Masters of Doom How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

Masters of Doom How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

Doom, the video game in which you navigate a dungeon in the first person and messily lay waste to everything that crosses your path, represented a milestone in many areas. It was a technical landmark, in that its graphics engine delivered brilliant performance on ordinary PC hardware. It was a social phenomenon, with individuals and companies hooking up networks specifically for Doom tournaments and staying up for days to blast away on them (well before the Internet went big-time). The game’s publisher, id Software, used an unusual shareware marketing strategy (give away the first levels, charge for the more advanced ones) that worked very well. On top of it all, the gore-filled game raised serious questions about decency in products meant for use by school-age kids. Masters of Doom explores the Doom phenomenon, as well as the lives and personalities of the two men behind it: John Carmack and John Romero.

This book manages, for the most part, to keep clear of the breathless techno-hagiography style that characterizes many books with similar subjects. He tells the story of Carmack, Romero, and id–which includes far more than Doom and its successors–in novel style, and he’s done a good job of keeping the action flowing and the characters’ motivations clear. Some of the quoted passages of dialog sound like idealized reconstructions that probably never came from the lips of real people, but this is an entertaining and informative book, of interest to anyone who’s let rip with a nail gun. –David Wall

Topics covered: The biographies of John Carmack and John Romero, and of their company, id Software. The development and marketing of all major id games (including Wolfenstein, Doom, Doom II, and Quake) get lavish attention.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Read
While I didn’t purchase the book for me, my boyfriend (who never reads anything) loves this book. He can’t put it down and told me it’s one of the best books he’s ever read. Coming from someone who never reads, you think that doesn’t mean a lot, but the fact that he’s finished it speaks volumes!

He loves this book. He says the realism puts you right there with them and that even the littlest details gives you a great story. He likes the depth of detail within the book.

So if you can’t get your man to read- buy this book. Besides, Game Informer put this book among the best video game books ever. So my boyfriend isn’t the only one who likes it!

5 Stars Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture
I grew up with Doom 1 & 2 and Quake 1. These games had a lasting impact on me (especially Quake’s online & social network) and I’ve been curious about id Software for some time. This book gives a very detailed insight on how id Software began and the lives of the people behind it.

This book exceeded my expectations - the id guys are a wacky bunch. As an id Software fan I’m biased and I give it 5 stars. I however think it’ll be a worthwhile read for non-id fans as well.

5 Stars A story as explosive as Doom itself!
This book will give you new perspectives on gaming, business, and the human psyche - keeping you engaged throughout. It struck a chord with me as a child of the Doom generation. I’ve spent much time exploring and building levels for these games, but never had it occurred to me that there could be such a monumental story behind id and its “egos”.

Masters of Doom will leave you with a new understanding and appreciation for the folks who brought these classics to life, and every lost soul who has contributed to the gaming industry.

Even if you’ve never played Doom, this makes for a great read. And if you are a Doom-head from way back, many light switches will go on in your head as you think “wow, so THAT’s what was going on behind the scenes!” or “now I get why that game turned out with x feature or y theme.” You’ll feel like you lived the journey.

5 Stars The most inspirational book ever !
This book is absolutely magnificent. Being an avid Doom fan and having played every single iD Software game since Wolf3d, this book actually makes me feel as if I am sitting in the same room as Romero and Carmack while they made the best games ever ! It is so inspirational. I am an Electrical Engineer but this book makes me want to blast those walls down and become a game programmer or designer. David Kushner does an amazing job, this book is like the original Doom games - you cant put it down once you start. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

5 Stars Get this book!!
If you ever played DOOM in its heyday, you need to pick up this book. This is a captivating account of the story of ID Software from John Romero and John Carmack’s childhood, through their programming for another company, and the story behind each game that they made up to Doom 3. Honestly, of all the hundreds of books that I’ve read in my time, this has to be the best one — I simply could not put it down until I had finished it, and when I did, I wanted to start it all over again. This is how histories should be told, and if I ever write a book, I want it to be like this one.

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Podcast Solutions The Complete Guide to Audio and Video Podcasting Second Edition

Podcast Solutions The Complete Guide to Audio and Video Podcasting Second Edition

Written by two of the best and brightest podcasting pioneers, Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Audio and Video Podcasting, Second Edition is a comprehensive and perceptive guide to all things podcasting. From downloading podcasts to producing your own for fun or profit, Podcast Solutions covers the entire world of podcasting with insight, humor, and the unmatched wisdom of experience.

