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    Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?

    Stacey Bindman Community Member

      November 28, 2012

       

      Hello everyone,

       

      I've been using Photoshop since it's develop, and have purchasing many versions, the last being CS3 Suite, CS4 Photoshop extended, CS5 extended,and CS6 Photoshop standalone.

       

      Like most other people, I have read reviews before purchasing and so was convinced to purchase CS6.

      I purchased CS6 standalone as I retired form teaching this year, and thus I'm no longer allowed to purchase at the educational rate.

       

      I've come to the conclusion of the following:

       

      Most software reviewers are in a compromised position:

       

      • They work for a living and as such are not in a position to wirte critical reviews.

      They don't have the time for the above, since most are wirting about other topics, softares, camera equipment, plu-ins ets.

      • Most reviewers seem to be "copycats" If you go to many review sites, you'' see similar and in smome cases almost the exact material

             and points written almost the same or in a variation of the original sofware companies press release.

       

      Lately, I have used Photoshop extensively, and have come to releas that there are several "deficiencies' and areas where many improvemnts can be made.

      Also, although I have not used CS6 enpough (only 1 day so far), it still has some deficiencies of some of the submenu items that I use - e.g select color, and being able to isolate

      a suble grey backrpund with a slight colour shift from a tabletip item with some similar tones.

       

      As a result, I would like to ask someone in authority there if they ever excahnge a licensed copy of a future reelase of CS7 in return for an in-depth, exhaustive, and thoprough evalution of a software, along with screen captures, and so forth.

       

      I did try the regular routes, as it's almost impossible to find e-mail addresses of Photoshop engineers:

       

      • Live Chat (level 1 person and his manager):                                     No, this does not happen, please go to the Photoshop improvement suggestion site, thank you.
      • 1-880 (1-888)telephone number:                                                       No, this does not happen, please go to the Photoshop improvement suggestion site, thank you
      • An actual e-mail of an engineer I found on a community page:         Turned out to be a "Phising Warning",and when I sent the e-mail, I was redirected to an Adobe Promo page.

       

       

      Thanking everone in advance for reading and answering,

       

      SB

        • 1. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
          Noel Carboni Community Member

          From the tone of your note, I assume you feel the reviewers you've read were influenced to present Photoshop in a more positive light than you would.  Out of curiosity, why would you think Adobe would reward such a review as compared to the others?

           

          I think you've already been given your answer.  Hate to say it, but opinions are plentiful and cheap.  Adobe knows they have a significantly valuable product and already get more feedback than they can handle.  I for one am glad they choose to lead instead of trying to act on every public opinion, which leads to mushware.  You can't please all the people all the time...

           

          You could possibly be invited to the private beta testing group, but there's not really a good way to get yourself invited, save for providing a lot of valuable feedback and help to others (e.g., here) and being noticed by Adobe.

           

          Back in March Photoshop CS6 was publicly beta tested for a couple of months.  You could have tested that and provided feedback here, as well as help to others testing it in determining whether what you found was a software problem or user error.

           

          Or like others you could evaluate the software for free for 30 days, and determine if it meets your needs.  You can post your questions and opinions here and likely learn more about the (insanely complex) product yourself.  All of us learn new stuff about it every day.

           

          You have a computer, you have monthly internet service, you probably have a camera to make the pictures to edit.  In this world of $100/month cell phone bills, it's hard to imagine anyone can't save up enough to buy the latest Photoshop upgrade if they really want it...  If the full version is simply too rich for you, there's always Photoshop Elements.

           

          -Noel

           

           

           

          P.S., perpetual license upgrades traditionally cost about the same as the educational versions you have been purchasing.  And there's the cloud subscription model where you can go by the month if cashflow is really tight.

          • 2. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
            Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

            Adobe sends out copies of some of its software to be reviewed (would guess, from the timing of the reviews, that this would be near the end of a Beta session), but do not know if the license would come with that. I can only speculate that the reviewers will get a download link, after signing a very specialized NDA - most in a Beta program sign an NDA to NOT talk about anything, with anyone, but in this case, they want the person to talk about, and review the software. Not sure who would qualify, or how they would become credentialed.

