From the book lists at Adware Report:

All information current as of 00:28:09 Pacific Time, Monday, 3 January 2005. Inside Flash (With CD-ROM)    by Jody Keating / Fig Leaf Software   Paperback:     New Riders Press     October, 2001    US$30.60     Usually ships in 24 hours     Qualifies for free shipping    (when your total order of eligible items meets the US$25 minimum.)    Check the details for more information. Click the button below to . . .      (which will add the book to your Amazon U.S.A. "Shopping Cart") . . . or use your browser's Back button to return to the search-list page.

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Editorial description(s):

From Book News, Inc.
Provides guidance on working with the graphics, sound, and animation techniques possible with Flash 5, and on using ActionScript to control the behavior of objects. Written for intermediate Flash artists and programmers, the guide explains how to create various types of masking effects, simulated video, soundtracks, menu systems, user interfaces, object movement, and smart clips. The CD-ROM contains exercise files and trial software.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Info
Hands-on tutorial-based instruction on how to use Flash that goes several steps further than perceived competitors and provides more advanced level instruction. Covers Flash 5. Softcover. CD-ROM included.


From the Publisher
The first comprehensive Flash book that recognizes this one true thing: There exists a core of knowledge that everyone--Flash designers AND Flash developers--needs to know.

What';s the difference between a programmer and a creative? With Flash, that';s a damn good question...

It';s a unique book. A unique approach. To a unique technology. Coders and creatives both drawn equally to this thing called Flash. Each riffing in different directions off the same tool.

Inside Flash is aimed at two very different audiences: artists and programmers. We know we can't turn the artists into hard-core programmers or the programmers into gifted artists, but if both groups use this book, we definitely can bring about a meeting of the minds. The more each group understands how the other thinks, the better chance each has of leveraging the true power of Flash 5. Development in Flash has truly become a collaborative effort; Inside Flash recognizes that fact, and the authors--a uniquely talented combination of designers and developers, all dancing in the trenches every day--do a tremendous job of reflecting where Flash development is headed, rather than where it';s been...


From the Inside Flap
"From some of the top Macromedia Flash developers and instructors in the world, comes a great resource for learning Flash 5. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to begin developing in Flash." - Mike Chambers, Macromedia Flash Community Manager

"This book is a direct route for advanced Flash. You get solid conceptual knowledge and real-world advice on almost every Flash-related topic. is a must-have for any serious developer."A great resource for anybody using Flash; already a classic!" -Manuel Clement - mano1.com

"You do not need another Flash book. Inside Flash has it all. This is the best manual, tutorial, and reference book on Flash I have seen. It exposes all the tips and secrets that web developers have been hiding for years. Even as an experienced Flash user I learned and found better ways to do things. This book is really fantastic. Each chapter alone is worth the price of this book. will be the new standard that other Flash references will try to reach.

"Some Flash knowledge can only be attained by being in the trenches working with it, fighting with it, struggling every single day; this book reflects 'Know How' directly from the frontline. Keep it on you at all times. -Geordie Martinez, Senior Flash Developer, DigitalThink, Inc."

"...an excellent number of examples has been presented. Enough examples have been included to teach the reader many, exciting techniques. At the same time, the book has been written in a manner that the reader may skip more advanced sections without sacrificing an understanding of the material. This allows the reader to choose the depth in which he learns Flash. Plain English. The authors have written the book in a manner that is friendly and inviting, while using plain English which new users can understand. This book not only covers the use of Flash features, it teaches the reader how to produce "real world" techniques. After reading this book, the reader can immediately begin producing excellent projects on their own." -Melissa Cogswell, Owner/Graphic Designer, Focus Media and Consulting Group, LLC

"Inside Flash is a wealth of expert information, providing a great introduction to Flash 5, it will be a very valuable asset to a wide range of Flash designers." - Mischa Williamson, Flash Expert [Freeform -- London]


From the Back Cover
Inside Flash 5 is hands-on, tutorial-based instruction on how to use Flash that goes several steps further than perceived competitors and provides more advanced-level instruction, including a quarter of the book on ActionScript. Inside Flash 5 shows the program's functionality from a practical, project-based, best-practices approach; the book teaches how to get results using the tool, rather than simply reviewing the functionality of each button on the interface. Chapters begin with preview goals, feature complete and practical projects that are designed to further the skill-sets of working professionals and serious students, utilize sidebar information sections that add context to the general discussion, and finish with review material that helps many readers buttress what they've just learned.