Big-name companies and podcasters throughout the United States and thousands of faithful listeners around the world will tell you that Michael W. Geoghegan (”Reel Reviews-Films Worth Watching” and GigaVox Media) and Dan Klass (”The Bitterest Pill” and JacketMedia.com) know how to put together compelling and engaging shows that people come back to week after week. These two pros will guide you through everything including developing your raw podcast ideas to selecting equipment, creating your podcast (including incorporating music, professional production techniques, and audio- and video-editing secrets), and mobilizing and growing an audience.

Plenty has changed since the best-selling first edition of this book, and Michael and Dan bring you all the latest and greatest information on production, distribution, and marketing from the world of audio and video podcasting. Nearly 50 pages of new material and hundreds of updates make this the most complete and up-to-date book on podcasting imaginable.

Between Michael’s uncanny business and marketing sense and Dan’s nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, these authors have the experience to back up their advice on what it takes to elevate your podcast to a professional level. Podcast Solutions gives you not only what youll need to know about podcasting but also the insiders view on the business of new-media production and marketing.

Whether you want to use podcasting to inform, educate, entertain, or inspire, whether you are a complete novice or an experienced professional, Podcast Solutions is the guide you need.

In this book you’ll learn:

• How to find and download audio and video podcasts to your computer or portable media player
• How to develop, format, produce, edit, encode, and upload your audio or video podcast, including in-depth information on using music legally
• How to set up an effective audio studio, including the complete and updated “The podcast studio buyers guide”
• How to create great video, including tricks of the trade such as the law of thirds, the line, and the three-point light technique, as well as tips on casting, locations, scheduling, and more
• How people are marketing and making money through podcasting in the era of Web 2.0

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The perfect book for all podcasters.
Yes that’s right, this is the perfect book for any and all podcasters. If you are a podcaster, or want to be one or just want to find out what it’s all about buy this book.

The title says it all; Podcast Solutions. Chock full of info, written concisely, humorously, intelligently, informatively and in language that anyone can understand (even me) this is the one book to buy on the subject. It takes you step by step down the road to conceiving, creating, recording, producing and profiting from your show idea. This book covers every nook and cranny of the considerable field of information on both podcasts and vodcasts.

I personally have used both editions of this book to help me get my podcast going as well as optimizing it once it was up and running. What I really enjoyed about this book is how the authors explain things so that not only do you know what to do next but also why it works. Not only that there are many highlighted sections where the authors share a personal experience that really drives a point home. This brings the whole process into very sharp focus.

And their personal experience goes way beyond the technical aspects of podcasting and vodcasting. On page 85, for example, they share a tip that is critical to anyone who really wants to make effective communication with their material. And that is this; “speak as if you are speaking to one person”. That one piece of advice can turn a blah and lifeless presentation into one with depth and impact. This book is loaded with tips like that.

I can’t say enough good about this book. Without it I may not have gotten my podcast going. The two guys who wrote it have been doing this since it began and they know all the tricks. Don’t think about, just buy the book. You’ll thank me and more importantly you’ll thank the authors Dan Klass and Michael W. Geoghegan.

Geoffrey Leigh Tozer

Producer - Sly Crooner

5 Stars the podcasting how-to book
This book was recommended to me by a friend who is the podcasting community. If you are currently, or will be, podcasting, this is a must-have. Any how-to podcasting question is answered in this book. Easy to read, nicely laid out.

5 Stars Works Flawlessly
The true test of a how-to book is whether or not you get the desired results. Well I can say that I wanted to create my own podcast and after reading this book, I did.

I am not the most computer savvy, but I’m also not an idiot (at least if you ask the right folks). Like many, I use the computer extensively all day and know the majority of popular programs. But when it comes to HTML, websites, and behind the curtain stuff, forget it. So, when I set out to create my own podcast, I was a bit intimidated. This book put me at ease.

One thing I will say is this: READ IT! Don’t be one of those that just flips to the parts you think you need. This book is better if you really read it cover to cover. The only section I didn’t read was the part on video podcasts because I wasn’t doing one. But read everything else.

It takes you through step by step and outlines most of the options for podcasters. How to record, edit, post and maintain your cast. It has great recommendations on which services to use (I have been extremely pleased with Liberated Syndication as my host). The authors are funny, knowledgable and had tons of inside information on podcasting. They even included case studies from famous podcasters and the trouble they went through to make podcasting what it is today.

