christian t leeds said
My name is Chris Leeds. I'm an Expression Web author and Microsoft MVP ([...]). I've been using various Microsoft HTML editing programs for more than 10 years. This book works well as a reference guide to new features in Expression Web 3, and to help a typical HTML/CSS designer (like me) branch out into some of the higher-level ASP.NET features available in Expression Web 3.
Considering what you can learn from this book and its cost, the equation comes out as a good value, but from a non-analytical point of view; the writer does a good job of "humanizing" a fairly technical book about a fairly technical topic.
I would recommend this book and buy others in the series.
J. Jewell said
From the text, I think this could be a really good book. However - the graphics are almost impossible to read - some are just plain unreadable. Dark grey writing on black just doesn't work. Reviews saying this might be fixed haven't come through yet.
Robert J. Giordano said
Although the In Depth series is reportedly not for newbies, after a few days/weeks with EW3 you're not gonna be a newbie anymore so buy this book. It's comprehensive, logically laid out, easy to read and you will find yourself going back to it time and time again.
I've been using FrontPage and EW since it was in Beta and I've learned a thing or two from Jim, his books, and his software over the years; he knows what he's talking about and you'll find Expression Web 3 In Depth a valuable addition to your library.
They may call it a reference book, but I found myself reading it cover to cover...you will too.
I understand that the few fuzzy images will be fixed soon, although I didn't find them unusable to begin with.
Tina Clarke said
Jim starts off the book with a overview of the features of EW which lets you know just what is available within the program if you have not used it before.
Authors are told they have to cover all aspects of the program, so whilst Jim has had to cover frames he points out what a folly it would be to use them in the normal course of web design in a very diplomatic way - way to go Jim.
If you really want to push yourself to the next level then Jim's book helps you do just that. On the other hand to my mind IT IS good for newbie's. When I approach something new I like to have all the information before me, but explained in a nice simple way. I don't want to have go do further research to find out where I can find the information that's missing. Its fine to have a bare bones book with the basics, however I want all information right there in front of me this book gives me that, so I think it covers all three levels of experience. I specially commend the publisher on having a mighty fine index, there is nothing worst than having a large (or even a small) book and having to rifle backwards and forwards throughout just to find some essential. Having a good index saves you so much time.
In my book there were fuzzy photos, but that was a printing error run. Not everything goes right. I took the time to ask the author what the problem with that was, as his other books had really good photos, so that's not the authors fault (or responsibility I might add) and not something he should be dinged for, he assured me that the next run would be better and he was considering redoing the photos now the service pack 1 was out and he could arrange for a lighter colour scheme through
windows colours. I would go for that if I were you Jim it will make the next printing run much better even if there are no printing faux pas by the printer.
I was surprised that the book cover was not as stiff as previous books, but Jim explained to me (again I took the trouble to ask) that;
"We printed the book on recycled paper. Even the cover is recycled paper. Yes, it doesn't have the firmness and slickness of non-recycled paper, but we didn't cut down trees to print my book. Every little bit helps!"
So I applaud Jim for this extra attention to detail and his concern for the environment and the book pages and cover are not that flimsy at all.
Jim believes in giving extra and he has created lagniappe's (a gift or bonus) throughout with even more information should you wish to pursue it. This book truly gives you comprehensive and in-depth information and what's more advice. I like books that not only tell you basic facts but that give you insights and tips and tricks that only an experience author can give you and all explained easily and simply. This is why Jim's books continue to be my favourite I would rather have too much than too little.
The only thing I could wish for more of is a starter kit and covering of different scenario's for SuperPreview - I think its fine to find the problems and know how to use SP but having some true life examples really really helps. Perhaps Jim might cover this in a series of articles on his websites?
You can also get access to a free online edition for 45 days through Safari Books Online not only for this book for all the others in the Safari stable. The coupon is in the back of the book.
Joe Young said
I was really looking forward to getting this book when it came out to help me learn how to use EW3. Once I started looking through the book I immediately noticed the poor quality of pages. The graphics are all dark and mostly unreadable. I would advise waiting on either a reprint of this book or just find another book when it comes out.
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