How Did You Find It?

[mrod]

I was reading another thread recently, and a couple people mentioned how they had discovered this site, how they got started, etc.

That got me thinking that there must be some interesting stories out there, and thought maybe it would make an interesting topic. We all love stories, and, after all, it is the stories of life that make things interesting.

So...I'll start:

I checked out Photoshop Elements 3 for Digital Photographers from our local library a few months after hearing about it at a computer conference for educators in March of 2005. Our school district had just installed PSE 2 in our instructional labs (I teach middle school computer classes). At the time it was not part of my program at all--I'd played with earlier versions of Photoshop, but never seriously (I think I made it up to 6).

Anyway, I got the book, was paging through it (my first look at it was sitting in our van in front of my sister-in-law's house waiting for my 2-year old to wake up from his nap so we could go inside and join the rest of the family), and happened upon a tutorial (can't remember which one at the moment) that was talking about designing a magazine cover, I think. The example magazine that was used in the tutorial was something called Photoshop Elements Techniques. I started wondering if that was a real magazine. I figured it wasn't, since a lot of the other tutorials used examples that were humorous and obviously made up, and didn't think about it again.

A couple months later, after school started, our PSE license was upgraded to 3.0. Remembering that book, and remembering I enjoyed it, I bought myself a copy, figuring that this year, I would actually use the program in my classes. At some point, I stumbled back on that same magazine cover tutorial (or whatever it was) and remembered wondering about that magazine. I was at my desk, so I Googled "Photoshop Elements Techniques" and Bingo--it was real, and it existed. I explored and lurked for a couple days, then signed up.

And, of course, the proverbial rest is history. :)

That's my story. And I'm stickin' to it (since it's true, I figured that was a good idea;)).

Mike

[Robyn]

Sorry Mike, I haven't got an interesting story. I originally bought Elements because I thought it had a good slide show component (at least it looked good on the outside of the box!). I soon realised that that part of the program was pretty hopeless and bought Proshow Gold. Then I realised that I didn't have a clue what to do with the rest of Elements......did a Google on the best 'how to' book and bought The Missing Manual...........and towards the back of the book, page 426 to be exact, this was one of the recommended websites.

[NMarti]

Mike
Mine was even more simple. When I got my earlier version, 2 I think, there was a flyer inside about the website and newsletter. I looked at it and lurked, even joined the forum but don't think I ever posted anything - what did I know about anthing was my thinking - so I felt out of place. That was pre-site-crash. I lost track because my computer was so old and slow and it was hard to get anywhere on dial-up. I started using MS Picture It and struggled for a while with less than stellar results, but not bad. One day I decided I HAD to learn Elements since I was not satisfied with my results. I wondered if the site had been restored and did a search and found it back. I was then on broadband so I didn't even hesitate to join the forum again and subscribe. I'm very glad I did. Oh - that other program - it's been removed.;)

[ktnoon60]

Hi Mike, my stories pretty boring also. After installing elements I was reading the readme file which directed me to the goodies file on the disk. There was a pdf file on the newsletter and a link.

Terry

[mrod]

Ah, but see? It's a story, and that's what matters! The very fact that you remember makes it at least somewhat meaningful. Right? I sort of expected a few "uh, gee...I don't really know..." comments. But it's early...maybe they're coming. :D

Robyn: I think it's interesting that you bought it for the slideshow feature. That wasn't even on my radar when I was getting into it (still isn't...)

Nancy: I think your comments ring true with many: "Golly, there is so much talent around here, what can I contribute? What do I know? My work isn't nearly what theirs is, etc." Also, Site Crash? See? That's interesting! That was before my time around here. I had no idea the site crashed. There's a story there, somewhere...

Terry: You read the Read Me file??!?!?!?!?! Wow. That in and of itself is worthy of mentioning. I guess I subscribe to the "Directions? What, do I look like a sissy?" theory. Must be a guy thing...

Thanks for chiming in ladies! And may I say that I really enjoy looking at your work. Your galleries are among the ones I regularly check to see your latest work.

Have a good Thursday (or whatever day it is Down Under, Robyn. :D)

Mike

[NMarti]

... and that's why you are such a good teacher Mike? ;) :D

[mom to 4]

Mine is probably boring too, but ....... it is funny how being in a certain place at a certain time leads you in a certain direction that you may have never thought you would go.

A few years back I bought PSE2. I bought it just so I could maybe lighten or darken pictures and keep them on disks (before I got any digital). I only had the little book that came with it and never attempted much of anything. Did have a clue as to what a layer was! I was going along dumb and happy until one day in December 05.

