CompuServe Messages

John, We accept files from just about any source for imagesetter output. Natuarally 95 % of the stuff we get is from Macs. There is a commonly held mistaken idea that the PostScript output from Macs is relatively trouble-free and that it outputs without difficulty. Nothing could be further from the truth. It _is_ true that the programs themselves on the Mac as the 'front end' of a process for generating a page of typesetting and graphics are superior (more polished, more features) to those on Amiga. However, the PostScript output from the major Amiga programs (Pagestream, ProPage, ProDraw) is clean and a joy to output. It is _fast_ and appears to respect the PostScript environment in the imagesetter much better than Mac programs (it follows the rules). I agree that someone who has little computer experience should be steered toward the Mac as a first choice if it is graphic arts work that they want to do. But, if the Amiga _is_ used, it's output can be sent to just about any service bureau with a great deal of confidence that it will be accepted and that the results will be as desired. I can give anyone who is working on the Amiga brief instructions on how to give files to a Mac-oriented bureau. If the file consists mainly of typography, there will be virtually no problems whatsoever. There _is_ a problem in the case of files that have large included graphics, but these can be overcome also. It has been my experience that once the Amiga operator gains a little experience in preparing files for output, the service bureau will respond that those files are among the most trouble-free in its operation. Rich