| janfields |
Join us today in the
AUDITORIUM-Scheduled Events Room for open forum on the topic:
Computers and Writing Tech. Come and join in five minutes from
now.
|
| janfields |
Today's open forum will
begin shortly. While you wait for chat to begin, feel free to use
your ASK A QUESTION button RIGHT BETWEEN THE YELLOW “MAP” AND THE
RED QUESTION MARK IN ICHAT to post some questions or comments on
computers, printers, copiers, digital recorders, digital cameras,
software -- any technology that might make a writer's life easier.
Chat will begin two minutes from now.
|
| janfields |
Hi, and welcome to open
forum on Writing Technology. I'm your host/moderator, Jan Fields --
and today we are talking about computers and related technology. If
you want to ask a question and be sure I get a chance to see it
you'll need to use either the "ask a question" button on the bar
across the middle of your screen. OR type /ask...then space once and
type your question. That passes the question to me and I can post
it.
|
| janfields |
Thanks for coming to
open forum today.
|
| janfields |
I warn you...chat today
might be a smidge short.
|
| janfields |
First, I only know just
so much about technical stuff...I can't pontificate on the topic as
long as I can on some subjects.
|
| janfields |
And my daughter is
home.
|
| janfields |
six years
old.
|
| janfields |
Things can happen
suddenly.
|
| janfields |
But she's be
threatened...I mean ..umm...I explained about the importance of
letting mommy work.
|
| janfields |
So...we'll rock and
roll.
|
| janfields |
Most of the writers I
know who write full time have simple needs in a
computer....
|
| janfields |
Something
stable...something that can browse the net with decent
speed...
|
| janfields |
though much of that is
dependent on your internet connections.
|
| janfields |
And Most want something
portable.
|
| janfields |
Something that will
allow you to write without always being tethered in one
spot.
|
| janfields |
For some...the solution
is doing distance writing in long-hand.
|
| janfields |
Which makes my hands
cramp just to think about it.
|
| janfields |
For others...there are
laptops...a laptop could be both your primary and your carry
around.
|
| janfields |
But there are things to
understand about laptops...things about the nature of
computers.
|
| janfields |
All computers are
happiest when they are still and cool.
|
| janfields |
Thus, laptops by
defnition begin life unhappy.
|
| janfields |
They get carried around
a lot
|
| janfields |
And they get hot...with
limited things they can do about it.
|
| janfields |
So...if you are using a
laptop as your primary computer.
|
| janfields |
It is absolute
completely totally essential to back up FREQUENTLY.
|
| janfields |
You don't want to lose
your work in progress.
|
| janfields |
I know all computer
people preach the gospel of the backup...
|
| janfields |
and none of us probably
do it often enough.
|
| janfields |
With the exception of
my husband Anal-Computer-Guy.
|
| janfields |
But put a stickie on
your computer to remind you to back up daily.
|
| chippy |
What is your opinion on
flash drives ande CD's for storing work from the
computer?
|
| janfields |
I'm crusader rabbit for
backing up to more than one thing.
|
| janfields |
I back up my work in
progress to CD daily.
|
| janfields |
We also back up to a
flashdrive and to a network drive.
|
| janfields |
Flashdrives are very
cool...and portable, which is nice.
|
| janfields |
CDs are nice too...but
potentially fairly easy to damage.
|
| janfields |
Backing up to an online
account is good...make sure it's never your only
backup.
|
| janfields |
I've known too many
writers who have found their work vanished when counting too heavily
on someone else's server.
|
| janfields |
My husband's flashdrive
(he's the flashdriver) requires nothing special...just plugs into
the USB port.
|
| janfields |
Of course, that means
your computer needs to be set up in a place where you can reach
it.
|
| janfields |
RAINCHAIN: Do you keep
a hard copy print out backup also?
|
| janfields |
No, I never print
anything out until I'm ready to mail it to someone.
|
| janfields |
Mine exists in LOTS of
places electronically though...including at least one place off
site.
|
| janfields |
Katiebug57: How do I
find out if my CD is rewriteable?
|
| janfields |
You generally know
because you paid a lot more for them.
|
| janfields |
Rewritable CDs say so
on the package and they cost a lot more.
