Well, here they come: three new CCFs.

Here are some highlights:

1) My most recent Pronto 1000 CCF. I was horrified when I looked at the date of my most recent upload and realized all the changes I've made since then. So I made a few minor updates and viola!

2) My first ProntoPro CCF. Version A. This version uses the grayscale CCF bitmaps as a base and adds color to them. The black outlines and bitmap sizes remain nearly unchanged. If you used my Pronto 1000 CCF as a part of your CCF, these buttons will make it easy to add color. The style is what I'd call "glassy comic book." And those who've tried to work with by bitmaps in the past can rejoice: the buttons are on a solid color background (albeit, not white)!

3) My second ProntoPro CCF Version B. I created this style for a commercial client who later decided to ask for a different look. So I figured, "Why let all this hard work go to waste?" My loss is your gain. This version is much more realistic and 3-D than my previous version. The buttons here are not precisely the same size as in my other two CCFs, but with a little tweaking, you can make them work.

This CCF uses a textured background for the panels and buttons, but I used a technique that allows you to place the buttons anywhere on a panel without affecting the 3D texture illusion. When I create a gallery file, I'll probably also create a version on a white background.

My old CCFs used tabs of various widths, with "front" tabs also being taller than other tabs. This CCF uses tab bitmaps that all the same size. Also, when a tab is at the front, it now casts a shadow on the tabs below it.

The "Remotes" devices have a simpler look in the same style as the main panels, but the buttons for the Remotes appear on a white background.

Anyone who ever endured my old hand-lettering process can also rejoice. The hand-lettering has been replaced with an actual TrueType font. Of course, I can't supply the font, but at least now you can go purchase it: Vonnes Extrabold Condensed.


Legal Crap
Similar to Daniel's most recent CCF, I've included a License Agreement in my CCF. Please don't be offended. I finally added up the time I've spent on these CCFs, and let's just say that at my contract graphic design rate, I could buy a decent luxury car if I were being paid.

Why a license agreement? Well, it got a little disconcerting to continually see CCFs using my artwork being uploaded while the author unknowingly thanked someone else because his or her new CCF was based on someone elses derivative of my CCF. The license agreement makes sure that anyone using the design knows who created it. Also, there's one jerk who essentially told me that he is going to use my CCF for profit, and he's going to take credit for every bit of the work, whether I like it or not.

So to prevent crap like that, I've added a License Agreement to all my CCFs. It's very basic: You can use the file for free as long as you retain my "Author Info" device in your file. You don't even have to link any buttons to it. Nobody will ever know it's there unless they're editing your CCF. If you want to get rid of that device, the license fee is just five bucks (US)per remote, for individuals or professional installers. That's the amount Daniel chose for his, so I went with it.

By charging a fee to license a CCF, the author creates a tangible financial basis on which to defend himself should anyone {{cough cough aforementioned jerk cough}} decide to take credit for someone elses work. And I won't lie: I wouldn't mind seeing a dollar here or there for all the work I put into these files.

This should put an end to the argument over whether or not I'm disavowing my copyright protection just by posting my file. (Incidentally, one of the primary protections that copyright law gives the author is the sole right to post his work in public forums.)

THANKS!

I really hope you enjoy these new CCFs. I'll prepare galleries and read-me's for them as soon as I have some free time.

Dale

Can't wait for them to appear in the Files section!

{{cough cough aforementioned jerk cough}}

Thanks for the sublimable (sp?) laugh! Too bad it only takes a few "jerks" to spoil a good thing.

Looking forward to seeing them...

Well, well, well. Look who it is, we haven't seen you in a while Barry. Where ya been hidin'?


JJP

Here's a sample:

Hmmmmmm..... Veddy intarrrrrrrresting.

I like.

Now post the rest of the pages so I can use them to make lots O'money! LOL


JJP

Dale's files are now available.

Dale - Oh yeah... now you're teasing us...VERY slick!

John- I'm always lurking, looking for pearls of wisdom.

I just have not had the time or subject matter to do much posting. I read faster than I can type &/or think.

Barry

(Thanks to Daniel for posting right away - should be fun.)

This message was edited by Barry Shaw on 03/13/02 23:11.28.

Dale, I'm not sure that your statement of "(Incidentally, one of the primary protections that copyright law gives the author is the sole right to post his work in public forums.)" is correct. Under 17 USC section 106, there are a number of exclusive rights given to copyright holders. One is that the copyright holder can distribute copies to the public via sale or other transfer of ownership, rental, lease, or lending. However, this doesn't say that you have the sole right to post your work in public forums. It used to be that you had to apply for a copyright before you published something. This has been changed. Now, as soon as something is "fixed" it automatically has copyright protection. It is also likely that you retain all copyrights when you post in a public forum. However, it may be that you do not. Adding this statement certainly helps everyone involved. Also, you may want to register your designs at the copyright office. Go to [Link: lcweb.loc.gov]. Registration provides certain benefits, including having damages decided by a judge instead of having to prove damages.