Flash

I bought this book figuring it would teach me a few design tricks, but I did not hold out much hope for more then that. I had bought a couple other FX and Design books and that is about all they were good for. Man, was I surprised!!

This book is PACKED full of subtle but incredibly important lessons about the in's and out's of Flash, especially the in's and out's of ActionScripting.

I have been trying to learn ActionScripting for a few months. I used to be a bookkeeper but have a disability now that prevents me from sitting so I am pretty much housebound. Every mishap has it's silver lining and advanced ActionScripting is mine. The first time I looked at a script from 'Flash Math Creativity' it made me drool. I had never dreamed there could be such a thing as scripting mixed with web design mixed with math mixed with so many other parts of the brain.

I took a Javascript class a few years ago and loved it so I suppose it is not surprising I love ActionScript but I could not get my head around the basics. I am surrounded by books on ActionScripting and Javascript and HTML/DHTML, etc, Some really good ones too. It wasn't until I read the first ten pages of this book that I started understanding. I actually learned how to use databases with Flash using Arrays! In the first ten pages!

If there is that much to learn in the first ten pages, can you imagine how much there is in the rest of the book? Well, it is a lot. If you are a beginner, if you are intermediate, if you are an advanced user, if you use Flash 5 or if you use Flash MX, GET THIS BOOK!

Phew, I can't believe I got so emotional over a book. Good luck with your future and happy scripting,
Leslie

I have read several books on Web design and also read Macromedia's Flash tutorials online. However, I found this book by Bill Sanders to be the most wonderful of all, because it guides me step by step through the essential commands. I found I understand how to do tweening so much better, understand the minute but essential details on creating a motion guide for a layer, and the explanation and project (example) on masking makes me understand the various layers to get special "spot-light" beam effect.

I feel I need to write this review because this book has helped me so much. I wish to congratulate Bill Sanders and the editorial team for a great job done! Thank you.

I like the way this book moves through Flash. The author speaks with a quite authority and spells out what I needed to know to get Flash 5 working for me. I'm a designer; so I don't need an art lesson, and I didn't get one. Instead I learned how to use all the tools in Flash to do my kind of art and design. This is not a baby level book--plenty of those are around. It's not a "guru" talking down to me either. This guy seems to know what designers want to get out of Flash 5, and he gives it to them. I really appreciated the chapters on animation concepts. It nicely ties in traditional animation with Flash and provides several good clear examples but all of the pieces there. I finally(!) found a good clear explanation of how to move an object along a path. Also, as a nice touch for anyone in design, the author provides a color palette for all of the projects giving the RGB values to plug in. This helped me learn how to use both the details of the color tools in Flash 5. (The color section in the middle of the book helps in seeing how to create your own color palette using the Mixer and Swatches panel.)

Another area that gave me fits with Flash 4 was masking. It's not that difficult with Flash, but the author walked me through it in a way that I finally got it. It's full of those kinds of "oh now I get it" insights. The sound chapter not only shows how to bring in differnt types of sound, but where to get sound and how to coordinate sound with animated movement. I really liked the sound chapter and the "music video" example and the explanation of how to stop and start sound in Flash.

The chapter on movie editing and navigation was ok and a good review of navigation in Flash was there, but it was just a little simple. But the ActionScript chapter is the best I've ever seen. I started to learn ActionScript in Flash 4, but I'm glad I didn't. Flash 5 ActionScript is lot different and IMHO is a lot easier to learn--especially the path system. (I like the dot syntax way better than the slash syntax.) Also, the author shows how to move MCs without using Tell Target. He used the dot syntax.

I don't use QuickTime so I more or less skipped that chapter, but the last chapter was the best I've seen on using Generator 2 and external files. I wish the book had more on the different types of Generator 2 objects, but I can create pie charts like a pro (if you want a pie chart). Using external files with loadVariablesNum() and loadVariables() is very interesting, and I learned how to do it, but I need to learn a lot more about it. It gets pretty advanced in the last chapter, but it was clear enough so that I didn't feel lost.

It's a nice book to have around. The index is fine and both loadVariables() and loadVariablesNum() are indexed --I think that other reviewer got his books confused-- and so it's great for looking up different techniques. So if you want a book to see how to develop professional quality (or just really good amateur quality) Flash 5 movies, I think you'll like this a lot. I know I did.