|
| janfields |
If the CD is not
rewriteable...you can only put data on it once...
|
| janfields |
even if you only put a
teeny bit...you're done.
|
| jobranham1964 |
i've been thinking about
using a laptop as my main cp...
|
| jobranham1964 |
with an external hard
drive for back up. would that work?
|
| janfields |
A laptop can work fine
as your main computer...but you won't get the lifespan from it that
you will from a tower...but with how quickly computers become
obsolete, you'll probably be okay.
|
| janfields |
We're getting some
great stuff on back-up CDs going but it won't be in the
transcript...because I cannot possibly retype all
that.
|
| janfields |
Some folks are asking
if today is an open chat...
|
| janfields |
So...let me share my
feelings on this...
|
| janfields |
As long as we're
on-topic...I don't much mind input in the room because this software
is clunky and there is no way for folks...
|
| janfields |
to input with any speed
in chat.
|
| janfields |
And this is a topic
about which folks in the room know a lot.
|
| janfields |
The only drawback to
chatting in your room...is it won't be on the
transcript.
|
| janfields |
So folks who check the
transcript to learn about saving to a rewriteable CD...won't find
that good stuff.
|
| janfields |
Katiebug57: Does anyone
have two internal hard drives? Or one internal and one external? I'm
wondering what the advantages ands disadvantages
are?
|
| janfields |
The advantage of two
hard drives is more space to store information.
|
| janfields |
And an external could
technically be stored off-site and just used for back
up
|
| janfields |
Thus ensuring your data
survives a fire or similar occurence.
|
| janfields |
For the average
writer...well, that's a lot of space.
|
| janfields |
Document files just
aren't very big.
|
| janfields |
An external is
convenient...and really anything that is out in the air is going to
be cooler...and all computers like that.
|
| janfields |
But it's really just
one more storage option...
|
| janfields |
It comes down to what
you'll remember to back up to and how you're going to keep the
decvice safe.
|
| janfields |
SHOWAUTHOR: Is there
any special program on the computer that you use for
writing?
|
| janfields |
Most editors prefer you
use WORD.
|
| janfields |
But any program that
will allow you to safe as .rtf is something an editor can work
around.
|
| janfields |
That even includes
wordpad, word perfect, works, etc.
|
| janfields |
There are also TONS of
writer "help" programs.
|
| janfields |
Designed to help you
brainstorm.
|
| janfields |
Help you stay
organized.
|
| janfields |
Help you
format.
|
| janfields |
etc...ultimately...though, few professional writers use
any of them.
|
| janfields |
because (1)
professional writers have enough to spend their money on (some of us
are soooooo cheap)
|
| janfields |
and because (2) the
learning curve gives you something to do besides
writing.
|
| janfields |
And ultimately...there
are two valuable things to do -- read and write.
|
| janfields |
Well...and play
SIMS...but not everyone needs to do that :-)
|
| coloradokate |
I have an old zip drive,
which works fine, but is virtually obsolete, so my concernn is that
I'll end up with unreadable backups eventually--I'll upgrade my
computer, and it won't be able to read my zip
disks.
|
| janfields |
Yeah, one of the
problems with storage media is what happens when the media becomes
obsolete...
|
| janfields |
Which is a good point
for hard-copy backup...paper is eternal.
|
| janfields |
If it were MY zip
drive...I would look for a new storage media and transfer them
soon.
|
| janfields |
Zip disks last better
than all the old floppies...but they aren't
eternal.
|
| janfields |
So it's always good to
keep an eye on them...make sure they're still
readable.
|
| janfields |
Oh...and no, you don't
need to know the id# of your question.
|
| chippy |
There was mention of
losing info to a fire etc. Is it worth investing in a fire proof
safe box for storing cd's & other backup, or is this "money
wasted"?
|
| janfields |
The best thing you can
do for storage is to move it off-site.
|
| janfields |
Store it with
family.
|
| janfields |
Store it at
work.
|
| janfields |
Sure a fireproof box is
nice...but they aren't as fireproof as we would
like
|
| janfields |
And media can be VERY
sensitive to heat.
|
| janfields |
I know one writer who
stores her disks with her sister.
