Hi Derry,

I would not raise this subject again by tacit agreement. But my client has asked about and it has been raised elsewhere in the forum. You know how higly I rate typography to the professional appearance of a web page. When can we expect to see imaged fonts in the SVG title editor and then in the text editor for both SVG and HTML? Please remember that one of the most frequent things to be animated is text. As I have stressed before, this feature -- knowing that what you used is what you're going to get --- would be one heck of a feature to add to your products.

Cheers,

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

We don't convert svg Titles to images now because they can already be rotated, shaded, animated etc in SVG. It could be and option in future but it is somewhat contary to the spirit of svg.

We are thinking of ways to convert fonts to paths or embed fonts but it is still not a scheduled feature at this time.

There is some information on embeding fonts in SVG here (it may or may not be usefull, but is worth a look non the less): http://wiki.cocoondev.org/Wiki.jsp?page=Embedding_SVG_Fonts


- Derry

Thanks Derry,

I had a quick look at the link and will peruse it later: however, one thing I gathered is that I would be creating a .jpg or .png file and importing it to Web Engine. And that is not in the spirit of Web Engine SVG as the .jpg file stays on the "outside" and detracts from the extremely fast download speed of your .svg files. (The .jpg files I have used on my site are compressed approx. 66%)

Derry, I have no intention of pestering you further about the matter. I pulled some 300 fonts off of my Win 98 system and reloaded to confirm the basic fonts. And it is really a horror story. (Imagine the kettle of fish you would be in if you were doing a Medieval theme in SVG; or a Celtic theme.)

It still is incredible to me that I am unable to convince you of the fundamental importance of typography to good design. Design is grammar. First the nouns and adjectives (objects etc.), then the phrase. (Grouping and layering) & etc. Titles and text tie it all together and should fit the theme. (You shouldn't use a modern font to illustrate the Declaration of Independence or the British North America Act.) Verbs come after you have the basics in order -- clauses; sentences.

Two things are, in general, used very poorly on the net: animation and typography.

Two big bugs; squash them both, Derry.

Cheers,

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

Your points about fonts are well taken. Rest assured that they are on our list as something to look into at greater detail.

On another note, if you are developing a site that does contain any animation, but sure to let us know. It would be great to have some examples of animation created with Web Engine.


- Derry

Hi,

Well, I'll tell you what. My client at one time expressed an interest in seeing the candle flames move. I shall start there, but will definitely need guidance. And as I am once again revising the site from the very beginning in the light of new knowledge, I shall look for other animation opportunities.

I have somewhere between six and twelve new pages to add to complete the site meaning it is going to net out at about 40 pages. (Much of the second half is duplicated in HTML in case you think I am unduly biased on that matter.)
Most of it is off line at the moment.

As stated elsewhere, I remain committed to Web Engine though other opportunities are available.
[Read nothing into the missing Web Engine acknowledgement on the Post Haste page. I needed the space and will make the acknowledgement elsewhere.] Everything on a page should serve a purpose --- should enhance the theme --- and that is as true of animation as anything else. But I will do my very best for you. OK?

Cheers

Muzz

Look forward to it Muzz. You might want to visit the Web Engine Demos page - though there is nothing I would call spectacular there (yet), it might give you some ideas: http://www.virtualmechanics.com/products/engine/demos.html


- Derry

Hi,
I will try do something a little more profound than what has been mentioned viz a viz animation. I just need a little time to think about it.

On typography, I also deleted all my fonts in XP and re-loaded to see what the basic XP fonts are. There are a few additional ones beyond Win 98 SE which, when I establish a one to one correspondence, I will publish in the forum as it broadens one horizon a bit if you use XP.

Muzz

Further thoughts,

I am about 3 weeks away from completing the Knox Site. Messing around with animation on a site not built for it would be just plain dumb.

But what I'll do instead is build an entire site, a smaller site, geared specifically to a dynamic theme and thus animation. If I am going to use it, I want it to be an integral part of the site and not a gimmick; i.e. the site must demand verbs. It is literally a half-way house between photographs and movies. Very challenging and little exploited meaningfully.

Muzz

Hi Muzz,

OK, look forward to it!


- Derry