About the Author


Fig Leaf's Creative Media Department has designed and developed engaging Web-based media for some of the most recognized companies and organizations in the country. Fig Leaf offers creative services from a talented team of award-winning graphic artists, programmers, writers, and instructional technologists who consistently construct next-generation solutions for their clients. Using a blend of creative talent, experience, and technical know-how, they are able to take their client's Web media to a new level that balances form, flow, and function.



Members of the Creative Media team speak regularly at trade shows, user groups, and design conferences to inform others about the tools, technologies, and processes that they successfully employ.



Jody Keating is Assistant Director of Interactive Media at Fig Leaf, where she makes the Interactive Media programmers and designers play nicely together. She has also taught Macromedia Authorized classes for Flash, Generator, UltraDev, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and CourseBuilder, and has written Macromedia Authorized Training Materials for Flash 5 and Generator 2 Enterprise Edition. Jody also is a Cold Fusion developer and likes to dabble in Flash/Generator/Cold Fusion integration. She has an undergraduate degree in anthropology from George Washington University and has done graduate work in geobiology. When Jody's not writing or managing, she's racing sailboats, kayaking, or rowing on the Chesapeake Bay.



Tom Pizer is a Partner and the Vice President of Creative Media for Fig Leaf Software. He is responsible for Fig Leaf's creative vision and the success of the client Web sites and interactives that Fig Leaf creates. During his career, he has written course material on computer-based design and collaborated on industry-related books. His work has been featured in leading industry magazines and been written up in online trade sites. Tom is the current president of the Washington, DC area Macromedia User's Group (WAMMO). During his tenure as president, he has forged strong ties with Macromedia and its product directors, programmers, sales staff, and training managers for the full suite of Macromedia's Web tools.



Doug Clarke is an Art Director at Fig Leaf. Having a background in illustration, 3-D motion graphics, and sound design, Doug likes to use his multidisciplinary background to push the envelope of interactive animation. "I'm never ever really satisfied with my work, but I do enjoy the process of creating and combining different mediums within Flash. Drawing is the foundation for all my work, which in turn is based on keen observation." His work has been featured in various publications, including USAToday, Richmond Times Dispatch, and the Virginian Pilot. When he's not working in Flash, Doug enjoys illustration and painting. Doug also is an avid surfer and spends his off time with his family and friends in Virginia Beach. He holds a BFA, graduating magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University.



When Branden Hall is not working with computers (rarely), he enjoys the great outdoors: camping, hiking, biking, and climbing. As an Eagle Scout, these playtime pursuits come as naturally to him as programming, which is what Branden is doing much of the rest of the time. Branden is known for developing cutting-edge ActionScript techniques. At Fig Leaf Software, he is the Senior Interactive Developer and a Macromedia Instructor. His work at Fig Leaf, combined with Branden's prominence on his Flash 5 ActionScript mailing list, FlashCoders, and his participation in many other lists, conferences, and users groups have spawned speculation that Branden Hall cannot possibly be just one man. Amusing though the thought of a host of Branden clones running around might be, his fiancée, Patricia Lee, guarantees us all that there is, indeed, only one.



Chris Smith is an Instructor and Senior Desig ner at Fig Leaf. He also teaches Flash, Dreamweaver, and Fireworks at the Corcoran School of Fine Arts in Washington, DC. Chris graduated in 1995 with a BFA from the University of Southern California. While earning his degree, he worked at Activision, Inc., and contracted an incurable interest in computer game graphics and animation that has dominated his creative pursuits ever since. Thirty years before the mast, he lives in Alexandria, VA.



Patricia Geneva Lee performs the dual roles of Cold Fusion Developer and Allaire Certified Instructor at Fig Leaf. Prior to coming to work for Fig Leaf, Patti received degrees in English and French. She also has pursued higher education in public relations. She has a cat named Greymalkin.



Steven Waters is an Interactive Media Programmer for Fig Leaf, where he mainly does Flash ActionScripting, and he is working toward being certified to teach Flash courses. He is a vocal advocate for reforming land use policy to reduce automobile dependency.



Chrissy Rey is a Macromedia Certified instructor in Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Generator, and she has written Macromedia Authorized Training Materials for Flash and Generator. Chrissy also is a freelance writer and technical editor, with contributions to Flash books and Web sites. She is the founder and Webmaster of FlashLite (http://www.flashlite.net) and FlashCorps (http://www.flashcorps.org).



