Review of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development (Paperback)

I bought this book after playing around with Flash MX on my own.I was looking for a book to answer some of the questions I had.The back of the book indicates that it is intended for "intermediate" level users.After reading the entire book (it doesn't take long, LOTS of pictures), I'd say it's more for the beginner.It covers the very basics of creating Flash movies, but leaves out a lot of the technical information, which I was looking for.

The examples were somewhat helpful, but the amount of repetition soon got old.If there are two different ways to do something, it described in full gory details, BOTH ways, even though only a single step may be different.One other thing about the example was the author's lack of following her own "tips" and rules.One tip informs the reader to use descriptive names for layers, symbols, etc.Yet the majority of the examples in the book use names such as "Layer1", "Layer2", etc.

The editors of the book missed a lot of grammar errors, misspellings, and typos.Not a major issue, but annoying nonetheless.The only other thing that bothered me was the half attempt at covering the differences between Mac and Windows versions of the software.In some places, the alternative key commands for Mac/Windows were given.In others, just the Windows versions were given.Again, not a big deal, but annoying.

Overall, the book was marginal as an "intermediate" book, but probably acceptable as a "beginner" book.

Product Description
What better way for readers to learn the newest version of Flash than with the Fast & Easy series! Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development presents solution-oriented techniques for creating dynamic animations and graphics for the Web. Through illustrated step-by step instructions, this title demonstrates the technologies of Macromedia Flash MX 2004 while providing practical applications as well. Covering both the Windows and Mac versions, readers will learn important Flash skills such as using symbols and tweening, using vector-based content for faster downloads, and optimizing animations for the Web. Using a hands-on approach to yield fast results and downloadable sample files to practice techniques, this book is suitable for both beginners and current users aspiring to learn the newest features of Flash.

About the Author
Lisa A. Bucki, currently residing in Fairview, North Carolina, has spent six years as a consultant, author, technical writer developer, and trainer.She has more than twelve years of experience with computer book publishing.She has developed over 100 computer book titles and has been an author, co-author, contributor to more then 35 books and multimedia titles, including "Keynote Fast & Easy" (Premier Press, 1592001297), "Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Fast & Easy Web Development" (Premier Press, 159200119X), Adobe Photoshop Digital Darkroom(1931841926, Premier Press), Mac OS X Version 10.2 Jaguar Fast & Easy" (1592000444, Premier Press), and "Managing Microsoft Project 98" (Premier Press, 0761519866).

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