Flash MX Application & Interface Design explores advanced flash navigations built with Flash MX. The first chapter of the book details everything you'd ever want or need to know about pre-loading. The last chapter contains some handy tips for dealing with Flash video. The meat of the book covers advanced navigations built with flash-sometimes so advanced it borders on useless. However, the value is not so much in what the authors built using Flash, but how they built it using actionscript.

Some authors from the book obviously assume their readers possess expert-level knowledge of OOP, classes, inheritance, and creating objects. As I waded through a couple of scripts, I felt as if the authors expected a certain level of familiarity with OOP from me. In addition, the examples in the book are quite complex. If a reader wishes to take the examples and use the lessons found within them, he or she will either need extraordinary persistence or advanced scripting skills.

Nevertheless, the book contains a wealth of code for the advanced scripter; enough to keep an enthusiastic reader busy for many weeks. The book also showcased the drawing API through several chapters and gives great coverage of creating text fields in Flash MX. I enjoyed the varied perspectives offered by the different authors, particularly the chapter related to using an XML document to populate an interface/navigation.

i haven't seen a single book that sells the role flash mx should play in interface design and applications development as this one.

a definite must have for every designer/developer.

note: if you don't even read it... display it proudly on your shelf.

At first I have to admit when I seen this title, I thought hmmmm a book about flash and designing, can't be too interesting, but after reading it and lookinig at the case studies, I quickly changed my mind. I have to say this is one amazing book. If your a flash designer, then this book is a must! It has case studies from preloaders (ah you say whats the big deal with that?) believe me, just the prloaders alone are worth the price of the book, then it goes into how to make a website that is not just appealing visually but some totally amazing coding to go with it, then it goes into projects like the totally insane family tree (I have yet to see anything coded or visually appealing as this project is, you have to see this one to believe it), then how to use xml to create an insane directory (or it can be used as a menu) then comes php (Ok this is where it starts to go into orbit, a full website thats easy to navigate and extremly eye appealing). You want stickiness? check out the growing plant case study. Unbelievable project! then also theres the t-shirt designing art program (which can be converted into an online art program for various purposes) and also the use of video (now this is not just a normal video case study) on the side it shows you what steps a karate guy is making top view in graphics as the karate guy does his moves (one great how to do karate tutorial for online) which can also be converted into other things as well. So there you have it a book jammed packed full of totally insane case studies. Some have surpassed anything Ive seen yet! I was thikning of giving this book a 4 star rating when I got about halfway through it, I have no choice but to give it a 5 star rating, it's just way to good not too.
If your a flash designer or just a flash programmer, you need this book!

Has sufficent depth in important new areas; such as actionscript, components, video and jpg pixs. The actionscript section has four chapters and 240 ppgs, about one quarter of the book. There are two comprehensive projects at the end of the book where you can integrate all that you have learned, at a beginner and intermediate level (actionscript). The final chapter covers 70 pages.

The CD has QuickTime5 videos for visually describing subjects using Flash MX. These videos are large near full-screen sized and are competently produced. The videos cover the subject, but don't repeat what is in the text. The CD also contains a 30day eval version, along with QT5 Player, eval Sorenson Squeeze for videos, and Flash Shockwave 6 MX Player plug-in.

The subjects are illustrated well with diagrams and illustrations. There are 16 pgs of color plates at the back. This book provides a very good value; I read it at the local library. Minor errata is at the author's website and you can email him at derek at derekfranklin dot com. Three appendices are wisely on the CD; keyboard shortcuts, resources, and third-party SW.

As an intermediate Flash programmer, and one who does not find it easy to learn solely by reading a book, I found this book extremely helpful and easy to understand. I am a 'hands on' person, and learn better thru exercises and simplified instruction, (i.e. "click THIS, then click THAT."). This book offers that type of instruction, yet the subject matter is deep enough to be helpful to any Flash animator. From simple animations to indepth interactivity, this book is excellent and well worth the price.

This book is a good book for those of you who are just starting out with Flash or Upgrading to Flash MX. It is a good starter and dives a little bit into ActionScript. Goes good with ActionScript by Derek Franklin.

Apparently I'm in the minority, but I found this book to be disappointing. The examples are somewhat cryptic in that they tell you what to do, but not necessarily why you're doing it. Once specific example left out a very critical "gotcha" that took me half a day to figure out. Another issue is that sometimes Mac keyboard shortcuts are cited in the examples, with no indication of what the PC equivalent is.

Surely there must be better Flash books out there.