             

            I see similar in the Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements forum, where the MOD there has reviews done, right at the annual release of the new versions. Obviously, unless he's very quick, he has a copy of each program, and has had enough time to use both, plus write his reviews. Along with his product reviews, he turns out a book on each program, for each version, plus a combo book, as those programs often are sold in a bundle. His books' release usually coincides closely with the release dates. His reviews are really more along the lines of "What's New," "How features can be utilized," etc., and are not really Pro-Con pieces, as some Web sites and magazines publish.

             

            I have no idea which department handles his contract, or how it is structured, so no telephone number.

             

            I would be linclined to think that if one were sponsored by legit Web site, or publisher, Adobe would help them in doing their work, but I doubt that they would use their software as an incentive to get a good review - real ethical problems with that, and maybe even legal ones, as well.

             

            Not much help there, but it's the best that I can do - speculate.

             

            Good luck,

             

            Hunt

            • 3. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
              Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

              One other possibility, might be NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals). They are an organization that works very closely with Adobe, and have training sessions, a good magazine, and publish many books on Photoshop. Not sure of their exact structure, but perhaps applying for a job as a review writer with them, might pay off.

               

              Good luck,

               

              Hunt

              • 4. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                Stacey Bindman Community Member

                Hello Noel,

                 

                To answer some of your replies:

                 

                1. Most reviews of most software is postive, without very little thorough analysis of the program. Adobe and other software manufacturers      do not give any "rewards" as per your suggestion. It's the $4 in advertising that they give that helps the site make $$.

                 

                2. As per your comments, true most talk is "cheap", so why would I want to provide Adobe with plenty of beneficial suggestions for

                    nothing? Adobe charges well for their products because I will agree they have a great product, and I will still continue to use it.

                    However, because I value my work and potential effort that I would provide to Adobe, I feel my time and effort is worth something.

                    What's 1 free license to them?

                 

                    Your reply to the question of financial needs was off the topic, and I take exception to that.

                 

                3. I have tried out the 30 day free trial and have even downloaded a Beta on 1 occasion, but we're still back to the same discussion.

                 

                4. I bought Photoshop elements because I have a blog that I write about software. A fine program for most of my needs. I'm

                    surprised with your way of writing that you didn't suggest that I use GIMP for free. Now there's a great program and it's free.

                    If I was so desperate for cash, there's ways to get PS6 for nothing.

                 

                Thanks for taking the time to reply,

                 

                SB

                • 5. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                  Stacey Bindman Community Member

                  Hello Bill,

                   

                  Thanks for replying to my question.

                  What does the acronym MOS mean that you wrote in the first sentence of the second pragraph?

                   

                  From reading the replies here, I think I didn't express myself properly.

                   

                  What I wanted to say is that working reviewers are earning salaries. Adobe and other companies advertise directly or indirectly

                  on their sites. So it's not in the best interest to pan or give a low rating for a program. I don't think as you said that, Adobe gives out free licenses to write reviews.

                   

                  Have a nice day,

                   

                  SB (Stacey Bindman)

                  • 6. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                    Stacey Bindman Community Member

                    Hi Bill Again,

                     

                    I'm not at that level of expertise where I would have the qualifications to work there.

                    I did find something similar posted to another query to Adobe, that a retired NAPP person had.

                    He posed the question as to why Adobe would not continue to include retired NAPP people in the Education pricing category.

                    I had a similar question that I asked of Adobe.

                     

                    Thanks for the second reply.

                     

                    Stacey Bindman

                    • 7. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                      Noel Carboni Community Member

                      I'm sorry if I offended; that was not my intent.

                       

                      I wish you the best in trying to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Adobe.

                       

                      -Noel

                      • 8. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                        Noel Carboni Community Member

                        Stacey Bindman wrote:

                         


                        What I wanted to say is that working reviewers are earning salaries. Adobe and other companies advertise directly or indirectly on their sites. So it's not in the best interest to pan or give a low rating for a program. I don't think as you said that, Adobe gives out free licenses to write reviews.

