Wednesday News Brief

• Scott Kelby


• 18 Jul 2007

Here’s a quick look at some news:

• nik Software released a new version of Define (their Photoshop plug-in for reducing photographic noise). The new version has improved noise reduction technology, the ability to selectively apply noise reduction to just certain areas, and an improved user interface. For more details (or to download a 15-day trial), visit their site.

• My Lightroom Tour is getting ready to head out on the road for the second leg of my tour, and my first stop is in Chicago (I love Chicago, which is coincidentally the home of Garrett’s Popcorn, perhaps the greatest food item known to man). The one-day tour comes to Chicago’s Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and you can attend the full day for $99 (NAPP members; you go for only $79). You can get more info (or sign up) right here.

• Want to give Adobe some feedback on which particular features Photoshop features you’d like to be faster (filters, launching, resizing, etc.)? Then I encourage you to spend a few moments filling out this quick survey posted by Adobe’s Photoshop team, to let them know which areas affect your work the most speed-wise. Here’s the link.

• If you watch “Photoshop User TV,” here’s a tip: at the end of just about every show, after the credits roll, Jason (our video guru), adds a little “kicker” at the end (sometimes they’re outtakes, or just hilarious stuff he puts together), and this week’s is hilarious. Go back and check out the end of the past month or so’s shows (that Jason guy is pretty darn clever!)
• I get a lot of questions about the Photoshop World precon’s, so here’s a quick FAQ:
  
  Q: What is a precon?
  A: They’re limited size, half-day workshops and because they’re much longer, you get to really go in-depth on a topic you’re really interested in.Q: How long are they?
  A: Most run from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a short break every hour.

  Q: Why are they called “precons?”
  A: These workshops are held the day before the actual conference begins, so they are “pre-conference.”

  Q: How many people are in each workshop?
  A: Usually between 50 and 100 (depending on room size).

  Q: How popular are these precons?
  A: Very! We generally have over 1,000 people taking these optional workshops, so they’re very popular. In fact, most workshops sell out in advance, and some are already selling out now.

  Q: How much do these optional workshops cost?
  A: If you sign up now; $89. If you show up at the door, (if a seat is available) it’s $99.

  Q. Is there a beginner’s workshop?
  A: Yup, (this year it’s a Layer 101 beginners class) and it’s always very popular because a lot of people want to start there, so they’re ready for the rest of conference the following day.

  Q: Where is there a list of the precons for Vegas?
  A: Right here.

  Q: Do people really ask this many questions?
  A: Only the fussy ones. ;-)

That’s it for today. Have a great Wednesday!