Everything is here! Drawing techniques, button informations, keyboard shortcuts (a real time-saver), even basic actionscript (with an example that might be useful for some people), optimization. I wish went more in depth into sound, but there are other books for that. I perfect beginner's guide made by a mom and her son! 5 STARS!

It is a good book for sb who want to master Flash.

This graphic novel is a reprint, in a book form, of the FLASH #170-176 (2001). In this story, Wally West, the Flash, is shocked to find that some strange cult is tracking all of the people that he has ever rescued, and is killing them! When Magenta (aka Frankie Kane), one of Wally's old flames, turns up, it is only the first in a line of Wally's old indiscretions turning up to haunt him. There's a cult out there that loves the Flash...and wants him dead!

In reality this book contains two stories - or perhaps one and a half. The second story grows out of the first, pitting Magenta and several other Flash baddies against him. When Wally's old girl friend Julie Jackam is murdered by Cicada's cult, questions begin to arise as to who the father of her baby is, especially now that he is beginning to manifest superhuman powers. This is not a good day for Wally.

This is a pretty good graphic novel. Flash's battle with Cicada's cult is fascinating, and how he pulls off his victory is great! When the story continues with Magenta and her cohorts (who were not in the first part of the book), it becomes much less clear, and the story doesn't really seem to have an ending at all. But, that said, I did enjoy this book, and recommend it to all Flash fans.

I've been a flash fan for years, and Geoff Johns has turned his world upside down (in a good way). Once you start reading this book, you'll never want to put it down.

I was a huge fan of the work that Mark Waid had done on the FLASH title, and when I heard he was leaving the book, so did I. But I just kept hearing all of this stuff about what Geoff Johns (also the writer of JSA,) was doing in the Flash book and I got curious and tried this book.

Wow. I underestimated the work of Geoff Johns on Flash. I don't know why I did, but I did, and I was proven dead wrong. I hated the artist, Scott Kolins, as well when he took over from Paul Pelletier, whose work I thought was definitive for the title. Scott Kolins, however, has already taken Paul's place in my mind as definitive Flash artist.

BLOOD WILL RUN has a lot happening in it. New characters are introduced. Various ongoing plotlines are begun. Old characters are RE-introduced (Weather Wizard being the biggest.) But even Wally is different, and it's a welcome change. He seems so much more sure of himself and his role as the Flash, but I can't explain how. I can't put my finger on any of it. It's something you need to see for yourself. But the work of Johns (and I've read up through #187 now; this book collects #170-176 and the lead story to Secret Files #3,) is superior to Mark Waid's Flash work which rested almost its entire premise on Wally entering and re-entering the Speed Force, and Linda being his guiding force, and living up to the memory of Barry Allen. The book is now more focused on dynamic stories, great characterization, and living up to the memory of Barry Allen NOT by internal monologues, but by ACTIONS.

BLOOD WILL RUN is the best TPB I've read all year, and any Flash fan (but you don't have to be a Flash fan! It's still good!) would be a fool to pass it up.

I took a quick flip through and it looks good! Nice thick book, over 800 pages and it certainly covers a lot. I like the "Points to Remember" after each chapter. This is good for people like me who like to scan through information quickly. There's a whole chapter on video which is helpful. Part 4 - Extending Flash is of particular interest. It introduces Accessing External Data (XML, etc) and Advanced Communication (Flash Remoting, Flash Com Server). Part 5 gets into more advanced concepts like OOP, math, and manipulating 3D effects. This book even covers Developing for Pocket Devices. The writing style is clear and easy to understand. Included are icons along the side which point out tips, cautions, what's new in 2004, etc.
The companion site ...contains source files.

My first impression, this is a good book if you want to get up to speed with MX 2004 quickly. Congrats, nice job guys!

All readers will appreciate this clearly written, very detailed book on the latest version of flash. Great for those wanting to learn more about Flash's programming and backend capabilities. Especially handy were the sections on external data, skinning components and 3D.

Definitely a resource worth having!

Being a student in Spain, I found this book a great guide for anyone starting out with Flash. It was easy for me follow and understand (unlike some other flash books out there). Great tutorials, helpful tips and a quick point form reviews of each chapter. A book that answered all my question. Plus a web companion which was a big bonus!
....
Over all, an awsome book written in an English lanuage that anyone can understand. Looking forward to a future second edition.

Metsy Hingle has penned another well told story set in one of my personal favorite cities New Orleans. This story had it all suspense, interesting characters, and chemistry between not only the main characters but secondary characters as well.