                         

                        I don't mean to be a pain about this, but do you think that anything you read (or hear or see) in the media is unbiased?

                         

                        A lot of us have decades of experience.  We all value our skills, and those of us who would really like to take them to the next level often hang out in places like this forum.  Sharing freely and helping others often leads to many benefits, none of which are going to ever be written on a contract up front.

                         

                        -Noel

                        • 9. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                          Mylenium CommunityMVP

                          What I wanted to say is that working reviewers are earning salaries. Adobe and other companies advertise directly or indirectly on their sites. So it's not in the best interest to pan or give a low rating for a program. I don't think as you said that, Adobe gives out free licenses to write reviews.

                           

                          Why do you think that? I could write an "PS deserves to be burnt and people dance in joy around the pyre" review and Adobe still might send me yet another review copy of the next version, if only to disprove my point. I won't argue with you about the underlying politics - of course it's a fine line and both sides need to get something out of it, but that isn't different elsewhere. If I go to a press screening for a movie or get free DVDs/ BluRays for writing a review I can't full well say that I wiped my butt with the promotional T-shirt that came with them and I might have the good sense to say "The movie is not that great" instead of "It's garbage", but generally companies don't make too much of any of that. It's everyday business and sometimes companies already know that things will turn badly. Disney definitely knew already that "John Carter" was a bomb long before any of the press screenings. If they're not happy with you, they just won't invite you any longer/ send you stuff. It's as easy as that. That being said, Adobe is generally rather liberal in the matter and I think your perception of "rigged reviews/ articles" is perhaps wrong. In fact the worst reviews are usually from small plug-in companies who put a lot of pressure on the reviewer to see their stuff promoted. The big players are much more easy-going because of course they can afford to be. Beyond that, it mostly comes down to who writes those articles and naturally, some will be more prominent than others which will bias how it appears publicly. It's of course a different thing if you write for a big magazine or a small, specialized web site. Specific to software, there is also a tendency to "over-inform". People read sometimes 20 different reviews to buy a 30 dollar plug-in. That also massively skews perception. Anyway, if you ever want to write a review, you should align yourself with someone who is going to publish it and then contact Adobe's press, marketing and product management whether they would care to provide an NFR copy or a limited time license. Check the contact info on the Adobe page.

                           

                          Mylenium

                          • 10. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                            Jeff Schewe Community Member

                            Stacey Bindman wrote:

                             

                            Also, although I have not used CS6 enpough (only 1 day so far)

                             

                            Get back to us when you've spent a bit more time in Photoshop CS6...one day ain't long enough to get your feet wet (let alone make a useful assessment of the application).

                            • 11. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                              Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

                              What does the acronym MOS mean that you wrote in the first sentence of the second pragraph?

                               

                              Do you "MOD?" That means "moderator," also referred to as a "host."

                               

                              You might also approach some of the software review sites, to see if they need either new employees, or hire free-lancers.

                               

                              While not specific to Photoshop here, I have seen several reviews of versions of Adobe Premiere (especially their consumer-level Elements), where it appeared to me, that the reviewers knew nothing about an NLE (Non Linear Editor) program, and nothing about Video files. I am not sure where their areas of expertise was, but it seemed apparent to me, that they were not qualified to review a video editing program. One responded that since the program was aimed at consumers, he was very qualified to review the program, as the likely user would not know anything either, and that neither he, nor the average consumer should bother to learn anything about video editing, to use the program.

                               

                              Were I looking for viable reviews on a program, like Photoshop, I would want it written by someone, who actuall understood digital images, and had actually edited digital images, though perhaps not necessarily Photoshop. Still, I get a lot more out of reviews done BY Photoshop experts, such as in the NAPP magazine, Photoshop User.

                               

                              Good luck,

                               

                              Hunt

                              • 13. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                Hi Noel,

                                 

                                I agree that most media today is "unbiased".

                                I just read that a Big Jet manufacturer here in Montreal got a  record contract (7.8 billion $) to build jets for a private Swiss rental company.

