There is a lot of junk in the world. No doubt, you have seen some of it first hand. Today, it seems the bottom line for many businesses is “crank it out and the heck with how good it is” and ultimately the consumer is the one who suffers. This is especially true with software. If you’re reading this, you’re no doubt interested in purchasing fiction writing software. Well, before you spend one dime, you need to read this article. It just might save you a ton of aggravation.
Let me start off by saying this. Most software is nothing but bloated vaporware. 90% of the stuff that’s in it you’ll either never use or is so darn complicated to figure out that it’s not worth the effort. The basic things for any application can usually be packaged in something that is functional, to the point and uncomplicated. In other words…anybody can use it. And with writing software, something pretty basic, this should be the least you should expect from whatever you purchase. So don’t let yourself be taken in by a bunch of bells and whistles.
In addition to this, while it is true that you get what you pay for, you have to look at the environment in which you’re going to be using your software. In other words, how much do you REALLY need? If it’s just something basic, then get something basic. You’ll end up saving yourself a ton of money on something that’s going to maybe look very pretty but serve no useful purpose beyond those basics that you probably could have spent a hundred dollars less for. Don’t let the glitz cloud your judgment.
Finally, forget about what it says on the box about how it’s “so simple anybody can use it.” News flash…if you have no experience with using software, it doesn’t matter how simple it is. There is going to be a learning curve. Some software’s learning curve isn’t too bad, but for other’s…not so good. Some software is so darn complicated that you end up doing nothing but staring at the startup menu. Fortunately, most writing software is pretty easy and pretty intuitive.
Below you’ll find a review of a piece of fiction writing software that I think you will find meets all your needs without giving you a headache or a busted bank account in the process.
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Do I Really Need Fiction Writing Software?
Does that sound like an odd question? It shouldn’t. You’d be surprised at how many people buy things that they either never use or don’t need in the first place. This is a problem that has been plaguing man since the dawn of the industrial age. So, before you plunk down your hard earned money on some fiction writing software, the first question you need to ask yourself is if you really need that software in the first place. This article will help you answer it.
First thing you need to do is sit down and write out exactly what it is that you THINK you need the software for. Sometimes just by writing down your reasons, you can clearly see whether or not they are valid. For example, one reason might be to increase the speed of how much production you get out. That could certainly be a valid reason by itself, but if you’re using the software for just personal reasons and not for business, can you justify the cost on that reason alone? Maybe you can if it’s so you can free yourself up to do other things you want to get done.
Next thing you need to do is look at your budget. We’re not all made out of money. The software that you’re looking to get…can you afford it? Is there something out there that’s cheaper that can do just as good a job? It is true, in most cases, that you get what you pay for. If you think a $29 piece of software can do the job of a $129 piece of software, it is highly unlikely that it can…no matter what the manufacturer says. Of course there are exceptions.
Finally, you want to look at your particular skill level using software in the first place. Are you experienced? Is this something that’s going to be a first time gig for you? The learning curve on some pieces of software can make them very frustrating to master. And of course let’s not forget about the problems with OS compatibilities. Some software just doesn’t run as well as they say it will depending on the operating system that you’re using.
Below you’ll find a review of a piece of writing software that I think you’ll find is easy to use and will do what you want it to do. Just make sure you need it in the first place.
First thing you need to do is sit down and write out exactly what it is that you THINK you need the software for. Sometimes just by writing down your reasons, you can clearly see whether or not they are valid. For example, one reason might be to increase the speed of how much production you get out. That could certainly be a valid reason by itself, but if you’re using the software for just personal reasons and not for business, can you justify the cost on that reason alone? Maybe you can if it’s so you can free yourself up to do other things you want to get done.
Next thing you need to do is look at your budget. We’re not all made out of money. The software that you’re looking to get…can you afford it? Is there something out there that’s cheaper that can do just as good a job? It is true, in most cases, that you get what you pay for. If you think a $29 piece of software can do the job of a $129 piece of software, it is highly unlikely that it can…no matter what the manufacturer says. Of course there are exceptions.
Finally, you want to look at your particular skill level using software in the first place. Are you experienced? Is this something that’s going to be a first time gig for you? The learning curve on some pieces of software can make them very frustrating to master. And of course let’s not forget about the problems with OS compatibilities. Some software just doesn’t run as well as they say it will depending on the operating system that you’re using.
Below you’ll find a review of a piece of writing software that I think you’ll find is easy to use and will do what you want it to do. Just make sure you need it in the first place.
What Should Good Fiction Writing Software Do?”
That might sound like an odd question to some people, but think about it. If you were deciding to buy some type of writing or grammar software, what is it that you’re looking for it to do? Do you even know what the basic things are that it should contain? What about all those “extras” that they throw into the software? Do you need them or are they just items that you’re going to stare at and never use? This article is going to explore this issue and hopefully help you decide what the best software is for YOU.
Okay, let’s start with the basics. A standard piece of fiction writing software should come with a spell checker, thesaurus, dictionary, grammar checker, mail merge capabilities, basic formatting, multiple formats such as DOC, HTML and so on, and basic editing such as copy and paste. At the very minimum, your software should have that much. If it doesn’t, it isn’t worth a wad of spit.
As far as the “extras”, these can range anywhere from copy protection of your work to full blown business solutions. Software can get pretty complex when you get into the high end stuff. And that’s where things get a little muddy. See, everybody loves to have all the latest bells and whistles. And who can blame them? It’s nice to know that your software can do everything but cook the morning breakfast. But do you REALLY need all that stuff? Well, that’s an answer only YOU can come up with.
So how do you decide? Where do you begin? Well, what you do is sit down and decide what it is that you insist your software do. Then, go out and take a look at what’s out there. Make sure it includes YOUR minimum requirements. Then, if it does, take a look at all the other features. Go through each one and decide if it’s something that you feel you might need at a later date. If budget isn’t a consideration, it’s always better to have more than you need than less than you need. Because once you have the software, adding to it is not easy.
Below you’ll find a link to a great piece of fiction writing software. I think you will find that it will more than meet your needs and then some.
Okay, let’s start with the basics. A standard piece of fiction writing software should come with a spell checker, thesaurus, dictionary, grammar checker, mail merge capabilities, basic formatting, multiple formats such as DOC, HTML and so on, and basic editing such as copy and paste. At the very minimum, your software should have that much. If it doesn’t, it isn’t worth a wad of spit.
As far as the “extras”, these can range anywhere from copy protection of your work to full blown business solutions. Software can get pretty complex when you get into the high end stuff. And that’s where things get a little muddy. See, everybody loves to have all the latest bells and whistles. And who can blame them? It’s nice to know that your software can do everything but cook the morning breakfast. But do you REALLY need all that stuff? Well, that’s an answer only YOU can come up with.
So how do you decide? Where do you begin? Well, what you do is sit down and decide what it is that you insist your software do. Then, go out and take a look at what’s out there. Make sure it includes YOUR minimum requirements. Then, if it does, take a look at all the other features. Go through each one and decide if it’s something that you feel you might need at a later date. If budget isn’t a consideration, it’s always better to have more than you need than less than you need. Because once you have the software, adding to it is not easy.
Below you’ll find a link to a great piece of fiction writing software. I think you will find that it will more than meet your needs and then some.