I get questions about this a lot so I thought I would address it.

Academic Software is the same software as the products you see in stores -- it just has a sticker that says "educational software" or "educational use only" or "academic use only" or "for educational use only" - you get the picture. Creative Suite Premium 2.3 is the exact same product for education as it is for business. There is no limited version created for academic.

Another thing about academic software - specifically academic software licenses: not all products are offered by publishers for academic. For example: Adobe does not offer a SKU (part number) for Creative Suite Standard -- we get calls all the time from schools who want to buy the standard version (thinking it will be less expensive than the Premium version). However, the standard is MUCH more expensive to schools because there is no academic SKU.

Well, the the next trick to academic software is that to sell it (and I am talking about legally selling current versions) you have to be an authorized academic reseller (which is what we are) and to buy it you have to be able to prove you are eligible to purchase academic software.  Eligibility requirements depend on the publisher. For example: Microsoft offers academic pricing to Public Libraries. Adobe does not.

I hope this has helped clear up some of the confusion. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Jane

Hop! Writing is story creation software by Cyberlude.  The target is the K-12 market -- starting with 3rd grade.

First let me say that the software loaded quickly and cleanly with no problems. You'd be surprised by how often i receive software to review that does not do that! Second, i can attest that the program lives up to their marketing flyer. It was so easy to begin writing a story that my shipwrecked boy was looking for his magical sailboat before i knew it! The organization is really easy to work with and there is a lot of help with every part of the process. I loved the file cards for characters, places, and objects - it made it easy and fun to describe the details. I really enjoyed using it and appreciated the ever so gentle learning curve.

This is easily the best writing software i have seen for young writer's.

Please visit my academic software website for more information and pricing. www.academiclicenses.com

later,

Jane

I am always amazed when people tell me "I've got to find a new job, these folks just don't pay me enough" but when i query further it comes out that they have not asked for a raise. Ok, listen up. Nobody wants to pay you more. Ever. I wish for qualified people who will work for me for free on every penny i throw in a fountain.  But what bosses want to do and what they are willing to do . . . well that is a question for all us, isnt it? How about what i want to do and what i am going to do. Wow! that one has the mind reeling. . .

Anyway, back to your raise. First, you are going to have to ask. It is not all that difficult! "Hey Jim, I'd like to talk to you about raising my pay. Can we get together this afternoon? Are you free around 3pm? Great, see you then."

Now, you need to have already done your homework before setting up this meeting --- if you didnt and just set up the meeting with Jim and it is now 2:45 well i hope you are a good tap dancer. Otherwise prepare like this: get your job description. Maybe they gave you one when you were hired. No? Don't whine at me you big crybaby! Make one up! Make it as detailed as you can -- list everything you do (so they don't start to wonder what you do all day). Got it? Now grade yourself on it -- yeah, like in school. instead of a,b, c, etc. you might just use the Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement -  like in Kindergarten.  Now you are ready to meet with Jim and show him what a great job you are doing.  

Uh oh. There is the slight chance that you couldnt grade yourself excellent on everything. Maybe you need to polish your professional skills .  .  .  if so, visit http://www.diylearningonline.com and get the skills you need to not just get more money for your current job but to move up in the company as well.

Bottom line: business owners hate turnover. Ok, rephrase. Business Owners and bosses who arent total idiots hate turnover. If you are a valuable employee believe me they want you to stay. And dont get all bogged down with the poor me talk that lots of bosses like to babble. Is he driving a BMW? Is the owner of the business driving a Lexus? They can pay you more. I promise.

go get'em Tiger!

Jane