Inside Flash MX, 2nd edition
Authors: Jody Keating, Fig Leaf Software
Venue:  (2002)

:Inside Flash MX employs a comprehensive and comparatively advanced approach for designers and developers, addressing the emerging fact that Flash is both a designer's tool and a programming environment. Other "large" books are either more introductory or suffer from a lack of consistency and cohesiveness due to being written by several unassociated authors. Working professionals-designers, developers, and those who do both-who need a comprehensive, non-introductory tutorial reference. This is the largest growth area in the Flash market: NOT simply designers, but those familiar with the technology who use it as front end tool and as a programming tool as well. Fig Leaf's Creative Media Department has designed and developed engaging web-based media for some of the most recognized companies and organizations in the country.Author Biography: Fig Leaf's Creative Media Department has designed and developed engaging web-based media for some of the most recognized companies and organizations in the country. Fig Leaf offers creative services from a talented team of award winning graphic artists, programmers, writers, and instructional technologists who consistently build next- generation solutions for our clients. Using a blend of creative talent, experience and technical know-how, we are able to take our client's web media to a new level that balances form, flow and function. Members of the Creative Media team speak regularly at tradeshows, user groups, and design conferences to inform others about the tools, technologies, and processes that they successfully employ. Jody Keating is the Assistant Director of Interactive Media at Fig Leaf, where she makes the Interactive Media programmers and designers play nice together. Jody is a Macromedia Certified Professional (MCP) and has taught Macromedia Authorized classes for Flash, Generator, UltraDev, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and CourseBuilder. In addition to her duties at Fig Leaf, Jody is the Program Coordinator for the Washington Area Macromedia Organization (WAMMO). Jody is also a Cold Fusion developer and is having way too much fun playing with integrating Flash and ColdFusion. She has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the George Washington University and has done graduate work in Geobiology. When Jody's not writing or managing, she's racing sailboats, kayaking, or rowing on the Chesapeake Bay. Tom Pizer is a partner and the Vice President of Creative Media for Fig Leaf Software. He is responsible for Fig Leaf's creative vision and the success of the client web sites and interactives that Fig Leaf creates. During his career, he has written course material on computer-based design and collaborated on industry-related books. His work has been featured in leading industry magazines and been written up in online trade sites. Tom is the current president of the Washington, DC area Macromedia User's Group (WAMMO). During his tenure as president, he has forged strong ties with Macromedia and their Product Directors, programmers, sales staff, and training managers for the full suite of Macromedia's web tools. When Branden Hall is not working with computers (rarely), he enjoys the great outdoors: camping, hiking, biking, and climbing. As an Eagle Scout, these playtime pursuits come as naturally to him as programming, which is what Branden is doing much of the rest of the time. Branden is known for developing cutting edge ActionScript techniques. At Fig Leaf Software, he is the Senior Interactive Developer and a Macromedia Instructor. His work at Fig Leaf, combined with Branden's prominence on his Flash ActionScript mailing list, FlashCoders, and his participation in many other lists, conferences, and user groups have spawned speculation that Branden Hall cannot possibly be just one man. Amusing though the thought of a host of Branden clones running around may be, his wife Patricia Hall guarantees us all that there is, indeed, only one. Tracey Sheeley is the Assistant Director of Creative Services at Fig Leaf, and is one of the original "Figs". While creating many online presences for clients, she has eagerly watched Flash evolve into the indispensable program it is today. Tracey has a BA in Studio Art earned at the University of Maryland. Spanning three states throughout her life, she grew up in Maryland, works in Washington, DC, and now lives in Virginia. Chris Smith is an instructor and designer at Fig Leaf. He also teaches Flash, Dreamweaver, and Fireworks at the Corcoran School of Fine Arts in Washington, DC. Chris graduated in 1995 with a BFA from the University of Southern California. While earning his degree, he worked at Activision, Inc. and contracted an incurable interest in computer game graphics and animation that has dominated his creative pursuits ever since. Thirty years before the mast, he lives in Alexandria, VA. Kevin Towes is a Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer of Pangaea NewMedia Inc. in Toronto, Canada. His experience ranges from traditional film, photography, and sound to 3D animation and database and software development, culminating in the integration of all of these disciplines. Kevin's rich mix of visual and technical knowledge has been a leading force in Pangaea's success. A leader in the ColdFusion community for the past three years, Kevin is the founder of the Toronto Cold Fusion Users Group, one of the largest CF groups in the world. He is a certified ColdFusion Developer and has led his team at Pangaea to achieve much success with Macromedia Products. Matthew David has been developing Internet solutions for over seven years and has serviced many Fortune 500 companies. His books include Flash MX Magic (New Riders) and contributions to Flash 5 Magic, Flash 5: Visual Design, Web Development Bible, Inside Dreamweaver 4, and the Dreamweaver Bible. He is currently working on chapters for three new books. Matthew also contributes regularly to Devx.com, Element K Journal's Macromedia Solution, and Inside Project Management magazines, as well as web sites such as Macromedia.com, SitePoint.com, and UDZone.com. His own web site is http://www.matthewdavid.ws. Guy Rish is an independent consultant. He carries developer and instructor certifications from Macromedia and Rational, and in the last few years he has concentrated on applying object-oriented methodologies to web development. When not consulting or training, he does technical writing and editing for various publishers. In recent years he has taken up a traveling habit with his wife, with the end goal of seeing it all. Patricia Lee Hall is both a ColdFusion developer and Allaire Certified Instructor. Patti has degrees in English and French. She has also pursued higher education in Public Relations. She has a cat named Reese. Doug Clarke has a background in illustration, 3D motion graphics, and sound design, and he likes to use his multi-disciplinary background to push the envelope of interactive animation. "I'm never ever really satisfied with my work, but I do enjoy the process of creating and combining different mediums within Flash. Drawing is the foundation for all my work, which in turn is based on keen observation." His work has been featured in various publications including USAToday, Richmond Times Dispatch, and the Virginian Pilot. When he's not working in Flash, Doug enjoys illustration and painting. Doug is also an avid surfer and spends his off time with his family and friends in Virginia Beach. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude of Virginia Commonwealth University. You can find Doug's current work at http://www.liquidmethod.com. Christopher Hayes has been using Flash since Flash 3 and enjoys creating bleeding-edge design. Chris received his Master's degree in Computer Art from Savannah College of Art and Design and his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Xavier University of Louisiana. Chris (aka P the Wicked) is also an emcee/music producer and enjoys the true hip hop culture. Chris believes that his best work ever is the next one.