|
| janfields |
We network ours to an
offsite network server..and it's on the flashdrive that my husband
carries...and disks...that will probably burn up because I forget to
take the d9O) but .rtf is much more universal.
|
| janfields |
So if I'm having ANY
problem with an editor reading my electronic files (assuming they
asked for an attachment)
|
| janfields |
I resave as an .rtf and
that ALWAYS fixes the problem.
|
| janfields |
And some of the free
software options might not make .doc files...but anything except
notepad will make .rtf.
|
| iamnina |
Jan - are you on a Mac or
a PC? (asking due to rtf/.doc question
|
| janfields |
I'm on a
pc...
|
| janfields |
I worked on a mac a
long time ago...
|
| janfields |
when all the editors I
knew were on macs...
|
| janfields |
and they all used word
perfect (I'm so old).
|
| janfields |
But I began to discover
that more and more magazines were going to pcs...
|
| janfields |
which amazed me because
they are a headache for graphics...but anyway...
|
| janfields |
I shifted to what was
easiest to editors...and of course...
|
| janfields |
everyone makes software
for pcs.
|
| iamnina |
- I had one publisher not
be able to open a .doc even when saved as rtf. Don't know why, as
that usually solves the problem for me as well...
|
| janfields |
Wow, that's the first I
heard of that....
|
| janfields |
That must have been a
pain...I would hate to sort out a .txt file.
|
| iamnina |
I am on a Mac
though...
|
| janfields |
Yeah, a mac can open
virtually anything you throw at it.
|
| janfields |
But pcs are
temperamental and sometimes they don't like files created on
macs...depending on the pc and the user.
|
| janfields |
Hence...I'm now on a
pc...and really, I like it just fine.
|
| emacartist37 |
I think the art dept
still uses macs, which can easily read pc files.
|
| janfields |
Yeah, it's rare that
you'll catch an art dept that doesn't use macs.
|
| janfields |
And most illustrators I
know are still on macs.
|
| janfields |
But if you're strictly
an author (and it's not a religious thing...I know some mac users
who are rabid about it)...you're going to run into happier editors
overall if you use a pc.
|
| iamnina |
The editor just copied
and pasted from an email...
|
| janfields |
That creates its own
formatting headaches...but it does work when all else
fails.
|
| gonewest |
Are most people using
Word/97 or Word 2003
|
| janfields |
I have no idea what my
version of WORD is...
|
| janfields |
sorry. I can't get it
to tell me without opening it.
|
| janfields |
I don't think it
matters so much...though again, if you're using the very latest
word...
|
| janfields |
and the editor has an
older one...you can end up having to send an .rtf
file.
|
| janfields |
But you can always
cross that bridge if you come to it.
|
| janfields |
Okay...I wanted to tell
y'all about one cool thing.
|
| janfields |
For those who want a
portable device...
|
| janfields |
that can create text
files...
|
| janfields |
and can be dropped on
the floor
|
| janfields |
and kicked...and still
work.
|
| janfields |
That can last for days
on double AA batteries.
|
| janfields |
That laughs in the face
of heat.
|
| janfields |
Some of the writers I
know LOVE...LOVE...LOVE the AlphaSmart.
|
| janfields |
You can carry it
anywhere, it has a handle...doesn't weigh much.
|
| janfields |
And are generally
fairly cheap.
|
| janfields |
The one real drawback
is that the viewscreen is just a few lines at a
time.
|
| janfields |
It's not a replacement
for a computer.
|
| janfields |
But it's a really nice
thing for writing in the car.
|
| janfields |
or the park or on the
run.
|
| janfields |
http://www.alphasmart.com/
|
| janfields |
I don't get a kickback
from them.
|
| janfields |
And I don't PERSONALLY
own one.
|
| janfields |
I just know folks who
adore them.
|
| janfields |
So if you want to be
able to grab moments in the car for writing.
|
| janfields |
But don't want to risk
damage to a laptop...they are nice for that.
|
| coloradokate |
We had'm for our
students, when I taught. As I recall, the keyboard's a little
smaller. You can download to your PC easily, too.
|
| janfields |
Yeah, the keyboard is a
little tight.
|
| janfields |
This thing REALLY
doesn't replace a computer...but it's a nice additional
tool.