The only thing that I would say you need to avoid in this book is the section on cleaning up your files. I started out following their advice to the letter. But, with each episode I did more and more experimentation with my sound. Here is the startling truth about what I discovered: you don’t need to do most of what they tell you to do. If you get a decent recording set-up, you don’t have to do all that editing. I bought the Behringer Podcast Studio, one of the cheapest kits out there, and I eventually just posted my show after only taking out some of the long pauses, rustling of notes and the occassional dog scratching on the front door. I now just pull out the annoying stuff, insert the bumper music and voila! All the other stuff they tell you to do is really unnecessary unless you have a crummy mic or lots of noise while you’re recording. They make it sound like if you do all that it will sound more professional. But, I actually felt that it made my voice sound like I was speaking through a tin can. So, give yourself some time to test out all the bells and whistles on the Audacity program and find the fit for you. And don’t be afraid to be a little less polished for the sake of time and convenience.

If you are seriously considering becoming a podcaster, this is where you start. It is the only book I used and I now have 15 episodes posted in less than 5 months. You can check out the results by searching for my podcast, Christian With A Brain, in iTunes or on Google. Happy Podcasting!

5 Stars The only book you need for Podcasting advice….until the next edition comes out.
A couple of years ago, I got Podcast Solutions and was really impressed with its’ overall content. For its’ time. Of course, with everything on the web, practically everything changes and thus, a new edition of this book had to be released. And it’s still probably the best book out there. Lots of updated information on how to create, edit and upload podcasts and for the most part, do it on the cheap since if you’re really looking to make a million bucks doing this, keep looking. Lots more stuff on video which has truly taken off thanks to YouTube and similar sites and newer ways to promote and get advertisers to your site. You’ll also learn how to use WordPress and similar blogs and create a podcast site as a result. That’s what I did with one of my clients. Not as thick as the Bibles out there but at least you won’t get a hernia trying to lift it. You should be getting ideas for your own (or your clients own) podcasts within minutes of surfing thru this book.

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Introduction to 3D Game Programming with Direct X 9 0c A Shader Approach Wordware Game and Graphics Library

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with Direct X 9 0c A Shader Approach Wordware Game and Graphics Library

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 9.0c: A Shader Approach presents an introduction to programming interactive computer graphics, with an emphasis on game development, using real-time shaders with DirectX 9.0. The book is divided into three parts that explain basic mathematical and 3D concepts, show how to describe 3D worlds and implement fundamental 3D rendering techniques, and demonstrate the application of Direct3D to create a variety of special effects.With this book: * Understand basic mathematical tools used in video game creation such as vectors, matrices, and transformations. * Discover how to describe and draw interactive 3D scenes using Direct3D and the D3DX library. * Learn how to implement lighting, texture mapping, alpha blending, and stenciling using shaders and the high-level shading language (HLSL). * Explore a variety of techniques for creating special effects, including vertex blending, character animation, terrain rendering, multi-texturing, particle systems, reflections, shadows, and normal mapping. * Find out how to work with meshes, load and render .X files, program terrain/camera collision detection, and implement 3D object picking. * Review key ideas, gain programming experience, and explore new topics with the end-of-chapter exercises.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Book
Great read, I read 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development (Wordware Game Math Library) along with this book to cover the math portion in greater depth.

5 Stars Excellent intro to DirectX 9.0c
Excellent introduction to DirectX 9.0c. Material is explained very clearly. You need to have at least an intermediate knowledge of C++. What is good about this book is that it also improves your knowledge of C++. I consider myself an average C++ programmer because I only use it occasionally for my work projects but this book has also improved my C++. Strongly recommended as an intro text to Direct3D. Keep a reference book like Deitel’s C how to program or Horton’s Visual C++ 2008 at hand in case you get lost and you are golden as far as how much you will learn.

4 Stars Fantastic at what it does do, but missing some stuff
In terms of learning Direct3D and HLSL, this book is absolutely fantastic, 5 stars, can’t fault it.

However.

The title is somewhat misleading. This book isn’t really about 3D game programming. It’s about 3D graphics programming, in a games context. As some others have written, it lacks detailed info on things like how to structure your whole game to bring it all together, how to construct a proper scene graph, or how to implement other important things for a game like collision detection etc etc.

That said, you can’t expect to get everything out of one book, no matter what some books try to sell themselves as. So don’t let my criticism put you off getting this wonderful text! This is still my number one recommendation for anyone looking to get a D3D book! Just be aware that you’re going to need other resources for things beyond the graphical side of your game. But with the amount of books and tutorials specifically for things like AI, game physics etc, and websites like gamedev.net, this is hardly an issue.

In short, buy this book, you won’t regret it!