I was in Costco picking up my photos when I saw a large print that some guy was picking up. I have always been talkative :D (as if you didn't know that:D ), and I made a comment about it. I had never seen anything like it.....It was a collage of about 30 photos. He was so please with this montage he had done of President Bush's trip to Lancaster County that he was happy to share. I asked him what he was using and he said PSE4. I told him I had 2, "Oh, no, go get PSE4.....they have it over there with the software and books" he said to me. He then asked me if I wanted to see the rest of his work :D . Get your minds out of the gutter:eek: ! He had a portfolio in his car which he brought in. We stood in Costco for about an hour and a half talking about all the collages he had done. He told me if I ever wanted to try any of these he would be happy to talk me through it. I went and bought my PSE4 for $80. Gave it to my mom to give to me for my birthday (I told her it was only 45!). A week or so after Christmas, I called my new best friend from Costco, asked him how to do something, he walked me thought it. I haven't talked to him since. I got a scott Kelby book at costco for $30 and it listed this site as an additional source for info. and ..........


HERE I AM!

Being in that costco, talking to that man, has changed my life. I never thought I would be playing with photos the way I am today!

Thanks Mike.....boring, maybe, interesting......yep!

[NMarti]

Colleen
I see you practice the same type of creative shopping I do with my husband. "Oh no dear - it only cost $20" - from our checkbook - the other $60 was my stash money.:D :D

[TonyW]

As far as I can remember because it was quite a while ago I had just upgraded from PSE2 to PSE3 and was missing the manual and particularly the handy list of keyboard shortcuts that came with PSE2. I Googled my way to this site. Asked a question about keyboard shortcuts and got an almost instaneous response and a welcome from Wendy :) . I thought this looks like a great place to hang out - there were people there who actually answer questions whatever they are. So I stuck around, asked more questions, started answering some and never looked back.

I hate to think where I would be if I hadn't found this place - well I would have been slightly richer because I just had to become a subscriber, just had to take a course, just had to buy a whole bunch of the recommended reading and then there were the new cameras, tripods, gizmos, new software, software upgrades...... Oh well it's only money and it sure is a lot of fun spending it on stuff like this!

Tony

[bnk1953]

mines short and simple - i was at a mac computer workshop and won PSE 2 and a wacom tablet as a door prize.
~bruce.

[bwolford]

I bought PSE3 and Premier because I wanted Premier to replace a video package that came with my computer. Wound up trashing Premier because it didn't improve my plight, but when I opened the box a flyer was included and a free issue of PET was offered. So I got the free issue. Like the tuts, found the web site, signed up for year and have been blissfully enjoying the virtual company of the best people in the world.

I always wonder if we would get along socially. :twisted: I think as a PSE social club, we would. I can see myself driving a few of you nuts (to remain nameless) if we expanded into other topics. :D

Now you've got me wondering if it would be an intersting thing to do to form a monthly PSE or PS users group in my community. I wonder if anything like that exists... Any thoughts?

Brice

[bwolford]

If anyone in the Tampa areas want's to start a PSE club, PM me.

Brice

[e-mailsucks]

I was a Paintshop Pro die hard. I thought the sun rose & set on Paintshop. Jasc was my best buddies. They had an excellent forum with plenty of help, but didn't have galleries. After Coral purchased Jasc, I thought my roof caved in on me. The forum disappeared and so did Paintshop as far as I was concerned. I didn't want or could afford to buy Photoshop CS and thought that's it for editing photo's. Then while shopping I noticed Photoshop Elements 3.0. I thought it probably wouldn't be as good as Paintshop Pro, but at least it's a known product name. After installing it I just sat and looked at it and thought I'll never learn this, there's no support, no manual, no nothing, and worst of all no forum. After leaving it on my computer for over a month I was out Goggling and noticed this forum. I was trying to make a shadow in Elements and asked a question and felt like I was making a public speech or something. I can't believe how embarrassed I felt. Then this woman by the name of Wendy appeared and welcomed me to the forum and answered my question in great detail. I couldn't believe on how that warm welcome made me feel like coming back to this place. I never dreamed it would become an addiction though :D .

Brian :)

[Wendy]

Not sure if I can remember that far back :eek:

My story isn't how I got here ... but what it was like then ...

I was a member of another forum and it was getting boring ... it was turning into a place where people popped in asked a question, got the answer and then left. Just no fun at all ...