Keenan Keeling is a Flash Programmer at Fig Leaf Software, where he specializes in programming with ActionScript. Keenan has been using Flash for about two years. He is currently in his fourth year at the University of Maryland, seeking a BS in computer science. Keenan is a programmer at heart and loves object-oriented programming. Keenan's goal is to incorporate his programming mentality and background into Web design, a field dominated by graphic artists. Keenan also works as a DJ on the weekends, having played at hundreds of venues up and down the east coast.



Christopher Hayes is Art Director/Web Designer for Fig Leaf Software's Atlanta Creative Division. He is currently studying to receive his certification to teach Flash 5. Chris has been using Flash since the Flash 3 days and enjoys creating bleeding-edge design. Chris received his Master's degree in computer art from Savannah College of Art and Design and his BFA from Xavier University of Louisiana. Chris (a.k.a. "P the Wicked") is an emcee/music producer and enjoys the true hip-hop culture. Chris believes that his best work ever is the next one.



Tracey Sheeley is a Senior Designer at Fig Leaf and is one of the original "Figs." While creating many online presences for the clients, she has eagerly watched Flash evolve into the indispensable program it is today. Tracey has a BA in studio art earned at the University of Maryland. Spanning three states throughout her life, she grew up in Maryland, works in Washington, DC, and now lives in Virginia.



Miles E. Windsor is a Macromedia Certified instructor and the Director of Multimedia Training at Fig Leaf, where he teaches Flash, Generator, Dreamweaver, and UltraDev. Miles has a background in Novell, UNIX, and NT LAN administration. After several years of government contracting and freelance Web design assignments, Miles (after becoming a beta tester for Flash 3) finally came to his senses and discovered that Flash was all the world needs. It provides him instant gratification from a design and programming perspective. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, Miles spends most of his time trying to figure out the anal retentiveness of Americans.



Tracy Kelly is a Macromedia Certified instructor in Flash and Dreamweaver. Tracy helped write and technical edit the Macromedia Authorized Flash 5 Training Materials. She has a very expensive BA from Seton Hall University.



Wendy M. Franklin is an Instructor at Fig Leaf where she teaches Flash 5. Wendy helped tech edit the Macromedia Authorized Flash 5 Training Materials. Prior to joining Fig Leaf, she worked in the completely unrelated field of aviculture at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a BS in psychology.



Kristin Kaineg is the Print Designer for Fig Leaf. She has focused her energy into redesigning the Fig Leaf corporate identity and creating marketing collateral to promote Fig Leaf's corporate image. She graduated from American University with a BA in graphic design. Her goal in life is to make everything look pretty, especially at Fig Leaf.



Enayet Rasul is a Cold Fusion Developer who likes to port his Perl background to Fig Leaf whenever the occasion occurs. He also is the author of two chapters dealing with the integration of Flash and Generator with Cold Fusion in the book Professional Cold Fusion by Wrox Press. Previously he worked as a multimedia developer, developing CD-ROM and Web-based training applications in Authorware and Flash. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a BS in chemistry and a member of Alpha Chi Sigma. (Yes, he still misses the subject, but not the mess.)



Jason Powers is a Certified Cold Fusion Developer with Fig Leaf. He has extensive experience integrating Flash/Generator with Cold Fusion and DBMSs. He's been in the Web business for seven years, learning JavaScript after its initial introduction, and he is hooked on OOP. Since Flash 5 ActionScript picked up object orientation and dot syntax, he's been happily toiling away with it. In his spare(?) time, he creates music and frequents clubs.



Danielle R. Frucci is an Art Director with Fig Leaf. Her creative undertakings include Web interface development, Flash animations, and harnessing the power of the Microsoft suite of applications. A Bachelor's degree in graphic design and a minor in visual media communication from American University round out her career. She received the "Most Valuable Player Award" in track and field her senior year of high school.




Book Description


Inside Flash 5 is hands-on, tutorial-based instruction on how to use Flash that goes several steps further than perceived competitors and provides more advanced-level instruction, including a quarter of the book on ActionScript. Inside Flash 5 shows the program's functionality from a practical, project-based, best-practices approach; the book teaches how to get results using the tool, rather than simply reviewing the functionality of each button on the interface. Chapters begin with preview goals, feature complete and practical projects that are designed to further the skill-sets of working professionals and serious students, utilize sidebar information sections that add context to the general discussion, and finish with review material that helps many readers buttress what they've just learned.






