Contact Your Guide, Jacci Howard Bear
Like all the Guides at About.com, I'm a real person. But as much as I'd like to give one-on-one personalized answers to all your emails, I receive tons of mail and unfortunately can't respond to it all in the detail it deserves.
However, many of the questions I typically receive by email can be answered right here on the site or by the fine folks who frequent the About Desktop Publishing forums. If the questions and answers, below, don't address your needs, do stop by the forums and post a question.
F.A.Q.
- Q. What is this site about? Who are you? Who writes this stuff?A. This site is a place for anyone with an interest in any aspect of desktop publishing to find answers to their questions, get information on products, services, and techniques, and interact with others that share their interests.
As the Guide to this site I write most of the articles and tutorials you find on this site. I also maintain the site and provide links to valuable resources on the subject of desktop publishing. You can read my bio to learn more about me.
- Q. What is desktop pubilshing (DTP)?A. The short answer? DTP is the process of using your computer and software to put text and graphics on a page and create things like newsletters, brochures, or greeting cards. For more detail, including the difference between desktop publishing and graphic design, history of desktop publishing, and who does desktop publishing, see the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of DTP.
- Q. What is the best software for desktop publishing?A. There is no single best desktop publishing software program. There are, however, specific programs that are better suited for certain tasks than others. Explore these frequently asked questions about desktop publishing software. If you need additionally advice on selecting software to suit your needs, post a message in the About Desktop Publishing Forum.
- Q. Can you help me find a font, a photo, a piece of clip art, a template?A. Yes and no. I can't do a personal search but I do have a categories on all those topics to help you:
- Q. Can you give me a job? / How can I find a DTP job? / How do I start a DTP business?A. I'm not hiring. But I do have resources to help you improve your job search or start a desktop publishing business of your own.
- Q. How do I report a bad link or submit a link?A. Use the Errors and Omissions Report Form to tell me about bad links and other errors. Be sure to report the title of the link and which page of the site you found it on. There's no need to be nasty about or rude about it (yes, some people are). Links go bad. I'm one person. I'll fix it as fast as I can.
To suggest a link, read these submission guidelines then fill out the URL Submission Form. There are no guarantees. Very few links submitted are accepted.
- Q. How can I get a review of my book or software or other desktop publishing product on this site?A. The product must be directly relevant to page layout and desktop publishing (software, books, gadgets). I don't generally review graphics products or those primarily for Web publishing. Send me an email (see below) with details and I'll let you know.
- Q. Can I get my articles published here?A. Guest articles, opinion pieces, and reviews are welcome and encouraged. Get your own byline, share your expertise. Here are the Content Submission Guidelines.
- Q. How do I unsubscribe from newsletters, change my address, get a new forum password, report problems with ads, or get other technical help?A. The Guide does not hangle newsletter subscriptions or forum/membership issues. Use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of a newsletter to unsubscribe or change your address. For problems with the forum or other access issues, use the Customer Care Problem Report Form
- Q. So, if you are a real person, do you have an email address?A. Yes, I have an email address. Most questions I receive can be answered on the site or in the forums so don't expect a timely answer if your question is addressed above. I can't provide personalized answers or custom research. But you can write to me at desktoppub.guide@about.com