Edited (in the loosest sense on the word) by Gary W. Priester
ISSUE 20 •  December 15, 2000

In this issue:

Xara X. Sheesh, It's Here At Last!
If my memory serves me well, and of course there is absolutely no reason to think it might, it was around this time last year that we first started hearing rumors of a new version of Xara called Xara X. About the first of the year, your editor (me) hinted a release date of April 2000. Then with some egg on his face, your editor suggested July 2000 as the release date. Then it was September and October and November and... well, the wait is over. Xara X is here, and it is everything we were hoping for, and a whole lot more.

I'm fairly certain that there is not a person out there reading this text that has not already downloaded and purchased Xara X. But giving a few of you the benefit of the doubt (you might after all have been vacationing on the dark side of the moon) do not wait another moment CLICK HERE to download your shipping version of Xara X. If you are the cautious type who has to be convinced first, download the trial version. Once you are hopelessly hooked, you can purchase the unlock key to register your copy.

Those of you who have already purchased your copy may want to make note that a newer version that corrects several features (bugs?) is available on the download page. You can download this version Xara X 1.0a and install it over your existing copy of Xara X. The install program will automatically recognize your purchased copy (unless you placed it in a folder other than the default folder) and the transition will be seamless.

The Xara X Online Manual continues with this month's installment covering the The Text Tool, and the Fill Tool. Two tools doesn't sound like much but when you see the section on the Fill Tool four long pages with 27 illustrations!), you'll see why there was only room for the two tools. If I left something out, or if something is not clear, use the form on Page 7 to contact me. And don't forget, every Xara tool is covered in excruciating detail in the Help pull down menu.

You're all Winners!

While there was still no prize drawing this month (or last month for that matter), your editor just wanted to reiterate in his most humble opinion, you loyal readers are all winners. You have hung in there and stayed the course like real champions. Your reward is Xara X —the final release version! Just in time for the winter holidays

Insider Information

The Featured Artist for December is Ian Hamilton. Ian took issue with your editor when he credited Ian with designing amusing Web sites. In all fairness they are only amusing to your editor because they are so well designed, especially the site for the Monastery, a hip dance club complete with catchy sound track that had your editor ogling all the young ladies in their skintight dresses (until your editor's wife came in the room and caught him). See what I mean? Ian has also created some stunning images. Have a peek.

The December Trompe L'Oeil Room tutorial, paints a romantic picture of a small adobe church set against the moonlit mountains of New Mexico. Featured is the new Brush Tool, which was used to add desert grass to the flat, high-desert landscape.

A New Home for the WebXealot and the XaraXone?

Just a reminder: i/us was sold to EyeWire.com in February. As of January 1, 2001, the WebXealot and XaraXone will be moving to a new URL: XaraXone.com. Bookmark this URL. In fact you can use it now. Traffic is currently redirected to i/us but as soon as the changeover is in effect, you'll go directly to the new site. This will probably wind up being part of a larger site called talkgraphics.com. Recognizing a good thing (even if EyeWire.com, the folks who purchased i/us and are now decommissioning i/us, don't) talkgraphics.com will be the new home for all the former conferences on i/us, including, of course, the four Xara conferences. And your moderator crew will remain pretty much the same with a few additions.

I am thrilled that Xara Ltd . has agreed to sponsor the XaraXone, the Trompe L'Oeil Room Xara tutorials, and the WebXealot as well as the Xara Conferences so the channels of communication shall remain open.

I was informed last week by i/us that due to the short amount of time remaining before i/us becomes a part of Web history, they have decided not to sell Xara X. So the only place to purchase Xara X will be directly from Xara Ltd . To purchase Xara X, or for more information, visit Xara's Web site.

It's been an interesting year to say the least. Your editor thanks all of you who have written with your questions, comments, kudos, and occasional complaints. And while your editor winces a little when the brick bats come his way, all comments are welcome and help to make the WebXealot a better whatever-it-is-thing.

Seasons Greetings and I'll see all of you at XaraXone.com next year.

©2000 Gary W. Priester , All rights reserved. No portion of this publication, including the illustrations contained within, may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the author.