Right then folks. I've been behind a bit with this next issue so I apologise for that but have no fear because we're now back very much on it and it'll be even better than the last (or at least AS good, or maybe not... Who knows?) I've upgraded my home computer and it is now a proper 560Z (Twin 2.8) bad invincible muthaplucka and that allows me to run the latest software at real speed and because I have the very, very latest software, as I design the layout, I can quite literally save it straight into the page flip format from the first stage.
(ENTERING GEEK MODE... SWITCH OFF IF YOU LIKE FOR A BIT) For the first issue, and largely for the whole development stage, I had to design it the same way as I did when we printed the magazine. Then, once that stage was done each page had to be turned into two different sized images (the zoomed out and in versions) which were bitmapped images, just like the photos you guys post up. The inherent problem with this was that unless you had a big monitor running at a low(ish) resolution, it could get tricky to read. To be honest, I knew that it was gonna be a problem but thought it was well worth it for those who'd persevere and be prepared to just go the extra mile for the experience. Now, this will not be a problem because I can publish the article in it's proper format (postscript) in both sizes. This'll mean that for the exceptionally keen of eye, you may even be able to read the damned thing in zoomed out mode. This is because the pages won't be made up of pixels any more (dots per inch). The text will be postscript (this is how your printer can print text of any size without it looking all blocky). It also means the file sizes will be smaller (faster loading). (EXITING GEEK MODE... RE-BOOT BORED SELVES).
The upshot is, the whole product will be much more slick and that's the bottom line ('cause SuperjakkoTM said so). Once this issue is ready to go, I'll give the same treatment to the first ever online magazine ever and to the previous issues which are ready and waiting (but have nowhere to go). Shiny happy times peeps!
The next project once this magazine is out of the way is the video content for the site. I've received a wicked DVD from the one and only, truly original, irrepressible 'DJ' of some SuperbadassTM footage from ZEDFEST this year. Ideally, I want our very own media player on the site, so that when you guys upload footage, it'll be in a ZBrowserTM format for all the bad invincible paid up members to watch to their hearts content. Once I have a working prototype, I'll get Leicester's finest cowboy to help me get it 'just right' and then we're there. Fully online streaming and downloadable video content. HELL YEAH!
Oh and I've already finished the Christmas pressie. It's done and dusted and will be live on the day, so if you can tug yourselves away from 'er majesty's speech (for those of us in the UK) or whatever you're up to, be it taking it easy three days into Hanukkah, 17 days after Eid ul-Adha and just 4 days from the Newyear, three days after the birthday of Gobind Singh, at the end of Pancha Ganapati, whatever gives you strength or makes you the awesome zedder or zedfan that you are, it'll be here and totally live that day. What's your favourite flavour?