before you sign up.
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