Then I heard that a new website was opening so I came to take a look ... Ummm well there were a few of us here. Maybe a couple of dozen of us :eek: so when someone new visited we all tended to say Hi and welcome them. (Somethings really have stayed the same)

No subscriber area, no Gallery, not even a newsletter at that stage ... just a few of us and a forum. However there were plans for all the things that there are now ... and it had a nice atmosphere. So I just stuck around ...

We played around with effects and techniques, shared ideas with each other and I did my first mini tut:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=311

(If you look throught the thread its amazing how many of the people are still here !!)

The subscriber area opened in January and they added the first tutorials :) ... then later the Gallery was added ...

I am just so pleased that I found the site ....


Wendy

[snooze]

I found this site by accident. Been useing psp for a long time to.Bought Elements 4 and did a google search for help on using it. Best find i ever found. Bought the books that you all recommended . Bought a tablet, darn pen is hard to get used to.The people here are all very helpful. Subscribed to the subscriber area and it turned out to be another great find. Best money spent.Still waiting for first news letter. Think maybe its time to give them a call . Been about eight weeks.You people have been a great help to a lot of elements user's.Best regards

Dennis

[Carbone]

Someone had invited me over here. I had a quick look and liked what I saw. I decided to stay and give a hand (or two..) ;)

Ray

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

Coleen,
Small world . . DH and I went to a car show at the York Fairgrounds the same weekend Bush was in Lancaster. As luck would have it he heading up to York from Lancaster and we got stuck in all the traffic. WE left the car show in mid afternoon to check into our hotel BUT - couldn't check in because the desk clerk was standing outside waiting to see the President go by - I tried to get some shots of his motorcade - lots of busses and motorcycles on their way to the fair grounds, but you really couldn't tell which bus he was on or anything.

I did do a page in my paper scrapbook with some of the photos and the front page article of the President's visit from a York newspaper there in

[Pauline]

Well my story isn't as exciting as Colleen's!! The flyer for this site fell out of the box while I was installing elements. I signed on that night and have loved every minute of it. There is no way I would know as much as I do now without everyone here. Also it's a great resource for checking out books. Our local library is tiny and there certainly aren't any ps books to look at. The nearest large book store is an hour drive away and the selection isn't the best so I have relied on the good word from many here when making on line purchases for books.

[mom to 4]

Carol:

I think he came here three times before the election. Once to York and Lancaster...He went to the company that did our electrical work after our lightning strike. The guy sent me some terrific pictures he was able to take. It was a small family run business not many people to deal with.... I do remember the traffic on Route 30 that day!!!!!! I can imagine trying to check in and everyone just ditching their jobs to see what was going on outside!!! I think I would have been ticked!

He then went to Hershey..on another occasion....at the arena. I went there with some friends. It rained and then poured. We had a ball. He came in there on Marine One......very cool!

Then he came a few days before the election to a rally at the Lancaster Airport. I think 90% of the kids in my kids HS showed up along with many of their teachers. The band from our local public HS played. It was an awesome sight to see Air Force One land and come down that runway! It was neat watching it take off. I got lots of pictures, but none too close and it was before my Rebel XT!

I hesitated to post this, after seeing a couple of posts and avatars lately, I may not be too well liked anymore on this site...........Oh, well.......to each their own!

[bwolford]

Neat stories.

Now tell us about your first time?

Posting to the forums, for those of you in the gutter. Mine was lost with the migration debacle. The earliest record of me is June, 2005.

Brice

[seebee]

I honestly can't remember how I found this forum! :confused: I'm sure it was a link from somewhere. Does Adobe have a link to here from their website?

As to how I ended up with the software, I know several people with Photoshop, but they are professional photographers & can swing the cost. I looked into the PSE4 trial version when I decided I needed some photo software to make last year's Christmas card. I enjoyed PSE4 so much that I put it on my Christmas list & received it. I've used it daily since Christmas, and got a subscription in March. :D

First time posting: I answered a post talking about the summit in Arlington, TX. My friend & I went and had a great time. :)

[Carbone]

Neat stories.

Now tell us about your first time?

Posting to the forums, for those of you in the gutter. Mine was lost with the migration debacle. The earliest record of me is June, 2005.

Brice
The previous message contains scenes which could upset your breathing, forcefully throwing the coffee on the monitor as a result...

:D

Ray

[Wendy]

Brice ...

I checked my messages and only the last 500 are there.

As I pressed the button and it went away I suddenly though ... looking for all the messages I have posted could bring down the site. :eek: thankfully it only found the lat 500 :)

I can't remember the first time I posted ... its sort of lost in the mists of time

Wendy

[NYBOB1]

I had Elements 3 installed for about a year.It came bundled with my scanner software.I decided it was time to really learn how to use it for more than adjusting the brightness or cropping photos.A google search for help brought me here.As a subscriber I have learned so much in the short time I have been here and continue to learn more everyday.I recomend the site to anybody that takes photos.