                                So I did a fast tour of the Net, and read the "same/same" press release from about 15 press-releases or news info services.

                                I'd be willing to bet that many don't even know where Montreal is, or knew the name of the Swiss company.

                                Thats similar to when Adobe or someone else releases a new version of something.

                                The news agencies get a copy and presto, 275,000 agenices release the "same-same".

                                Occasionally will try the less popular or commercial engines to search out what I'm looking for (e.g. Blekko).

                                 

                                Thanks again for your comment.

                                • 14. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                  Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                  Hi Hunt,

                                   

                                  Thanks for your suggestions.

                                  I also agree about what you said about Premiere reviews, and that percolates to most software reviews.

                                  I'll check out your 2 recommendations - By Photoshop and NAPP magazine and Photoshop User.

                                  I've been to NAPP and it's a great site to learn from.

                                   

                                  As for "employment or compensation form review sites, I'm not really looking for that.

                                  Perhaps, My quest is useless like Don Quixote or Abraham searching for 50 honest people otherwise Sodem and Gemorrah will be destroyed.

                                   

                                  Thanks,

                                   

                                  Stacey

                                  • 15. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                    Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                    Hi Jeff,

                                     

                                    You're partly correct.

                                     

                                    However, the point that I was making is that the day in/day out menus and sub-menus that I use have not changed at all, and the same

                                    problem with the "select colors" still exists - it just does not work. I can use 2 other sub-menus to do what I want, but why waste time.

                                     

                                    I have a masking program from another company that does the work in less time, and does it properly and efficiently.

                                     

                                    Specific: Put a coloured car with some mid-grey tone shadow on a clightly discoloured off-grey background, and the select tool will not differentiate between the 2. So I then nhave to "play around" with the - (minue) eyedropper to deselect the wrongly selected tones on the car to expand what shouldn' tbe captured. There areat least 5 other ways in Photoshop to do the same thing. So why not just perfect the eyedropper >>select color once and for all?

                                     

                                    Thanks for entering the conversation,

                                     

                                    Stacey

                                    • 16. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                      gator soup Community Member

                                      I agree that most media today is "unbiased"

                                       

                                      You guys are kidding right?

                                      • 17. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                        Noel Carboni Community Member

                                        Guys?  My point was that most is biased.  Not sure how she twisted that around.

                                         

                                        -Noel

                                        • 18. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                          Lundberg02 Community Member

                                          Reviewers need to know how to spell.

                                          • 19. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                            Jeff Schewe Community Member

                                            Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                             

                                            ...and the same problem with the "select colors" still exists - it just does not work.

                                             

                                            Uh huh...what is "select colors"?

                                            • 20. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                              Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

                                              As I fly a lot of CRJ's (United out of Phoenix), I teneded to follow the story (FoxNews) of Bombardier's deal with VistaJet.

                                               

                                              Way to go Canada - there is a lesson that the "southern neighbors" could learn there.

                                               

                                              Now, back to our regularly scheduled program - Adobe Photoshop...

                                               

                                              Hunt

                                              • 21. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                Hi Bill,

                                                 

                                                Well at least you're 1 worldy and educated person who knows about Bombardier and VistaJet.

                                                 

                                                Stacey

                                                • 22. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                  Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                  Hi Jeff,

                                                   

                                                  I thought I posted a reply, but I didn't see it.

                                                  Thanks for catching my  misnaming of the menu item.

                                                  It's select >>color range at the top horizontal menu of PS.

                                                   

                                                  2012-11-28-3.jpg

                                                    Image # 1: Select >>Color Range

                                                   

                                                  2012-11-28-3.jpg

                                                      Image #2: The + and - eyedropper icons are used to add or remove selections from the select>>color range selection

                                                   

                                                  2012-11-28-1.jpg

                                                     Image # 3: Notice the "unwanted" pixels selected on the airplane.

                                                     Please exclude the captured "copyright material". I don't include that when I use select >>color range.

                                                      However, to get a 90% effective capture, I hafve to play around with this function or use 1 of 6 other additional steps in PS.

                                                      It's easier to use eoither of my 2 masking progrgams to do the same job in 1/3 of the time.

