The guide was produced using RISC OS, is just 20 pages thick which makes it a non-obtrusive desk companion, and it's written by Foundation editor Richard Hallas. ProAction's latest (miniature) tome promises to teach readers document structure, choice of fonts sizes, presentation of content and other topics like the golden ratio. Handy.
To get a grasp of DTP, I've personally found that it's best to experiment lots in your prefered DTP application and playing with styles and layouts until you find one you like. Fiddling and trying out new techniques is very effective but it's good to have the ideals of DTP in your head first, which is where Richard's handbook flaunts its stuff.
Now we could be wrong on this, but it appears the guide is only for subscribers of APDL's RiscWorld publication and they'll get the book free of charge in the post. For an extra fiver, a supporting CD-ROM can be sent which features a (presumably) 32bit version of the Ovation DTP app and some fonts'n'clipart.If DTP Principles is for RiscWorld readers only then emailing us about it this morning was a bit of a tease. However the magazine arena has refreshingly heated up somewhat recently and all news is good news. While RiscWorld fans will no doubt appreciate this free Hallas production, we're hoping it isn't some kind of subscriber commiseration prize.
Update [16/8/2003]
Dave Bradforth of ProAction got back to us today to say the DTP guide will be available to all, although RiscWorld readers get first dabs. New subscribers will also get the guide for free.
"It's initially available free to RISC World readers as I wanted to guage the response to it; the money (where made) from it will be from sales of the CD-ROM", Dave told us. Drop Dave an email or give APDL a call if you're interested.
Links
APDL/ProAction