Uploading articles | Something Close to a FAQ

[P C Headland]

Craig,

Is there some way we can upload articles (for example, PDFs) so that they can be stored on your site, rather than linking to them?  Perhaps an email submission or something?

It would be a nice idea too if people used an open format for documents, such as PDF or the like (i.e. not MS Word).  BTW, there are plenty of free PDF creators around.

Paul

[nelsonfoto]

Even the free PDF creators can be a bitch to operate. My thinking was to have info posted in thread form, though files are fine also, and yes, I will be more than happy to host any pdfs, etc.

The PDF idea is a good idea for those who know how to make them. It will allow control of layout beyond that which is possible here with the board code. You can also watermark it, etc., to protect your work.

You can either upload the master to your own space, then send the URL to me in email so I can fetch it, or make other arrangements. PLEASE DO NOT send me huge files via email without advance notice and confirmation from me.

Any other ideas?

[titrisol]

Adding to what craig said.
I use Ghostscript/ ghostgum to create pdfs and it works veyr well.

Some tips to minimize the size of the pdfs:
- Set dpis to 144 or less [72 is acceptable for text and sketches]
- Set text only articles to black and white

[P C Headland]

Even the free PDF creators can be a bitch to operate. Any other ideas?

PDF Creator is pretty easy - it just installs as a printer driver, and works from any application.

OpenOffice(why give Bill G any more money?) can export directly to PDF and will read/write most MS Office formats.

Of course, Mac's can print to PDF natively, as can most Linux distributions.

Paul

[Peter Evans]

Craig, how about incorporating the gist of your message above to your message in the "sticky" thread? As it is, a newcomer here hasn't a clue what this message forum is for, or, if it gets a clue, what it should do about it.

(Yes, I'm tired of (a) being knocked for the alleged sexism of would-be sex-neutral "he", (b) working around the contradictions of more-or-less plural "they", and most of all (c) the long-windedness of "he or she". So it's "it" for me!)

[sandeha]

Peter, I started using "they" a long time ago (following two years speaking French, which doesn't allow for such adjustments) but it's been in the Oxford English Dictionary these past five years so you can consider it standard if you like.  :wink:

[Tom Hildreth]

Thank you Peter. I tried to point out the uncertainty of this forum's purpose yesterday but something happened (or didn't) happen to my post. I appreciate the two fine pdf examples by Mssr. Headland, but I'm confused about what the expectations may be for future submissions to this forum. I'm not against learning how to generate an illustrated pdf file, as long as I can control the image quality within. Maybe if I'm patient it will all unfold before my eyes right here.

[nelsonfoto]

Uncertainty?

"Repository for equipment/process FAQ items, special purpose articles, trip reports, technical write-ups (gear, repairs, etc). Discussion is encouraged. Related imagery may be posted."

What is uncertain? How shall lit be clarified? If it is simply a matter of "I think it's a crappy idea.", I don't know how to address that one.

Tom - you seem to have a love for writing. How would you best like to see something like this develop?

[Tom Hildreth]

"I think it's a crappy idea."-I don't dismiss anyone's efforts like that.  

As it turns out, since I first asked my question, three articles have appeared.  They are all about specific hardware.  That's fine.  Someone suggested my article on Whistler's Arches would be a candidate for this forum. I don't see a general article like that being part of what may become a hardware-centered forum, but if you tell me this is where it should go, that's fine too, Craig.

Now, lets say I go on a trip and do a little article on it.  I used an old camera on the trip, and I want to emphasis the equipment used and the photographic results. Does the article go in here, or in one of the other  forums appropriate for the camera type?  

That's all I'm looking for, a little crappy guidance.

[nelsonfoto]

Tom,

I did not mean to imply that you were being disrespectful. I apologize for the manner in which my post "read".

The concern you have has appeared before. This is a diverse community. I have attempted to compartmentalize to some degree, but there will always be occasion for overlapping.

I think the best rule of thumb is to follow your heart, post it where you think it would be best. If I find something glaringly out of place, I'll likely move it and leave a shadow behind.

Let me know if you have ideas or further questions/concerns.

CE

[Tom Hildreth]

Right. Understand I was going too deep on what you said. I'll post 'em where I see it's suitable and you can sort it out if necessary. Thanks, Craig.

[Tom Hildreth]

I downloaded PDF Creator about 10 days ago with the thought of using it when I had something I wanted to convert to a pdf file.  I was some surprised later when I tried to print out a Christmas card address list and it made a pdf file outta the thing. And kept doing it until the pdf sample was used up. Not the evaluation for which I was hoping. Wondering if I'll  have to restore my printer drivers when I get home.

[nelsonfoto]

Tom, there's another one... PDF95 I think... let me look for it. Freeware, has a small ad in each pdf, but nothing overwhelming.

[Don Day]

A free tool with no usage limits is PDFMachine from Broadgun: http://www.pdfmachine.com/ (see the Free Download link). The free version seems to work okay as long as you don't require advanced features.

[nelsonfoto]

PDF995 is the one I have. You can find everything you need at the link below.

http://www.pdf995.com/