                                                   

                                                     Thanks for entering the conversation,

                                                   

                                                     Stacey

                                                  • 23. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                    Noel Carboni Community Member

                                                    Seems perfectly understandable to me that the near-white highlights in the plane could be selected.  Those pixels could be near the same color as the places on which you clicked the dropper.   Why do you think this is a problem?

                                                     

                                                    Given your experience I have to assume you're trying to show us something more complex than the fact that the Select by Color Range feature actually works to select pixels of similar color to what you've clicked on.  Can you please describe what you think is going wrong?

                                                     

                                                    Have you tried the Quick Selection tool?

                                                     

                                                    -Noel

                                                    • 24. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                      Jeff Schewe Community Member

                                                      Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                                       

                                                      Thanks for catching my  misnaming of the menu item.

                                                      It's select >>color range at the top horizontal menu of PS.

                                                       

                                                      Uh huh...well, it's been my experience that if you want to complain about how a feature works, you at least should know the name of the feature you are complaining about. Color Range can be a very useful way of making a selection but has it's limits. Personally, if I wanted to do a professional quality outline and new background, I would use the Path tool for precision...

                                                       

                                                      If you don't like the path tool, perhaps you might want to look into either the Magic Eraser  Tool or Background Eraser Tool in the Eraser sub-tool flyout. If those are too primitive, you might want to learn how to use Refine Edge...

                                                       

                                                      Bottom line is, all your carping is coming from somebody who doesn't really know how to use the application...(note the tools I mentioned have been around for a few versions...guess you haven't found them huh?). A software "reviewer" should kinda have half a clue how to use the application they are reviewing (although many don't). The odds of Adobe hunting you down to give you an NFR version to do a review isn't very high.

                                                      • 25. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                        Jeff Schewe Community Member

                                                        Noel Carboni wrote:

                                                         

                                                        Have you tried the Quick Selection tool?

                                                         

                                                        Oooh, another tool I forgot about...(works pretty good if you are willing to zoom in).

                                                        • 26. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                          Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                          Hello Noel,

                                                           

                                                          I've tried it before, and just tried it in CS6.

                                                          I'm not a computer software person,but the basic principle of this tool appears similar to the select>>color range.

                                                          In other words, formulae are being used to define selections of terms of defined mathematical values.

                                                          I shouldn't have to "jump" from 1 tool to another to do a task.

                                                          That 1 tool should be all-encompassing in terms of doing what I feel should be able to be done.

                                                           

                                                          That's why as I said I purchased non-Adobe software (masking software).

                                                          In this way, I've learned it to its maximum capabilities and do exactly what I want to do.

                                                           

                                                          Thanks for the continuing the discussion and offering an alternative.

                                                           

                                                          Stacey

                                                          • 27. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                            Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                            Hi Noel again,

                                                             

                                                            I wasn't trying to illustrate anything more complex.

                                                            Basically what I was showing that a simple select>>color range shoukld be able to work better than that.

                                                             

                                                            Of course I could do a rough capture of the plane, the select inverse and get rid of the background.

                                                            or

                                                            I could use the - eyedropper to remove the incorrect selection on the airplane.

                                                             

                                                            There are several other alternatives as well.

                                                             

                                                            My point though is this: if I have to add 30-60 seconds for each image, and do this for 30 images, then AI start to

                                                            lost a lot of time.

                                                             

                                                            Right now, I'm just writing a blog about old toys.

                                                            So the time is not that important since I'm retired.

                                                            However when I write 10 blogs a week,with an average of 10 images in each, the time does take longer.

                                                            Now when I have "real work" with monetary incentives, time is money.

                                                             

                                                            Thanks again for your reply.

                                                             

                                                            Stacey

                                                            • 28. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                              Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                              We all make mistakes Jeff.

                                                              Have a look at my other reply.

                                                               

                                                              Here's my point:

                                                               

                                                              I've purchase 2 non-Adobe masking software to do jobs that Adobe should have been able to figure out long ago.

                                                              I shouldn't have to waste time thinking which of the 10 different ways in PS should I select for the job.

