Make The Publisher's Life Easier

[Casey H]

Hi NomiI use Neato software and compatible labels with a color InkJet printer. There are lots of printers out there that print direct to CD also- just go to your local Best Buy or Comp USA. Some buy a separate CD printer just for CDs, others a combo regular printer and CD printer. I have a fairly good HP Inkjet for paper stuff so if I bought a CD printer, I'd just buy a separate small unit.The important thing is your labeling does not have to be fancy at all! In fact it shouldn't be, for pitching publishers and film/TV (Selling your own CDs is different). Simple dark color on white with text is fine. The information on all your labeling should be easy to read, not hindered by color schemes, logos, pictures, etc. With Hopeful Dreamer, I've discussed cooperative pitches with various music libraries. They sent me some sampler CDs... Guess what? Their samples were all labeled with black on white text... A sample would say something like "Female Pop Sampler" and list the tracks as well as the contact info.Fancy labels are not the answer to getting heard...Does that help?Warm regards,y/fCasey PS I am emailing you some samples of simple labeling.

[hookstownbrown]

Nomi, I've used the Neato software for the most part and I've also tried the Memorex software. Both are aggravating to use, but after many hours of trial and error, I use the Neato... Mainly because I don't want to go through the aggravation of learning another program.The biggest problem with these cd labelling programs is that what you see on the screen is usually not what you get on the finished label. I will sometimes have to waste four or five labels to get one to print right with a new design. My best advice is prepare to be superbly annoyed!

[Casey H]

Hey Hook & Nomi...One thing you learn quickly is to run some tests on blank paper first, before you waste those expensive label sheets... Try to pencil in on the blank sheets the approximate boundaries of the label sheets and run some tests...It's also a good way to figure out which is the right way to feed sheets to your printer... face up, face down, top first, bottom first, etc... Casey

[edteja]

I haven't had any problem with the Neato MediaFace4. It does far too much, and I haven't figured out everything I want to figure out about aligning text, but to do what Casey said is dead easy and looks neat and clean.Personally I was leaning towards Mauve letters on a paisely background, but now that I've been alerted to the fact that this isn't quite the industry standard I think I'll switch to a slightly more conservative format. But Seriously the Neato Syste (which cost me $24 at my all-too expensive computer store and is probably half that if you live in a real city with a Costco or somesuch) does a very nice job. I use an HP 6122 inkjet printer.

[hookstownbrown]

Neato's MediaFace is ok if you keep the label simple. I've been using it for years and I've used every version to date. I do photo backgrounds and graphics on mine, track lists, the works... I used to do label artwork for others. Not anymore...I've wasted a lot of ink and a lot of hours just getting things aligned and or layered properly. When you have more than just a few simple text boxes involved, getting the text to print the way it appears on your screen can be a major hassle. Those programs just have a lot of quirks that tend to dislike a design that's other than very basic...

[nomiyah]

When I used a label kit before (not Neato, a bargain bin brand), I found it pretty easy to layout text.The problem I had was sticking the label to the CD. The paper wrinkled always, no matter how careful I was. Someone suggested I get a press but I don't want to buy something that doesn't work.How do you get the label onto the CD? Or does Neato use better quality labels that lays flat? Thanks for your input. It's great having an advice team before buying stuff! Nomi

[hookstownbrown]

As a matter of fact, I saw a couple of labels - different brands - last week at a Staples. "Guaranteed To Stay"...I don't know for sure, but maybe the glue is better now?Any of those presses will make life much easier for you, Nomi.

[nomiyah]

Thanks Hooks (again) I'll get one tomorrow so I'll let you all know how it goes.

[hummingbird]

geez... I've never had a problem getting the label on the CD (except for the odd time I got my fingers in the way). I have a CD stomper & I get my CD labels for laser and ink jet printers from Staples. Last time I went they had a box of 80 on sale. The little stomper thing is easy to use... you put the label, print side down, on top of the stomper - there's a round middle part that sticks up... in two sizes. You put the CD top down on top of the round thingy... and push down. I do that carefully, then I put the CD in it's case and doublecheck it's adhered to the CD. Staples has the stomper thing too... probably less than $20.Hummin'bird

[Casey H]

Hey Nomi Sorry I misinterpreted your question... Yup, the CD Stomper is the trick... Start stompin'... MediaFace is pretty good.BTW, I have found less bugs with MediaFace 4 than previous versions. 2 bugs I know of that may or may not still be there are:(1) A text box might appear not to wrap-around or go off label in print preview but be that way when you print. Usually if you make your text boxes considerably larger than your text, it works... It's still good to print on plain paper first as a test.(2) Things can get all messed up if you try to cut and paste. Sometimes it works and sometimes it eats your text for lunch. I always make sure I do a save for trying it, so I can get back to where I was... Casey