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1. Instant Messaging Follow-up. You drowned me with your silence! Last
newsletter, I put out the question whether IM would be useful for
communicating with our estimators. Usually, when a topic interests
readers, I’ll get a pretty good response. But only a couple people wrote
back this time and it was just to say that IM is a nuisance. So based on
past history, I’m guessing "that dog won’t hunt" when it
comes to IM estimating. (Still, if you’d like further reading on the
topic, check out the 6/15/02 Seattle Times Personal Technology article
titled "Getting the Message.")
2. An Industry Threat? Somebody has created a new kind of virus that now
infects JPEG files. Dubbed W32.Perrun, the virus infects other JPEG files
as they’re opened. Right now, the virus isn’t seen as a huge threat,
since computers have to be infected by a separate extractor virus in order
for the JPEG virus to work. Regardless, it’s a development worth keeping
an eye on, especially within our industry. As virus technology continues
evolving, there may be a day in the near future where simple art files
from the client could do some serious damage.
3. You Like Us, You Really Like Us! Mark Twain once said that he could
live two weeks on a compliment. Seattle Bindery is proud to note that we
just took home another Silver Award at the Craftsmen Gallery Awards this
year. But to me, the real compliment was getting a mention in the new
"Best Support Shop" category. This year, the Craftsmen Gallery
introduced a new ballot in which attendees at the show voted six
individuals and companies for special recognition. What an honor to find
out we had so many fans rooting for us at the awards show. After all,
there’s nothing more gratifying than peer recognition. Thanks for your
support.
4. Page Pull Strength. Books aren’t useful unless they have adequate
"page pull" strength. Typically, perfect bound books should be
able to withstand at least three pounds of pressure per linear inch. In
other words, a properly bound 8.5" x 11" page should be able to
support a 33-pound child holding onto it while suspended in mid-air. At
the same time, properly bound pages should be able to be turned back and
forth (flexed) at least 300 times without coming loose. A good bindery
should offer many adhesive binding processes and glue options so your job
will be done right the first time.
5. Milestones. On June 14, my oldest daughter graduated from Issaquah High
School. Yes, I realize this is about OPKs (Other People’s Kids), but I
hope you won’t mind indulging me for a moment. When I heard "Ann
Louise Vine" announced over the loudspeaker of Safeco Field on Friday
afternoon, it hit me: a major milestone. My immediate thought was:
"Grandma Vine should have been here to see this." To me, this is
a major deal, the end of an era. Now, college looms large for one of my
kids. I'm proud as heck. Thanks for letting me share.
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