Blog

Here's where I share what I learn about making books and websites with free and open-source software. I've put my "microblog" (Twitter/identi.ca feed) first, because the short format lends itself to those quick finds, insights, or even command snippets. But I also like to write an occasional longer article about my work too.

Microblog

@billmakesbooks

It was just 11:11 on 11/11/11. A once-in-a-millennium opportunity. If you missed it, head west.

14 weeks 5 days ago

#inkscape fancy quotes? C-u 2036, C-u 2033. Unicode chart: http://t.co/Seplwsb1

15 weeks 1 day ago

View a grid (#960gs) over *any* website: http://t.co/MAThFfPI

15 weeks 1 day ago

Articles

Proofread Backwards

tools

With this free online tool, you can proofread your manuscript with a fresh eye.

Add a drop shadow to images from the command-line with ImageMagick

Bill Powell Sat, 01/22/2011 - 00:22

Today I finally figured out how to add a drop shadow to an image from the command-line. As you might expect, the solution uses ImageMagick. This is one of those command-line tools that makes you wonder how people survive out there in the cold world of the GUI alone. You can do pretty much anything to an image with one or more ImageMagick commands.

Some tasks, like resizing, are irresponsibly easy. But for other tasks, (say, a drop shadow) the learning curve can be more of a wall.

Welcome to my new Wineskin Media blog!

Bill Powell Wed, 01/12/2011 - 18:11

meta

Hi! I've been blogging on my personal site for years, but gradually I've realized that people who like my personal posts may not want to hear about Linux, LaTeX, and Emacs -- and vice versa.

So, with the launch of an updated and redesigned Wineskin Media site, it's a great time to bring my shop talk over here.

For previous Linux articles, see http://billpowellisalive.com/tags/linux/