Comments on: Power Writer http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/ Your Source for Screenwriting & Screenplay Information Fri, 18 May 2012 22:12:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Cheryl L. Russell http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/comment-page-1/#comment-3070 Cheryl L. Russell Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:41:39 +0000 http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/#comment-3070 I bought this product with the hopes that I could organize a fiction project that has grown to over 350,000 words (pre edited obviously). Importing the files from Microsoft Word was tedious, I had to save each as rtf format and then import. Considering I had 50-odd chapters when I started, that was a pain, but I did it. <br /> <br />The help files aren't very helpful, but email support was good. I've experienced some strange issues they've never seen before, never did get to the bottom of them, but they helped me make them "livable". <br /> <br />The tutorial didn't make a lot of sense to me, I'd prefer a different format because while you're reading it, you can't be doing what it suggests (setting up a file, etc) at the same time. That would be something to consider doing in the future...making the tutorial/help files in a pop up box that won't disappear as you play with/practice on the actual files. <br /> <br />With a lot of playing around & trying different things, a LOT of looking through help files and emailing support, I've figured the program out for the most part. <br /> <br />The best part about the software is the outline pane on the left, it has become invaluable to scan the entirety of the storyline (w/ plot headers) instantly. Also the ability to track characters is excellent (IF you take the time to keep the files up to date!). <br /> <br />Obviously, the more you put into this software, the more you'll get out of it. This software does not "prompt" you to do anything, but the tools are all there if you so choose to type the information in. When your story covers 35 years of a family's history, with several interwoven back-stories and sub-plots, you're wise to track it all from the beginning. <br /> <br />My only regret is not having this software 5 years ago when I started this project; it would have made it so much easier! For the money, I definitely recommend this software. Rating: 4 / 5 I bought this product with the hopes that I could organize a fiction project that has grown to over 350,000 words (pre edited obviously). Importing the files from Microsoft Word was tedious, I had to save each as rtf format and then import. Considering I had 50-odd chapters when I started, that was a pain, but I did it.

The help files aren’t very helpful, but email support was good. I’ve experienced some strange issues they’ve never seen before, never did get to the bottom of them, but they helped me make them “livable”.

The tutorial didn’t make a lot of sense to me, I’d prefer a different format because while you’re reading it, you can’t be doing what it suggests (setting up a file, etc) at the same time. That would be something to consider doing in the future…making the tutorial/help files in a pop up box that won’t disappear as you play with/practice on the actual files.

With a lot of playing around & trying different things, a LOT of looking through help files and emailing support, I’ve figured the program out for the most part.

The best part about the software is the outline pane on the left, it has become invaluable to scan the entirety of the storyline (w/ plot headers) instantly. Also the ability to track characters is excellent (IF you take the time to keep the files up to date!).

Obviously, the more you put into this software, the more you’ll get out of it. This software does not “prompt” you to do anything, but the tools are all there if you so choose to type the information in. When your story covers 35 years of a family’s history, with several interwoven back-stories and sub-plots, you’re wise to track it all from the beginning.

My only regret is not having this software 5 years ago when I started this project; it would have made it so much easier! For the money, I definitely recommend this software.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> By: Ron http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/comment-page-1/#comment-3069 Ron Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:34:45 +0000 http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/#comment-3069 Purchased this 2 years ago. The support crew at the time said a new version was "on the doorstep" but nothing on that since then. This program is pretty dated. It has some nice features, but really lacks the pieces that would make it much better than the word processors that just about everyone now has already. In particular, the program does not have any tools that track story timelines (promised in new version). The tools that it does have - like outlining and areas to store character data - can be fairly easily reproduced using features in standard word processors like Microsoft Word. I can not recommend the product in it's current version. Maybe if that new version would ever materialize... Rating: 2 / 5 Purchased this 2 years ago. The support crew at the time said a new version was “on the doorstep” but nothing on that since then. This program is pretty dated. It has some nice features, but really lacks the pieces that would make it much better than the word processors that just about everyone now has already. In particular, the program does not have any tools that track story timelines (promised in new version). The tools that it does have – like outlining and areas to store character data – can be fairly easily reproduced using features in standard word processors like Microsoft Word. I can not recommend the product in it’s current version. Maybe if that new version would ever materialize…
Rating: 2 / 5