Bob

[virgo1]

Elements 3 came with the tablet I had purchased with PainterIX. I had just gotten my first digital camera. I found this site by chance and joined in April 05 and subscribed. I have learned so much and made many new friends.:)
Eva;)

[bwolford]

Wendy, some day data archeologists will scrape a disk drive and find primitive Wendy postings. Of course they will be misinterpreted because cultural differences.

Brice

[TonyW]

Brice ...

I can't remember the first time I posted ... its sort of lost in the mists of time

Wendy

Wendy: If I'm not mistaken this is your first post (http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showpost.php?p=49&postcount=5) (I ran a Search on your posts but in Ascending Order which gets the first 500 not the last). Searching for the ones in the middle would be tricky though ;)

Tony

[kimi_boo]

I asked for PSE4 for my birthday. March 14th. Inside is a flyer about the site. Do I win for most boring?? :eek: :eek:

As soon as I found it I joined. I would like to take this moment to tell everyone... THANK YOU for being so helpful!!
:p :p

[ktnoon60]

Mike, yeah I read the readme file you never know when there's helpful info in there. Being a teacher did you ever see the test where there are about a hundred questions and you only have like 5-10 min to do it. The teachers are always telling you to read thru a test first, of course I madly dash thru trying to get as many done as possible then when you get to the last question it says something like don't bother to answer any questions just write you name on the paper and hand it in. That seemed to leave an impression and now I usually try to read everything first.

Terry

[mrod]

Yes, that's a classic, Terry. There are several versions floating around.

And you know, I probably actually fall in the middle somewhere. I give directions a glance when I need to.

But the Read Me files...um...I guess I really should...:o

Mike

[jazzfisher]

(No snoring allowed-ZZZZZZZ):cool:
Started by messing w/my photos in Microscoft Publisher (find edges) thought that was cool. Bought MS Paint It, my significant other's brother (worked at Kodak in R&D) gave me a copy of PS 5.0 LE (with no instructions), started messing with that--kept going to Abode.com--wasn't much help/learned. Bought Album 1.0 & on up, then Elements from the beginning one.....was on Adobe's mailing list got note about new Magazine coming out--got the free issue but couldn't afford subscription. Kept getting notices-finally found forum--lurked until I had a question---and now you can't get rid of me!!! And that's the truth!:)

[Wendy]

Hi Tony ...

Oh my goodness ... I actually remember that problem. Adobe had shipped a batch of PSE3 and they all had educational splashscreens !!

The same question kept popped up for months :)

Wendy

[jazzfisher]

I got that one---the educational splash screen!!! I had forgotten!!!:)

[Wendy]

Sherry ...

I had forgotten too until I saw that thread :)


Wendy

[kayser]

What an interesting thread, thanks for starting this Mike!

I had MS PictureIT before this and did basic things with photos. A few years ago I took a course at the Community College on manipulating your photos digitally where they used a trial version of PSE. The class was way too basic because most of the users needed basic computer help, so we didn't get much beyond opening/saving/printing photos and a few basic adjustments. I didn't have a clue about the full power of PSE.

Then for Christmas 2005, Santa bought me (and my husband) a laptop, and I decided I needed new photo software to go with my new computer, so we bought PSE. I got frustrated getting started (I'm like Mike, no reading directions for me, I want to start playing!), so I think my husband got tired of hearing me complain and found this forum for me!

My first post was about making collages, I think. It took me awhile after that to post any real work (and I posted with much tredpidation and sweaty palms). I remember thinking it was like a whole 'nother language- WACOM, raw, curves, levels, layers... I didn't understand half of the threads I read at first! It's gotten a little better since then. :o

[Jodi Frye]

I got a special email from a sexy handsome dude who told me about the site. I came, i saw, I stayed :) .... I'm a sucker for sexy handsome dudes ;)

[jazzfisher]

Jodi,
I've been looking for him, can you tell me where he is?:rolleyes:

[Jodi Frye]

Sure, he's over there <rudely pointing> :p

[kayser]

Leave it to Jodi to come up with this!

[Jodi Frye]

Sorry Kay if I offended...but it IS a true story. Honest. :)

[Grant]

I am a graphics addict, not the normal kind but the Elementary kind. I was living in a tool bar gutter. My fingers had Wacom warts. I was doing hundreds and hundreds of lines a day. Then I found this group and now all is lost but lost with a great bunch of people.

