Around our offices, and those of other publishing based business', I've seen folks get pretty proprietary about whatever publishing software they use. My dog? Sure. But software?

In fairness, I do it to. I've always used CorelDRAW because it was better suited to the sign business. When I started working for the Progress, I had to get to know publishing software better and I'll admit, it does do some things more simple than Corel might. But, Corel will do all those things AND allow you to do all the things you've wished you could do.

I've found that in the publishing world, there are certain programs that are considered the industry standard, and designers cannot be told otherwise. Period. They love what they use, and they will not try something new, no matter how it might help their world. A project I've recently been working on (see the website at surf.to/nethotspots for news or read on) required me to engage in a serious crash course on the QuarkXpress version of publishing. Quark is considered to be the most widely used and accepted software on the market. And, the more I understand Quark, the more I understand terrorists. Other than a couple of useful tools others might not have, it's a beast. You have to hit buttons twice and three times or more to do the same things other programs will do in one. Then you'd better hit one or two again before continuing or you may be doing the whole thing over again. Why would anyone want to go through that much frustration?

Of course, Quark costs $900, while measly little ol' Corel costs about $250, and that may be the whole story in a nutshell. People don't want to spend less than their peers on anything. I used to be in the supermarket decor business and I was told on several occasions that I was too cheep, despite the fact that the money I was charging was more than sufficient for the product I was supplying. Did I loose jobs because I didn't charge more? There is no way to tell for sure, but I'd be willing to bet on it.

I suppose the lesson learned here is that just because someone says that's the only way to go, doesn't mean you should listen. You might save a buck or two now and then, as well as have a better result, if you, dare I say it, question authority. Story of my life.

As mentioned, I have been very busy of late working on a pet project of mine called The Roster. It's a Lexington/Henderson County based monthly sports magazine whose first issue should be on the street by the first of next week. It's been a lot of work and a real pleasure to work on. The people and businesses of Lexington have been very supportive so far and the process of getting the stories has been a lot of fun. The Roster, being monthly, will not be concerned with current events like The Progress does. They can't. We will be focusing on articles and stories about the sports and sportsmen and women of Lexington and surrounding areas. And what a long list of sports. I never really thought about all the interesting pastimes we are engaged in. Of course, there's football, baseball and basketball, but there are so many other from hunting, fishing, golf, and I don't know how many forms of racing. The list grows daily.

We intend for our kids to became an integral part of the magazine through photography and writing as well. I can tell you, we are looking forward to seeing what they do. You can get more information at The Roster web site (http://roster.rules.nu), though there is not much there yet (been too busy getting out the magazine) or check out the Hot Spots site (surf.to/nethotspots) in the coming days.

This lack of sleep is making me silly lately, so lets stay with the theme. For online games, either do a search for 'webtv games', or go to http://wickedgoodgames.com. I did, and boy was I in for some egg catching fun. Pages and pages of games of all types. You'll just have to check it out for yourself.

I'm completely lost as to the origins or use of this next site called Square Pig In A Round Hole (http://www.hoogerbrugge.com/spiarh.html). A series of odd animation on photos that activate with a mouse-over. Again, you'll have to see it to know it. This site reminds me of the old 'Deter' sketches from Saturday Night Live some years ago.

Got Gum? How about 3000 different packs of gum? Another fellow from Germany has been collecting gum most of his life. Quite a different hobby, I would think, but there appears to be many with similar interests. Go by Gum Collector (http://www.gumcollector.com) and get tips on how to start a new collection of your own (I used to keep mine under my mom's kitchen table).

Here's one I liked this week, having been a builder in my youth, the Eric Harshbarger's LEGO® website (http://www.ericharshbarger.org/lego), where Eric insists he's actually making a living building interesting structures out of nothing more than Legos. With lots of pictures and how-to's, it's a good thing.

I’ve been a bit behind lately getting the web site updated and I appologize. I will get it updated by this reading, so when you have a moment, you’re welcome to check out surf.to/nethotspots or just say ‘hi’ at [email protected]. Till next week, take care.