Hyperinflation: the ultimate anti-forgery device

Our friend Conrad Taylor makes an interesting point on his new blog The Conradiator about the problems of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe and the ironic power now wielded by designers and design software. In Conrad's own words:

Mind you, it is odd to think of there being such panic about installing sophisticated security features on billion-dollar banknotes that can hardly buy a biscuit, and will be worthless in weeks. What forger would waste their time copying that?

It is equally odd to think that the ability of a government to pay its troops may rest in the hands of a few graphic designers and press operators.

It is early days for the Conradiator, but he's building up a loyal following on Google Reader and the like - and with insightful, pithy posts like the above, it is not surprising. Keep it up Conrad!

Introducing QuarkXPress 8

Mekon Creatives were given a sneek peek at version 8 of QuarkXPress which is ready to ship. It boasts an improved typographic engine with precise control of hanging characters.

The most significant visual change that greets the user is the interface which was in need of a face lift. Quark aimed to maintain the familiarity of the interface so that users would still feel comfortable but the tools would be more accessible. The new ‘tiny’ toolbox and the context-based approach to layout tasks, makes the product more intuitive. The Pfeiffer Report discusses this in more detail.

Graphically the Bezier pen offers users more control and although it is no Mont Blanc it offers the user the option to define precise paths within QuarkXPress. If artwork exists in Adobe Illustrator the option to import Illustrator files now exists.

It is evident from the industry that publishing is no longer just about the printed page. This change was evident as far back as version 5 of Quark with the introduction of the web facility. This concept has been embraced and extended in QuarkXpress 8. Quark reaches out to the web users with Quark Interactive Designer which provides a basic functionality to design across media as well as a novelty factor of having an on screen activity centre. This aims to keep you within the product without the need to stray into another application.

The multi-language support hints at the international aspect of publishing and is long overdue. The concept of having to purchase passport is also a thing of the past.

Additional shortcuts have been added so there is a commonality between products made by different vendors - a refreshing concept for the user.

If you focus on what QuarkXPress 8 has rather than what it hasn’t got you will be pleasantly surprised.

Our QuarkXPress 8 Upgrade Course has already been developed, and is open for bookings!