-

[kayser]

Jodi- it would be hard to offend me. I just thought you were coming up with another funny story!

[Jodi Frye]

Kay :)

Grant, that is a great story !
PS, sorry haven't been around...busy busy lately. Are you still working umpteen hours a day ? Or did you finally let them have it ! Mail me when you get a chance.

[Robyn]

Then this woman by the name of Wendy appeared and welcomed me to the forum and answered my question in great detail. I couldn't believe on how that warm welcome made me feel like coming back to this place. I never dreamed it would become an addiction though :D .Brian :)

Same here Brian.

Wendy (and others)........NEVER under estimate how much that initial warm welcome means. This welcome and Pauline's response to my PM's to her (an enquiry about how to do something in her gallery) kept me coming back, and back, and back, and...............

[Jodi Frye]

I think perhaps i should design a PET Addicts T-Shirt and hand them out to everyone :)

[Ellen]

Jodi,
You should indeed! I stumbled into here from a Google search by way of Grant's site or vice versa and was amazed at the knowledge and generosity that I found here. Oh - and the tuts and newsletter are nice too.

[willpresley]

I found it somehow -- can't remember how I came upon the site and the newsletter -- but it didn't take me long to realize a good thing.

I've enjoyed the site and spend time daily (and frequently) reviewing posts and sometimes posting.

We're into our 33rd week of the photo assignment -- an idea by Jodi Frye and still going strong.

I hosted a website for PSD files and found newer and better ways of sharing with others on this site. I plan to regroup later this summer and will offer that service again -- gratis.

Been a lot of messages and still going strong. I think I'll stick around a while longer.

[MarieBoyer]

I do not remember how I found this site; I think it was quite by accident. I DO remember, however, my first post. Wendy hopped on immediately to both welcome me to the forum and answer my question. I thought, "Wow, now this seems like a nice place." I was right.

I still find PSE a challenge, but with the help of this forum, I usually find the answer I need.

[bwolford]

I honestly don't remember sending Jodi that email... Go figure. :D

Brice

[ceejay3744]

I had PSE2 to do photo merges and fix vacation photos. I didn't use it very much but I read about a mosaic plug in in a scrapbooking magazine, and I went to the web site. From there, I jumped to a few other free plug in sites and found this one. Then I got PSE4, and last week I got a Wacom tablet. I love this forum but it costs me so much time and money. But I sure have learned a lot. And I haven't yet done that mosaic I downloaded.

CJ

[JRR]

I started by getting specific software for scrapbooking (actually, just a repackaged Borderbund, but what did I know??), but it wasn't very fulfilling. My husband surprised me by getting PSE3.0, right about the time 4.0 was coming out, so I made him take it back. Then I found an ad for Matt's scrapbooking DVD and the magazine, and here I am! Although I don't feel I have anything to offer anyone else, I sure do appreciate the rest of you! The forum members make it a fun place to visit every day. Janine

[dohearne]

Step-by-Step

Twins and 1st Grandchildren born:)
Canon Powershot shutter lag:eek:
Purchased Nikon D50
Great pictures but wanted to do more
PSE received as Christmas gift from twins' parents
PSE manual woefully inadequate
Registration of PSE brought me to Users website
Needed to choose between Newsletter or Book:confused:
Forum coupled with Newsletter clear winner:)

Dave

[Mary]

I can't remember exactly how I found this site but I just looked at my user info and the date I joined is there - 12-03-2004. I am pretty sure it was when I got my new version - PSE 3. I immediately printed off the newsletter information and put it on my husband's desk and asked for that for Christmas. I was already a great fan of Linda Sattgast and I felt I just had to email her and let her know about this wonderful site and the newsletter they had planned. Of course she emailed me back and said she was very aware and in fact was going to be a contributor to the site and the newsletter :o .

I had versions 1 and 2 but until I found this site I was stumbling about more than sailing along. Thanks to everyone who participates here at any level!! You make this a wonderful place for knowledge and friendship :) .

[Wendy]

Mary ...

There really wasn't too many of us around in those days :)

Wendy

[NRiceDesigns]

A portrait photographer friend needed computer help - more specifically Photoshop CE assistance. I had never used the program but was able to teach her a few things. I really wanted the program, but since I've been unable to work for a few years due to serious medical problems, I couldn't afford $600. I discovered PSE3 & loved it!

I discovered this site when I searched for info on PSE4 upgrade. I decided to join the very talented forum members & wait for PSE5. I haven't been sorry! Thanks to everyone for sharing your talents!