It would help if the prompt when you hover over the first download option was to say "Save LINK as" instead of "Save as"

Also, for the second download option (the "mirror" one) one is told to save it (rather than letting it run, presumably).  However, when one clicks this you do not get a save option - it simply downloads and automatically runs it from the server, the one thing we are trying to avoid here!

It's all very well saying  "they are running a magazine here, not a computer course" but it is just the thing that makes less experienced computer users so mad.

Keep it simple and straightforward please.

Winge over!  Smashing magazine!

Rai Fenton

You can't say save LINK either because it's different in every browser. We have the mirror link "open" because we get emails from people who say, "what's a right click?"

The whole huge PDF shouldn't be displayed in the browser problem is a total pain and there's no easy solution. I'm sure more than a few people are just throwing up their hands and never can get an issue to download - model railroaders, unfortunately, are not the most tech savvy lot. That's why we provide the download problems link and the video demoing a download.

Oh well, we're trying to make it simpler, but browser technology and Adobe aren't making it any easier.

Joe I don't see how it could be too much simpler. My only suggestion is get an older computer yourself for testing purposes. you need a computer with only a 1.2 to 1.4Ghz microprocessor & windows XP loaded on it maybe you can experience some of the troubles these other people are having. personally I didn't even have any problem with the Beta issue last night and all the links were working at 1:00 A.M. Now I own Adobe 7.0 the full version as well as their 9.0 full version and the newest up grades for both you may need to try the old 7.0 Adobe it was easier to use in my opinion. 9.0 seems to have issues on older computers where 7.0 was more compatible or is on my other comp with the 1.6Mhz processor and even the 9.0 reader has some issues with the 1.6MHz in it doesn't like the 9.0 I have been copying the 9.0 PDF onto 7.0 so my old lap top can read the PDF. I realize going backward to the 7.0 is probably more work than it's worth and I don't know if you have even tried to use the older reader or not. I have no trouble with 64 bit duel quad processors reading right off the browser and have the problem of lock up & or loosing the file and not being able to download MRH news letters and Magazine issues with the 32 bit 1.6MHz that has me puzzled. I have a feeling that more people have the slower computers than the latest Duel or Quad Core comps and it may all be a speed issue

I do realize you are alot more computer savvy than alot of people trying to use, download and read your PDF version on line and maybe if it's possible you could put out an 7.0 version that is if Adobe still will let you. I wish I was more Program Tech savvy than component Tech Savvy. I can build Comps and trouble shoot and figure out the electronic path but never got into all the programing side and different comp languages. I really wish I could help more if any of this does.
Dan

Dan:

The Standard Edition (former LITE Edition) works fine in Adobe Reader 7, so we're already there. Only the Embedded Edition (former PREMIUM Edition) requires Adobe Reader 9.

Most people have some version of Flash installed, so the Flashbook approach works well to give an "instantly readable" version that's just one click away. It's the huge download part that's the problem, I believe.

Instant gratification drives our culture these days and if we can tap into that, I believe we'll double or triple our circulation overnight.

I don't think you have tried the multi Zip file down load yet. I do alot of Gaming with MMORPG and single player RPG's.(For those not understanding MMORPG it stands for Massive-Multi-Player-Role-Player-Game)these games have thousands of people playing at the same web site game at the same time together. A lot of these games are 6 to 10 Gigabytes and they use multiple small zip file's when you buy on line.
First you subscribe to the game or particular game company and get the basic package which you down load into a Master file on your computer. Then you buy a game and you get the choice to download it all at one time or for the dial-up clients and slower computers you have the option to download multiple files that instead of trying to get 10 gig at once taking 24 hours that is if you don't loose the connection on a dial-up connection and have to start all over you get the game in sections or chapters and then you open the separate sections and add them to the master file where they reassemble and yes this does take longer but you get a clean download and once assembled it works the way it was designed in the first place. The next time you buy a game from this same company you already have the subscribed to Master file so all you need do is download the zip files and assemble them. In these files you get Rule books, Read-me files, PDF's, Flash files and flash player files as well as the New game. It's worked for about 10 years in the computer game community and this may be your answer. Oh remember there is still the one click download for those with the High speed internet connection but those with low end systems can get the high end results with multiple file downloads.
Just an Idea to maybe help those with low end slower computers having all the problems.
Dan