4 Stars Good DirectX Book Using OOP
This is a very good book for DirectX. The author uses a Framework for all of his examples. I have always been against using Frameworks when learning a new subject, but Luna does a good job presenting it. You must know the ins-and-outs of object oriented programming to fully understand this book.

As far as the code. The code was written for Visual Studio 2005, but you can use it in VS2003 by opening up the .vcproj file in a text editor, (like Notepad), and changing the number at the top of the file from 8.00 to 7.10 (7.00 for VS 2002). Then open the .vcproj (not the .sln file) file in VS200X and re-save everything and your ready to go.

5 Stars Excellent resource for Direct3D 9
I have the previous version of this book also, and I must say Frank Luna has done an excellent job of beefing up the text with many more techniques and samples. There is a ton of stuff in here, including 2D sprites, texture mapping, blending, shadow mapping, terrain generation, cameras, particles, meshes and skeletal animation. The framework he develops for the chapters is actually pretty good and could be used as the basis for a basic game.

It can be quite heavy going, as he also explains the maths behind a lot of the techniques. But I think this is still the best Direct3D 9 book out there. Note he has also produced a sequel for Direct3D 10.

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Photoshop for Video Third Edition DV Expert Series

Photoshop for Video Third Edition DV Expert Series

“…I literally could not put it down…What distinguishes [Rich Harrington] is his eye for high production value.” — Mike Ashcraft, editor, Musicvideoinsider.com

“…one book every Photoshop user should have in their arsenal.” — Aaron Fisher, Creative Cow

…zero fluff and solid information that every NLE owner should have, and every Photoshop user–period–should have access to. — Douglas Spotted Eagle, Digitalproduction.com

4 out of 5 stars! — Peter Bauer, Photoshop User magazine

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars 3.5 Stars: Useful Information, But Needs More Video Workflow
[Updated March 2009 - after reviewing the free bonus chapters on CS3 Extended (which does have a fair amount of video-centric content and the changes to CS4 (which doesn't), I have added a half star to account for the fact that the author has made extra efforts to keep this product updated and provide more insights into where the Extended and CS4 editions might be useful to video editors.

However, I stand by my original observation which is that this book is not tightly focused on video workflows and problem solving, on the whole. It IS a good reference for Photoshop usage and it DOES provide some very useful video-centric information in certain chapters, but I think for future versions, readers would benefit from a stronger focus on how Photoshop fits into the video workflow, and perhaps the exclusion of the chapters which are purely general interest Photoshop tips. Not because they tips aren't useful but because the average reader likely isn't expecting to pay for them in this particular book, IMHO.]

…as a professional photographer and someone who teaches Photoshop (as well as Premiere Pro), this book is really not what it’s cracked up to be. Makes me wonder if some of the reviewers are acquainted with the author in some way. I don’t think someone who is doing a lot of work with video frames in Photoshop Extended could read through this book and not realize it’s 65% general Photoshop techniques (that you would find in a book about editing still images) and 35% video-centric information.

That is not to say that the information given is wrong or unhelpful, merely that much of it is not at all specific to video editing in Photoshop, and many of the examples are not video related either. What would’ve been much better is: “X is a general technique used to complete this type of edit; in the world of video, this is what we would do, using this technique, and here are the before, during and after screenshots.” There is virtually none of that in this book. And in some cases entire chapters look like they might’ve been pulled from any other ordinary Photoshop reference book. The layout and copy reads more like a “tips and tricks” book than anything that focuses on video post-production.

For example; there are over a dozen pages that list and show thumbnails of the various Blend Modes and Creative filters, but with no examples of how you use any of them to solve video-related problems or creative new looks for your video as part of transitions, etc. You could tear these pages out of this book and compare them to pages torn out of a “Learn Photoshop in 24 hours” type book and you wouldn’t be able to tell which is which. Basic descriptions of why layers are important, how to use Levels, how to select things, what a mask is, what erasing is… none of it is “bad” or poorly written… but neither is much of it what I would expect to find in an advanced Photoshop for video “toolkit”. WAY too much basic stuff here for the price, and way too little video problem-solving. There is a section called “Editing Still Images for Video”… in fact, I believe this would have been a more accurate title for the book. I recognize also that a frame of video is technically nothing but a still image, however the workflow is very different and I didn’t see much of that here.

The silver lining: the first two chapters on setting up a system and understanding the differences between DAR, PAR, television color spaces, etc… have a ton of useful info. These two chapters alone give the book two stars and the remaining random tidbits throughout the book (color correction techniques, creating backgrounds, etc.) that focus in on video, give it the third. It is a book worth having, especially if you don’t own any good general Photoshop references, but don’t be expecting an advanced Photoshop video workflow because it’s not here IMHO.