Reader review(s):

Complete, thorough, enjoyable and easy to understand!, November 8, 2001
Inside Flash is a wonderful book! I am amazed at how thorough it is, while being friendly and easy to understand. This book is an excellent choice for anyone who is new to Flash, but is also complete enough to be a valuable resource to experienced Flash users.

The author understands which aspects of Flash web designers need to know, and has done an excellent job of teaching those aspects. I've read a number of Flash books, and some explain various features of Flash, but leave the reader wondering how to use those features in real life web design. This book is a real world book. Each chapter teaches excellent techniques that can be used right away. It teaches basic techniques, but also teaches many exciting, advanced techniques.

Without listing the entire table of contents, some of the best sections include: Text Effects, Transitions, Character Animation, Sound, Menu Systems, Interface Techniques (drag and drop, custom cursors, sliders, scrolling text window, etc.), Web based learning applications and XML. And it teaches all of these in an enjoyable, easy to understand manner.

I am glad to have this book on my shelf. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Flash or needs to advance his or her current Flash skills. To the author I say "Well done!"

Inside Flash has it all, October 29, 2001
This book is the definitive flash manual. It encompasses all areas including action scripting, camera movements, faking video and more. Very well written and can be used as a reference book.

Highly recommended.

What I've been waiting for ..., October 12, 2001
Wow. This is the one I've been waiting for. Just arrived this afternoon, and I haven't put it down yet. The writing is clear, concise and accessible. The info is in depth - way beyond what I've seen in other books .... where have these guys been?

great book FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, May 8, 2002
It's really absurd how people with no background in a program get an intermediate level book and write ridiculous reviews b/c they're confused and complain about microscopic, trivial issues such as typos. They're trying to "walk without first learning to crawl." This book is obviously geared towards flash users with some background and familiarity with the software.

This is one of my favorite books among the many that i have.. which are Dreamweaver Magic, Inside DW 4, Photoshop WOW.
Let me add that I'm a tough critic.

This is one of those very practical and versatile books that you can read and learn from little by little as time goes by to enhance your skills as well as using it as a comprehensive reference. It also introduces some advanced material that may entice and propel you to study even further.

If you're serious about optimizing your potential that can be executed with flash, consider it as a requisite.

Now, if you're new to flash, consider FOUNDATION FLASH. This prescription is given to so you won't have to waste any time like i have in searching for the ideal learning material.

Missing important steps!, March 15, 2002
Try to stay away from purchasing this book. The tutorials provided go along and skip over vital steps in the process of completing the tutorial, as if you are supposed to already know the in between steps. Me being a beginner with Flash, skipping over these steps in most of the tutorials left me sitting and wondering what I had missed. But going back and reading, I never did skip over anything... there were just steps missing in the text! Very Frustrating!! And the book's chapters are not ordered in the way that I would have like to have seen them. By the first few chapters, you are already doing action scripting. Not good if you're just starting with Flash.

A Flash in the pan, March 3, 2002
This book is badly written and poorly organized. Many of the tutorials don't work-like making a mask using an invisible button. Important steps are left out so the technique will only work if you do some major debugging. Unfortunately this book does not give enough basic information to enable you to figure out the missing information.

Great Book for Professionals, June 20, 2002
The publishers of Inside Flash took a different slant from traditional how-to books. This tutorial based tome was written by a group of trainers from Fig Leaf Software based in Washington D. C., each writing in their specific area of expertise. The result is a well planned book with each chapter having the ability to stand alone as an educational component. The collection of tutorials build on one another with each examining in depth a facet of Macromedia's Flash program, giving readers a true appreciation for the complexity flexibility of the program.

This book is best suited for users with some experience with Flash. Both programmers and artists will find this book's tone to be engaging and informative. While it is sometimes difficult to make artists and programmers see eye to eye when solving a problem, this book's balanced approach to each explains why certain approaches work better in certain situations, giving equal time to each. Again, I need to reiterate that this book is not for Flash greenhorns...there are many discussions in this book that simply will not make much sense to beginners who are unaccustomed to the verbiage and functions of the Flash API.

Inside Flash, February 22, 2002
This book is terrible! I would not recommend buying it to anyone. Many of the tutorials provided on the disk don't work, nor do the ActionScripts listed in the text. A user would have better luck simply using the many tutorials available on the Web.
Lastly, when I tried to contact the publishing company for help, the were unable to offer any assistance from the author or the company.
I would again stress that anyone interested in learning about Flash not to buy this book!

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