                                                              Those masking software programs I've learned, and so I use them for masking and removing unwanted colour.

                                                              They work, they'yre stand alone, and have vsriable control and parameters to do the job.

                                                               

                                                              As for your dripping sarcasm, it's not really contributing here, but I respect your right to be snide and condescending.

                                                               

                                                              I have a right to carp, since I am buying a product based on supposed "excellent" reviews from everyone,and Adobe's site presenting

                                                              all those refinements year after year, with CS6 having 200 improvements over CS5.from what Adone and all those reviewers have said.

                                                               

                                                              I'm "carping" just about the select>>color range tool, and it appears that you and several readers have made the same point.

                                                              Try another tool. Well, I 'd like Adobe to improve this 1 tool for now.

                                                              That's why I bought the non-Adobe masking software!

                                                               

                                                              As well, I have plenty of other recommendations but as I said, I'm not willing to give Adobe a thorough and in-depth  assessment without reward.

                                                               

                                                              Remember the story about the emperor's clothes?

                                                              • 29. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                Noel Carboni Community Member

                                                                It's becoming clear that you're simply using the wrong tool for the task.

                                                                 

                                                                I think perhaps somehow you got the wrong idea of what the Select - Color Range tool is supposed to do.  It doesn't select regions of the photo; it DOES select pixels with similar colors, wherever they may lie.  It's a useful thing, but just not a match to what you're trying to do.  It's a bit like trying to tighten a bolt with a hammer.  It won't do the job very well, but it's not because the hammer is poorly designed.

                                                                 

                                                                The Quick Selection Tool, possibly with the addition of the Refine Edge feature, is far more suited to what you are trying to accomplish.  Masking objects from backgrounds is pretty common stuff...  I suggest seeking out the Russell Brown show videos on Adobe TV and watching how he suggests doing high quality masking with Photoshop.  You'll learn better and faster ways to do things right in Photoshop, without the need for 3rd party software.

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                I shouldn't have to "jump" from 1 tool to another to do a task.

                                                                 

                                                                I'm sorry to say that if you feel that way you really don't have the proper expectations of Photoshop. 

                                                                 

                                                                That's EXACTLY where Photoshop's power lies.  It provides many powerful and specialized tools for you to choose to use for particular tasks, and the value you add comes from combining those operations in creative ways into something that at a higher level accomplishes your goals.  Photoshop is most certainly NOT a "one click does all" application.

                                                                 

                                                                Don't feel bad about this, and do try to keep an open mind; I promise you that even those of us who have used Photoshop since the early 1990s still learn new things about it every day.

                                                                 

                                                                -Noel

                                                                • 30. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                  Jeff Schewe Community Member

                                                                  Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                                                   

                                                                  As for your dripping sarcasm, it's not really contributing here, but I respect your right to be snide and condescending.

                                                                   

                                                                  Cool, so we're on the same pager here, right? You simply are not an advanced Photoshop user and you need to learn how to do stuff...there are a lot of places where you can turn to. Heck, I've even written a couple of books you might like (Google me).

                                                                  Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                                                   

                                                                  I have a right to carp, since I am buying a product based on supposed "excellent" reviews from everyone,and Adobe's site presenting

                                                                  all those refinements year after year, with CS6 having 200 improvements over CS5.from what Adone and all those reviewers have said.

                                                                   

                                                                  Yeah, ya know, I've got a bridge I'll sell ya...really, you are complaining about being hoodwinked into buying the CS6 upgrade because of "reviews"? Really?

                                                                  Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                                                   

                                                                  As well, I have plenty of other recommendations but as I said, I'm not willing to give Adobe a thorough and in-depth  assessment without reward.

                                                                   

                                                                  Uh huh...well, if I were you, I wouldn't spend too much time sitting by the phone waiting for Adobe to call you...I've been using Photoshop since 1992, been a beta tester since version 3.0 (that's version 3.0 not CS3), been an alpha tester since version 4.0 (that's not CS4 either). I have a real good idea of how Adobe selects beta/alpha testers...I suspect Adobe can get by without your precious recommendations for the time being.