|
| janfields |
I don't use one...my
travelling writer is a digital tape recorder.
|
| janfields |
My daughter calls it my
brain.
|
| janfields |
EMACARTIST37: How do
you connect them to your computer? USB?
|
| janfields |
Yes, the alphasmart
downloads txt to the computer via USB, I believe.
|
| janfields |
Could be wrong...don't
have one...but I think it's usb.
|
| janfields |
Do you remember
colorodakate?
|
| emacartist37 |
Are they compatible with
mac systems?
|
| janfields |
I dunno...you might
want to check the website...I put the url up there
somewhere.
|
| coloradokate |
I'm old, alas...back then
it was the serial port, I believe, and, yes, that was on
macs.
|
| janfields |
Ahhh...so yes on
macs...and I think the newer ones do usb...everything does these
days.
|
| janfields |
EGGAMY: was forced to
switch to Works with the new computer...wants to know how editors
will feel.
|
| janfields |
I am pretty sure WORKS
still doesn't save as .doc files or have that
option.
|
| janfields |
If not, save everything
as .rtf.
|
| janfields |
editors do not want to
see works files in the default format.
|
| caq |
For anyone looking to
purchase a computer. Look for one with at least one usb port in the
front or front side. Two or three would be great to have on the
computer.
|
| janfields |
Yeah, the more ports
you have, the better off you are.
|
| janfields |
Um..just a second
folks..my daughter stopped making noise.
|
| janfields |
That could be bad..be
right back.
|
| janfields |
Okay...back, no
trauma
|
| emacartist37 |
Eggamy what do you mean
by Works?
|
| janfields |
Microsoft makes many
software programs.
|
| janfields |
Just to make us
crazy.
|
| janfields |
One is WORKS...it's
supposed to be a friendlier program
|
| janfields |
than
WORD.
|
| coloradokate |
If all else fails, won't
most editors still accept hard copy/snail mail submissions? I guess
Wee Ones won't; who else?
|
| janfields |
eMagazines don't...they
want electronic files.
|
| janfields |
Most other folks are
okay with print.
|
| janfields |
Though some eventually
want to see electronic files.
|
| janfields |
I've had print editors
who just demanded it.
|
| emacartist37 |
I doubt it. They don't
want to key in everything by hand.
|
| emacartist37 |
I typeset for publishers.
They give me electronic files.
|
| gonewest |
Should we ask if they use
Word or Works or whatever?
|
| janfields |
If a publisher asks for
an electronic version...their guidelines SHOULD say what form they
want.
|
| janfields |
If won't say WORD or
WORKS...it will say doc file or rtf file.
|
| janfields |
It will talk about file
names...usually.
|
| janfields |
If it doesn't mention
file names (and it's a emagazine) they may want you to paste the
text into the email.
|
| janfields |
In which case..it's
better to paste from an .rtf or a .txt file because pasting from a
works file is evil.
|
| janfields |
Creates horrible
looking emails on the other end.
|
| janfields |
If the guidelines
doesn't say...you might want to ask the publisher or at least ask
around to
|
| janfields |
see what writers who
have sold to them sent.
|
| eggamy |
what is rtf. I know
doc.
|
| janfields |
.rtf is rich text
file...it's a text file but retains more format codes (like italics
and bold) than a straight text file.
|
| lauriet |
For queries, I've been
putting all of the text in the email, and then attaching a Word .doc
in case they want the formatting. Overkill?
|
| janfields |
Don't send attachments
unless you KNOW they want attachments.
|
| janfields |
If they don't want
attachments
|
| janfields |
and are the nervous
types.
|
| janfields |
They will delete the
query without opening the email at all.
|
| janfields |
And you'll never hear
back...so make sure.
|
| janfields |
When in doubt...paste
it in the email.
|
| janfields |
Use attachments ONLY
when you ABSOLUTELY know it's okay.
|
| janfields |
And it's after 3pm...so
I'm going to have to close out.
|
| janfields |
Before my daughter
decides to dress her pet rabbit or something.
|
| janfields |
Thank y'all for
coming.
|
| janfields |
I know there are a
couple extra questions...I'll try to answer them in the Monday email
newsletter
|