]]> By: T. Pinsonneault http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/comment-page-1/#comment-3068 T. Pinsonneault Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:56:36 +0000 http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/#comment-3068 I ABSOLUTELY love this software, and while others are close to it, this one is far more superior. It has alot of different functions and makes writing notes easy, checking off plot points easy, and organizing extremely easy. If you are unorganized, this is perfect for you! The only problems I've faced are little glitches and bugs in the software here and there, but whenever I email, they do get to them and fix them. Because of this, it's important to get the new updates off the web whenever you get the chance. I do wish they had a troubleshooting section also, but overall this is a great program!! I would highly recommend it for both beginners and more advanced writers like myself. Just remember to go through the tutorials before you use it or it tends to get a bit frustrating. Rating: 4 / 5 I ABSOLUTELY love this software, and while others are close to it, this one is far more superior. It has alot of different functions and makes writing notes easy, checking off plot points easy, and organizing extremely easy. If you are unorganized, this is perfect for you! The only problems I’ve faced are little glitches and bugs in the software here and there, but whenever I email, they do get to them and fix them. Because of this, it’s important to get the new updates off the web whenever you get the chance. I do wish they had a troubleshooting section also, but overall this is a great program!! I would highly recommend it for both beginners and more advanced writers like myself. Just remember to go through the tutorials before you use it or it tends to get a bit frustrating.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> By: Cherokee http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/comment-page-1/#comment-3067 Cherokee Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:45:02 +0000 http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/#comment-3067 I never write reviews but I had to for this product. Although, this product does take a little time to familiarize yourself with how it works, it's worth it. You also have a wonderful support staff that is available to answer all of your questions. I've called them numerous times and each time they were patient, helpful and solved my problem. <br /> <br />I was relunctant to buy this product at first with some of the reviews that were written, but I'm a happy Power Writer customer! Rating: 5 / 5 I never write reviews but I had to for this product. Although, this product does take a little time to familiarize yourself with how it works, it’s worth it. You also have a wonderful support staff that is available to answer all of your questions. I’ve called them numerous times and each time they were patient, helpful and solved my problem.

I was relunctant to buy this product at first with some of the reviews that were written, but I’m a happy Power Writer customer!
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> By: SpiritJourney http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/comment-page-1/#comment-3066 SpiritJourney Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:09:49 +0000 http://screenwritingtips.com/570/power-writer/#comment-3066 Wow! I thought this would be simple after reading the reviews, but I've had trouble getting powerwriter to save to CD or any other medium. I keep getting an error that the CD is full or the wrong media. VERY frustrating. The initial package is relatively easy to use although I don't like the fact that you do not receive instructions with it. You have to rely on 4 tutorials which are brief. The help topic list has no troubleshooting section. Right now, I'm calling tech support regarding the saving problem. As far as I'm concerned, that's the deal clincher. If I can't save my work, what good is the software package? I found it MUCH easier to copy the work to Microsoft Works and save it to a removable disc that way. Then I decided I may as well stick with MS Works and ditch this program. ..... Since writing this review I have spoken with tech support. They told me that this progam will not automatically burn to a cd or dvd THROUGH POWERWRITER because it doesn't "recognize" the windows accessory. I was told I could save directly to another type of external device that PowerWriter understands, but not windows. Then I was instructed to save the file to my hard drive, close powerwriter, locate the file and then use windows to save it to the cd. HUH? That's a lot of work to go through when I can just use Works. I did as he instructed and followed all the steps and YES it will save to a cd, but this does NOT solve the problem of being able to backup your work without buying an external drive. Basically, my understanding is that Powerwriter does not recognize or understand windows and needs other supportive technology. I have uninstalled the program. I would rather spend my time writing (I have chapters due at the publisher's for goodness' sake!) than wrestling with this long process. Rating: 1 / 5 Wow! I thought this would be simple after reading the reviews, but I’ve had trouble getting powerwriter to save to CD or any other medium. I keep getting an error that the CD is full or the wrong media. VERY frustrating. The initial package is relatively easy to use although I don’t like the fact that you do not receive instructions with it. You have to rely on 4 tutorials which are brief. The help topic list has no troubleshooting section. Right now, I’m calling tech support regarding the saving problem. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the deal clincher. If I can’t save my work, what good is the software package? I found it MUCH easier to copy the work to Microsoft Works and save it to a removable disc that way. Then I decided I may as well stick with MS Works and ditch this program. ….. Since writing this review I have spoken with tech support. They told me that this progam will not automatically burn to a cd or dvd THROUGH POWERWRITER because it doesn’t “recognize” the windows accessory. I was told I could save directly to another type of external device that PowerWriter understands, but not windows. Then I was instructed to save the file to my hard drive, close powerwriter, locate the file and then use windows to save it to the cd. HUH? That’s a lot of work to go through when I can just use Works. I did as he instructed and followed all the steps and YES it will save to a cd, but this does NOT solve the problem of being able to backup your work without buying an external drive. Basically, my understanding is that Powerwriter does not recognize or understand windows and needs other supportive technology. I have uninstalled the program. I would rather spend my time writing (I have chapters due at the publisher’s for goodness’ sake!) than wrestling with this long process.
Rating: 1 / 5

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