                                                                   

                                                                  Not sure of your background although you claim to have been a photo teacher recently retired (that explains a lot, academia is kinda backwards). So, are you Stacey Ivan Bindman from Dawson College in Montreal? Sorry, I can't seem to find much about your creds...and you do need creds to be a Photoshop alpha/beta tester. Care to share a web site where you show your creds?

                                                                   

                                                                  I guess you don't really "grok" the Adobe hosted User to User Forums huh? You ain't talking to Adobe here (a few Adobe people do show up, generally not to answer rants like yours). Do you want help to learn how to use Photoshop? If so, there are plenty of great folks here to help. If you simply want to piss&moan™, the odds are your time here won't be very fruitful for you.

                                                                   

                                                                  Just sayin'

                                                                  • 31. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                    Gernot Hoffmann Community Member

                                                                    Stacey,

                                                                     

                                                                    I'm referring only to this statement:

                                                                    I purchased CS6 standalone as I retired form teaching this year,

                                                                    and thus I'm no longer allowed to purchase at the educational rate.

                                                                    IMO, academic versions are available as well for 'emeritus status professors'

                                                                    and probably for retired teachers as well.

                                                                    http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2968011

                                                                    Details can be found by Google ['academic version' Photoshop]. The rules

                                                                    may be different, depending on the country.

                                                                     

                                                                    Best regards --Gernot Hoffmann

                                                                    • 32. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                      Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                                      Hi Noel,

                                                                       

                                                                      You certainly understand "your client". From how I was slightly "miffed" at your first comment to this one.I'm convinced!Perhaps I have even higher expectations that I should, as you've mentioned.

                                                                      I'm going to have put a few of my Adobe suggestions here and see if they are of any value. For sure, I'm not a software engineer, but some ideas thst I have seem logical. However, this discussion that I started (the proverbial opening of the can or worms) certainly has made for an interesting conversation from everyone.

                                                                       

                                                                      Thanks for sticking it out with me.

                                                                       

                                                                      Stacey

                                                                      • 33. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                        Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                                        Hello Jeff,

                                                                         

                                                                        I had to correct what I was going to write here once,twice, thrice, and now a forth time, otherwise  I would have to descend to your level of conversation.

                                                                        I'll leave it at that. You could learn from some of the "gentlemen" who have handled this

                                                                        discussion with me in a better manner, and have convinced me in a better manner, as in manners.

                                                                         

                                                                        However, I am learning "slowly" to try and write more "mannerly".

                                                                        I will give you a small olive branch. I did see that photo of you when you redirected me to search out your credentials.

                                                                        I noticed the credit note attributing the photographer to Martin Evening. What can I say, when you know Martin Evening!

                                                                         

                                                                        A few years ago we were having trouble with our inkjets in school, so our then chair of the  photo department

                                                                        decided to bring someone in from the U.S. When I heard how much we were going to spend, I said, why not get Martin Evening.

                                                                        We never did get Martin, and the person we got, never did solve the printing problem (keeping a civil tongue here), and we replaced the printers.

                                                                         

                                                                        I forgot to mention that I've purchase at least 4-5 of his books.

                                                                        Of course I have something to say there,but this reply is my "olive branch", big guy!

                                                                         

                                                                        Stacey

                                                                        • 34. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                          Stacey Bindman Community Member

                                                                          Hello Gernot,

                                                                           

                                                                          Thanks for entering the conversation.I went to the site that you recommended, and read the discussion there. The term "emeritus" seems to be understood synonymous by some as "retired".

                                                                          I did mention to one Adobe Photoshop Help person this on the phone, and he spoke to his manager, and they said no.

                                                                           

                                                                          I do know that Staples (Business Depot or Bureau en Gros in Canada) doeshonour retirement status of teachers. However that benefit is retruned in the form of a small rebate check based on my quarterly (every 3 months) purchases. At the end every 3 months, they issue a check to which I can apply to any purchase. Of course, I can't purchase Adobe Software at the educational rate,because Adobe, up to now, based on my personal experiences only discounts  to "active" students and members of recognized academic institutions.

