Powerpoint: are you a user or a hater?

[ipomoea]

Came across this today: http://www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/ptech/1....ap/index.html

I use the software for talks, trainings, and similar situations where a visual aid is essential. By observing some basic, generally accepted rules for using this and other 'slideware,' the medium does not necessary get in the way of the message. IHMO, the gratuitous use of animation to convey a simple point can be distracting. For example, I think it is a bit of an overkill for a bulleted line to "fly in" when one is just citing the population of Nowheresville. Ditto for some really hideous backgrounds.

[CincyDiver]

I avoid it whenever possible. A conversation, a to the point memoradum or e-mail is a much better tool for communicating a complete thought.

My wife's employer uses powerpoint for everything. So much so that the anything substantial seems to get lost in a bullet point. Granted in todays information saturated age, condensing ideas isn't a bad idea. Unfortunately, in a lot of circumstances the idea itself is obliterated.

[ramirami]

can one be a user and still be a hater...

IMO the basic concept of power point was good...but what I hate is when people poot some graphics in a lousy presentation and think the "graphics" are making the presentation better

[kippy95]

Powerpoint is for my scheduled nap time.

[PaulV7]

I like the idea behind powerpoint and think is does have many good uses. But it is way to user friendly with the "make crap fly across the screen" button.

Recently I started editing our powerpoint we have to advertise our company. A former employee made this a year ago when we first started up. Every slide had like 5 things buzzing in from 1 side or another. It took so long to get the info it was annoying.

Powerpoint can be a good way to get info out and display it in a intelligent way, if you know how to use it and not abuse it.....yea I know, i thought the same thing when I typed that.

[tim.s]

Most of the premade presentation formats should be trashed - I guess Microsoft hired too many programmers and not enough graphic artists.

The graphic tools (i.e., drawing toolbar) lack accuracy for easily creating good schematics and figures - I really miss Canvas.

There are very few legitimate reasons to be using animations. I see too many users who are not computer literate enough to be attempting complex presentations.

About two thirds of the presentations I see each month lack the aesthetic requirements and basic organization to avoid being annoying.

[N_Jay]

PowerPoint is only a tool.
Do youy hate the saw, when you see an ugly piece of furiture?

[ramirami]

Originally posted by N_Jay
PowerPoint is only a tool.
Do youy hate the saw, when you see an ugly piece of furiture?

if the was a MSsaw there will be a bunch of hatter...folks saying that Apple can make a better saw and the world was better before the MSsaw

ofcourse Microsoft would own right to all saws and no furniture could be sold if it was not made using MSsaw

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by ramirami
if the was a MSsaw there will be a bunch of hatter...folks saying that Apple can make a better saw and the world was better before the MSsaw w

Lets not go there.

You will get me scolded by Jay again!

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay
Lets not go there.

You will get me scolded by Jay again!

On New Year's Eve, I'll let you slide.