The perfect ending example: there is a page that talks about Clone Stamping, with no mention at all of the Clone Source panel, which was designed specifically with video editors in mind, as well as photographers. The ability to place an overlay of your source frame over the target frame, rotate and scale the cloned pixels, are all extremely valuable to video editors but there is zero mention of it anywhere. There is also no mention anywhere of the new and improved Timeline. This makes me wonder if this was repurposed from CS2 content (where the new CS3 advances didn’t exist yet), rather than a true look at CS3 video tools. Hopefully the CS4 version does a better job with these tasks, as there are even more video-related improvements to CS4 Extended.

5 Stars the world of still meet vdo
you can’t find the book that write the photoshop file for vdo

the name of this book talk itself

you will be the best preparation photoshop file for vdo editing

if you are the vdo editing

the book is the must

5 Stars Easy and thorough
As an “old school” Avid editor from big post houses, Photoshop was used for simple titles and the rest went to the graphics department or our hands were slapped.

The book only goes through the usefulness and purpose of nearly all Photoshop tools and their relevancy to video. It has tutorials showing all common video uses from cutting out photos, lower thirds, backgrounds, creating elements for motion graphics programs like After Effects, uses of masks and alpha channels and the many ways you can create them depending on circumstance and content. In addition, the book points out some of the differences with different versions of Photoshop so you can work through aspects even if you haven’t updated to CS3 yet.

The accompanying DVD not only includes all the elements needed to complete each task, there’s also supplemental “Podcasts” in which Richard Harrington actually SHOWS you how to do many of the key aspects of each tutorial.

This is a must have book for video editors who must now do it all since Photoshop is the Swiss Army Knife of video graphics.

5 Stars Great as a Reference or reading from beginning to end
Great read whether you are a beginner or an advance user of Photoshop. There is always more than one way to skin a cat, but the book offers various ways of using the tools in Photoshop for almost all your needs. Am waiting for the CS4 version.

5 Stars Great resource!
I bought this book since I’m studying motion graphics and compositing/visual effects at college and my Photoshop knowledge isn’t quite at the level I’d like it to be. The nice thing about this book is the techniques are all geared towards those using PS for video related work - an excellent resource and a good companion book to “Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects” by Chris and Trish Meyer…

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Hollywood 101

Hollywood 101

More than simply a technical how-to book, Hollywood 101 is full of inside stories and advice from industry leaders.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Perfect Introductory Book to Hollywood
I purchased a number of “get into film/hollywood” books and this one was by far the most helpful. While it doesn’t have much of the typical career advice (how to write your resume, cover letters etc.), which are better covered in more general job hunting books, it is the perfect book to read to get a sense for the jobs that do exist in Hollywood. If you’re interested in the industry, but find it something of a “black box” or are unsure exactly what type of position to try and look for, this book is the ideal starting point. Levy walks through the entire industry, from agencies to studios, to actors, directors, costume designers etc. Given the wide canvas, none of the positions are covered in too much detail, but I think the book ideally serves as an excellent starting point from which to know where to pursue more information.

Finally, the tone of the book is excellent - one of excitement and encouragement. While it’s a small point, dry and depressing hollywood career books abound - it’s refreshing to find one that’s has an enthusiasm and optimism to match your own.

5 Stars But it today!
It was informative and not at all boring. A must-read for those who are new to the Industy. Explains the steps of advancement for nearly every job in the entertainment industry. Excellent resource for goal-setting/ career management.

1 Star useless
if you are already in filmmaking you might know all that this book covers. if you are not, i don’t see how this book could help you to get in. maybe if you have no idea of what you want to do in the business… but even than…

5 Stars Wanted: Hollywood film jobs
The book is great. If you want to get in the to industry (that’s what people call the film industry in Southern California), buy the book. It gives a complete break down of all the people that are required to make any movie. So next time when you watch the ending credits, you’ll know what a key grip, best boy, art director, first assistance director does and be able to tell your friends as they walk out of the theater asking, “What’s a best boy?”

5 Stars A Great Book to get started
I am an entertainment buff and I thought this book was great for people who want a survey of jobs they can pursue. It gave an in depth look at a lot of the positions in the film business. If you want a general look at the possible jobs, get this book. If you are more interested in television, this book is a great start, but it doesn’t say anything about that since its primarly about film so look for another book for further reading. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to break into the business, it was really helpful for me.

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