                                                                           

                                                                          I'll have to phone back, and speak again to someone based on your conversation.

                                                                           

                                                                          Thanks for having replied to this conversation.

                                                                           

                                                                          Have a nice day,

                                                                           

                                                                          Stacey

                                                                          • 35. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                            SG... Employee Hosts

                                                                            Hi Stacey,

                                                                             

                                                                            I see a lot of water under the bridge already here. I just wanted to chime in and answer your topic question.

                                                                             

                                                                            The Photoshop team looks for and evaluates feedback on the existing and future products from a variety of sources. The most public facing and accessible is here: http://feedback.photoshop.com/photoshop_family

                                                                             

                                                                            As has been mentioned, Adobe also has a prerelease program for soliciting early feedback. It is more involved than a one-time evaluation, and there's no guarantee of compensation. You can submit your interest here: https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/mmform/index.cfm?name=prerelease_interest

                                                                            (Please note that completing the questionnaire does not guarantee your participation in any Adobe Prerelease program.)

                                                                             

                                                                            Many of the reviews that you mention are probably being run through the Adobe PR and Marketing organizations, and I don't know how those operate. My guess is some level of Press credentials or industry expertise is expected.

                                                                             

                                                                            regards,

                                                                            steve

                                                                            • 36. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                              Jeff Schewe Community Member

                                                                              Stacey Bindman wrote:

                                                                               

                                                                              I noticed the credit note attributing the photographer to Martin Evening. What can I say, when you know Martin Evening!

                                                                               

                                                                              Martin is a partner (in a company called PixelGenius) and friend...we wrote a book together Photoshop for Photographers: The Ulimate Workshop.

                                                                               


                                                                              • 37. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                                Noel Carboni Community Member

                                                                                Stacey, may I respectfully suggest that if you start a conversation with a pleasant tone you might find others more receptive to your writings.  People tend to respond negatively to harshly toned messages.

                                                                                 

                                                                                Attitude breeds attitude.

                                                                                 

                                                                                A little humility, by contrast tends to bring warm responses.

                                                                                 

                                                                                Lord knows I'm FAR from perfect at doing this.

                                                                                 

                                                                                -Noel

                                                                                • 38. Re: Does Adobe Ever Exchange Copies of Photoshop for Honest Reviews?
                                                                                  SG... Employee Hosts

                                                                                  Hi Stacey,

                                                                                   

                                                                                  I'm a bit confused. Did I reply to another one of your threads elsewhere (regarding 'Hi Steve again")?

                                                                                   

                                                                                  I do work at Adobe, but my position is not directly tied to moderating the forums here. I come here to try and help solve Ps problems with the understanding that I have a particular and special access not afforded to most that contribute here. I don't view it as priviledged or having more ability to control the dialog other than offering a voice that might not be currently available. I have a quite direct access to Ps related information and I try to "share out" as much as is possible, and "share in" actionable and considerable problems.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  For this particular thread, I have the opinion that the conversation became uncomfortable and lacked civility in some posts. It did seem to work itself out though, and didn't digress as other posts have. Adobe has a pretty hard problem here though in moderating the full range of experience, communication style, and limitations of text only feedback. I don't envy the job of the moderators that monitor here.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  My intent in posting was to 1) clarify that the Ps team values feedback on our product offering and strives to acknowledge and consider such feedback, and 2) if you really want to get deeply involved there are channels but we filter on more than a singular bartering scheme.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  Please excuse me if I'm reading your reply to me in the wrong tone.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  To emphasize, we do want voices of those that don't have X+ years of experience here. We do want voices of users that have problems and issues who haven't learned to convolute their  way of working to fit some constrained 'dogmatic' workflow. We do want voices of those that learned a particular way of doing things but can benefit from hearing improved ways of considering solutions.  If all the forum community caters to are the 'experts' and 'bullies' than this forum beomes irrelevant, IMO. But without 'experts' we also suffer repeating the same suboptimal solutions over and over.

                                                                                   

                                                                                  regards,

                                                                                  steve

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