What does the death of a Doctor that has had his medical license suspended, the death of a nun and one photographer have in common? A murder of course. Kelly Santos grew up without a family or a past that she can remember. She left New Orleans as soon as she graduated from high school and never planned on returning. This is until she get the call that Sister Grace has died and that she was left some of the old nuns treasured possessions. While in New Orleans she stops at a cafe and picks up an old paper. Kelly can see, and feel things and knows right away that the former owner of the newspaper has been murdered. She reports it to the local police and then waits for the fall out.

Jack Callaghan comes from a very wealthy New Orleans family but he loves his job as a police detective on the NOPD force. He pulls the case of the murdered doctor and is told that there was a witness that "saw" the crime and is given Kelly's hotel room number. Jack and his partner head over to the hotel and he is shocked that he remembers Kelly and hopes that she remembers him. Kelly touched him when she was younger and he has not forgotten her quite soft-spoken ways nor her haunted eyes. Kelly remembers Jack alright and knows that she can never be a part of his world. Jack has plans to change that but first he must keep Kelly safe from someone that means her harm and that someone turns out to be related to her. But how is that possible she grew up in an orphanage!

The chemistry between these two very different people was great and the suspense will keep you glued to the pages. You are truly in for a great read if you pick up this title.

The only weakness I found in this story was a small section about halfway through the book where the killer's identity became obvious. Had that paragraph been written a bit more subtly, and a few more red herrings thrown in, I would've been completely surprised and given the book 5 stars.

This was my first book by this author, and I've already ordered the rest of her stuff. I hope it's as good as this one.

I liked this book very much. The main characters were interesting and so was the plot. The whodunnit was not incredibly difficult to figure out but it was a fun ride. Included were 2 romances that the author introduced and developed fantastically. I truly enjoyed the subplots and feelings the characters expressed, and I highly recommend this book!

50 bucks for this, I wouldn't have paid 50 bucks for this if I would have known half the book isn't about Flash. I guess that's ok, because it teaches you to build a webisode from all aspects: graphics, sounds, distribution, and gif links. However, I don't have Acid, Fireworks, or the other programs mentioned. I liked the fact that the author gives you fast loading games (actionscrit) to play as your epic webisode is loading. Some nice touches. The cd is good, but for 50 dollars, I wish there were more about Flash.

I really like the fact that this book covers more than just one product. It covers ACID pretty well. some of the samples are funny. The cd-rom has plenty of software and samples (much better than most of the other computer books I've recently purchased). I really liked chapter 18. This is a good book if you have some time to really pick apart the samples. The first three chapters start off slow but the book really picks up the pace towards the end.

I really liked this book/cd-rom. This book not only gives you the nuts and bolts of how to make flash content, it also gives you some basic internet trend information ( how many narrowband users vs. broadband users...). This information helped me pitch my flash content to my department head! The cd-rom has some good samples and software. The loop section is very cool.

This book has plenty of errors. Page 80 says import to library streaming.fla (file provided on their website). FlashMX chokes.

I was hoping to pick up this book and write a crude web based non linear editor with FlashMX within a few hours, but this book is disjointed.

By the way, page 58, MPEG is Moving Pictures Expert Group.

Kristian and Hoss waste no time in their book, they get you and your film into Flash straight away - and show you how to control it.

Other MX books waste too much time explaining Scripting techniques, this one gets you going right from the start. All the Actionscript is in thier, as an when you need it & is explained from a real users point of view - not from a coders!

Fast & Friendly - just like they say.

Inspiration, code and compression - this book covers it all.
In a simple step-following format the writer takes you from editing your clips to putting them up on the net, and gives you plenty of ideas of what you can do in Flash.

If you can ignore the 'cool' skateboarding example video (or use your own!) then get this book!

Although others seemed to enjoy this method of learning, I found the cards disorganized and hard to use with repeated sections. I felt it was a waste of $. I still earned an A in Microbiology but found the "Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple" much more helpful. Best of luck!

thank you for the fast delivery of the book.

This book made medical microbiology much easier. I used this book for my medical microbiology class. It is easier to understand and it cut my study time because it was to the point. I also used the following:
Microbiology Study Guide: Key Review Questions and Answers (ISBN:0971999635)
The second book helped me prepare for the kind of questions on my medical microbiology tests. In fact, both these books helped me to get a 93 average in my medical microbiology class. I was recommended these two books from a friend of mine in another med school. He also got high grades on his medical microbiology exams.