Book Feedback
I wrote a book a couple years ago called Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish. It's done pretty well, and what's interesting is that even though I never mentioned my web site or e-mail address in the book (big, rookie mistake), some fans found me nonetheless.
I recently came across the following in the QuarkXPress listserv:
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2003
From: FRANK COLLYER
Subject: Re: tan : Web Design
To: QUARKXPR@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
Ann-Marie Concepcion's multiple responses to Gwen's post don't mention her Web book "Professional Web Site Design from Start To Finish". AM is being too self-effacing here! It is an outstanding book, covering not only the "Graphic Design" aspects of web design, but also how to organize information for the site, and how to construct it so it "flows" and makes sense. It appears that there are many accomplished print designers here who have little or no experience with web design and don't realize how totally different from print the web really is. Anne-Marie's book, along with books from Lynda Weinman (www.lynda.com) are almost mandatory for the newcomer to web design before starting a web project.
Quark, effective as it is for print, is a hundred miles away from an effective tool for web design, and trying to lay out a page without any kind of sketch or guide in GoLive (or Dreamweaver) is an exercise in futility and frustration.
Go get AM's book, check out Lynda's website - then - decide how you are going to tackle your web project.
Best-
Frank Collyer
I found out my book was on the "recommended" list for a professor's class at Penn State, and wrote to thank her. She replied:
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003
From: Cynthia C.
Subject: Re: Thanks for the book endorsement!
Anne-Marie, Thanks for writing the book - I'm always looking for well written, pertinent materials. One of my job responsibilities here at Penn State is to keep a library of useful web development related books for staff and faculty. They do not have the time to read heavy books with lots of fluff content, or sort through the misleading (and even wrong) information found in many books.
It can be difficult trying to teach and support web development for a university. Especially when many of the people involved have had their web-tasks added into already busy schedules. The staff and faculty often must 'create' the time to even learn how to accomplish their tasks. So, a well written, stream-lined book that can assist them in understanding the web is huge help.
Again, thank you for writing 'Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish',
Cyndi
From: "Sher G."
Subject: professional website design
Date: Sun, 21 Jul 2002
Dear Ms Concepcion:
I just finished reading your book "Professional website design: from start to finish" and totally enjoyed it.
The book was an easy read, simple , to the point and well organised, the graphics and layout was well put together and eye catching.
The fact is that you are dealing with the next level to websites, the professional side. It does not take a rocket scientist anymore to code html. Once you get persons to see that there is a big picture, a whole business, organisation, planning and management, they'll realise that having learnt how to write the page they have only just started to learn about web design.
Your book provides that as it does not focus on the preaching of html, page content and graphics but on planning , organising and maintaining websites.
Reading your book makes me want to observe your team in action, just to understudy you and see how things are done when handling a big project. Unfortunately for me I'm all the way in the Caribbean, in beautiful Jamaica. Hopefully, I'll get to meet you one day while visiting Chicago.
I know you may get tonnes of mail per day and you probably may never read mine but if you do please send me a reply. Once again congratulations on your book, I've been recommending it to all my friends.
Sincerely,
S.G.
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002
From: hpeters
Subject: Book Feedback
Anne-Marie
I have only just bought your book so I haven't had a chance to read it properly. However just the first couple of chapters is enough to see that this book is going to be invaluable to me.
Although I work as a web developer I am very much learning on the job. My design skills are not the best but I think with the help of your book I can reach my goal of producing professional web sites.
I shall be sure to let you know what I think of the book when I have finished reading it and send you my URL so that you can see how I have applied what I have learned.
Regards
H
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001
From: "Estelle T"
Subject: A Thank You!!
Dear Anne-Marie,
It is definitely rare that I would feel so moved as to write to the author of any book. But--I just wanted to thank you for writing such a helpful and easy to digest book about the web design process. I have a background in art and design but have been stammering through the web design process somewhat independently for the last few years. As a result, I have been in search of a book that could enlighten me on "the way it's really supposed to be done". Your book has been so helpful to me and was a source of encouragement to me through my last project. I also have to say I get a real kick out of the tone of the book--I hope you have a few more in you!! I certainly have had my share of dry/dull geekie books--fortunately your book will not topple that dusty stack. Again, for what its worth, thank you!!
Sincerely,
Estelle T.
ps. Feel free to use this as a quote if you ever need one!!
From: Jen
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001
Subject: Re: [DE-Chi] (ot) My book signing is tomorrow (10/20)!
Hi Anne-Marie,
I won't be able to attend the book signing, but just wanted to let you know that I REALLY enjoyed your book! I am currently redesigning my sorority's national web site. It's quite a challenge, but your book has sparked some great ideas. Thank you so much - I look forward to more!
Jen
More book feedback, positive and otherwise, can be found in the "Reader Comments" section on its Amazon page: Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish
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