One of the things I like about mac is that it gives the user the ability to take advantage of the open source software. The Pearl among open source softwares is Scribus, which I have used quite a bit to create variety (although simple) of materials for my wife's new business (Jaya Teas). So far, I have used Scribus to design:
- A tea packaging (caddy) http://www.jayateas.com/bhadresh/archive1.zip - 22 different six color informational brochures http://www.jayateas.com/newbrochures1.pdf.zip - A six color catalog http://www.jayateas.com/archive.zip [THIS FILE IS QUITE LARGE] - Letter heads & envelops http://www.jayateas.com/jtstationeryarchive.pdf.zip - Business cards http://www.jayateas.com/bizcard.zip etc etc. In short, Scribus (and GIMP, I might add) helped us get the business off the ground without having to spend a penny on design work. So, we are deeply indebted to the Scribus team for creating a product that is so good, it could be used in business settings and even by novices like me. Although Scribus is such a useful tool, it is a shame that not a single article has appeared in Mac World or Mac Addict magazines which tend to be the major sources of information for Mac users. I want to offer Jaya Teas as an example of how small business can use Scribus on Mac to design professional looking publications other materials without a steep learning curve. Unfortunately I am not much of a writer so I would like to team up with a writer on the list who is an expert with words to communicate: - the human/business interest aspect of open source softwares (helping small business get ahead by reducing the cost of computing) - relative ease of installing open source software on mac (thanks to FINK project & Martin in particular) - relative ease of use of scribus (cover important features with above as examples) If any one is interested in teaming up with me to write a substantive article for Scribus on Mac, please contact me offline and we can discuss how to get this project started. Previous experience in writing articles is a must otherwise this will be a blind leading blind situation! I want to take the opportunity to thank Franz, Craig and Peter for their work on the project and for helping me answer my questions, and to Martin Costabel who maintains the program on to Fink, without which none of this would be possible. -Sunil www.jayateas.com PREMIUM TEAS FROM THE HIGHLANDS
