The Tax Book

[DTS]

Font and Shading

Brad,

Today, I had a chance to look over the prototype of the new book. Very nice. I think all of us will enjoy it.

As for the font and darkening of the type, I can see what the others are saying, but I did not have much trouble. However, I was outside and the light was good. Maybe, if the printer can darken just a little, that would be nice??? The font was fine for me.

One major concern I have...the eyes on the cartoon character! This is area that is very disturbing to me.

Dennis

[Brad Imsdahl]

We have worked out the font darkness issue with our printer. It's much easier to read now. I think everyone will be happy with the revised version coming out in December.

What do you mean by the eyes on the cartoon characters? All of them? Or which one in particular? Or are you joking because you recognized Paul and I are the cartoon characters? Are you saying we have beady eyes or something???

[DTS]

Eyes

Brad,

I meant the eyes on the guy who is supposed to be the preparer. They ARE beady and scary! The hair on my arms is standing straight up thinking about them.

I feel like I look like this after a long, hard tax season and I just thought you might improve the image a bit, if possible. Maybe, make them blue or hazel. And change the shape just a little.

This was not a personal attack on how you or Paul look, honest!

Dennis

[TMI Moderator]

Brad,

I meant the eyes on the guy who is supposed to be the preparer. They ARE beady and scary! The hair on my arms is standing straight up thinking about them.

Dennis

I have three daughters. I believe the cartoon image successfully captures the deer-in-the-headlights look I have on my face all the time.

We appreciate all the comments. Here at the shop we're having discussions [arguing about] these very issues. Comments from readers are always important, but at this specific point in the production process your opinions are especially powerful.

Thanks.

[Brad Imsdahl]

I have three daughters. I believe the cartoon image successfully captures the deer-in-the-headlights look I have on my face all the time.

Well, we can't be scaring our customers, Paul. Could you try and not look so shifty next time Sandra snaps your picture?

[JON]

Thank You....

I appreciate the sample. Remember all of our bad eyes, thank you........ You are not going to rush late year sending before the 2005 tax act-that is more important. Again your dealing with DC-good luck.

[Brad Imsdahl]

You are not going to rush late year sending before the 2005 tax act-that is more important. Again your dealing with DC-good luck.

I agree. Getting all of the latest in the book is very important. It's nice working for a small business where you have control over such matters...like we use to have.....

[B C]

I see in the latest mailing from that "other place" that they are putting out a book to replace the package X that the IRS has discontinued. Anything to make a buck.
Thanks Brad and all the others involved for caring to make this new book something we want and use rather than something we have to buy.

[Kurly]

Brad

Great reference material. Glad to have you back. Looking forward to a long and prosperous friendship. Brad thanks for the Tab #4 info. Looks great. I sure do appreciate all the comments both negative and positive from all you posters.

Kurly

[Snaggletooth]

New Suggestion

There is always a balancing act in measuring the font size, content, illustrations, etc. at the maximum, but then ending up with a book you need a wheelbarrow to carry around.

I do have ONE MORE suggestion -- this has only become a problem in the last few years, but since I have been weaned away from the Package X years ago, this one is really really time consuming and THETAXBOOK can help, by inserting a one-page, front & back synopsis.

WHERE DO YOU MAIL RETURNS? When I started, all returns went to your regional service center, period. Nowadays, each return has to be sent to a different place, and you have to find the "Where to file" matrix somewhere in every instruction pub. In the last year, I have sent various returns to at least a dozen cities. Ogden UT, Memphis, TN, Bloomington, IL, Detroit MI (believe it or not), Philadelphia, etc. etc. -- and this was just for clients living in Tennessee. For those living in Alabama there is another set of cities.

A simple front&back page showing where to file commonly required returns - obviously 1040s, but also 940s, 941s, 1041s, 1120S, etc. along with common information returns,
1096s, W-3s, etc. This could be in matrix format, with possibly a "look-up" chart to save
space. This would save LOADS of time! I doubt PPC has anything to compare!

[Brad Imsdahl]

Where to file

We have had other requests for that. We will come up with something that will improve the way it has been done in the past.

[Unregistered]

Font Size = It is very small

I just got back from the IRS Forum in Las Vegas and I was real impressed with THE TAX BOOK. I received a Sample copy at the Forum. When I got home I compared it with The Quickfinder and I found a Big diffence in the SIZE and color of the PRINT. That is my only objection with the book. It sounds like you will be improving it, so that is great. The other thing that I think I may or may not like is the combined book. I am afraid that it is going to be to big. I'll just have to eat my Wheaties every morning.

[Chief]

Font Size

I have a sample copy of the TaxBook (the itemized deductions section), but failed to make any comment on the font size. I SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE FONT SIZE. Those who need larger font size probably need a Braille edition (Just kidding!) I wear trifocals and am able to read the font inthe TaxBook with no difficulty.

I remember when I wore bifocals and had so much difficulty reading music while seated at an organ. My neckached because I had to strain to be able to read the notes. When I got trifocals I had no adjustment period because they took care of my reading difficulties. Perhaps those of you who find the font too small need new reading glasses and maybe even trifocals. Check this out and you will probably find that I am correct on this.

There's nothing wrong with growing older and making adjustments to make your lives more manageable.

[Brad Imsdahl]

Thanks to all for the comments on the font size. The issue with many seems to be more with the font being too light verses being too small. We are going to change the font to something darker and closer to what we had with Quickfinder without sacrificing the number of words per page. We will not sell you less information per page. All of us making this decision need and wear bifocals, so if we can read it, you will be able to read it.

The size of the Deluxe Edition will be something in between the size of the 1040 Quickfinder and the All States Quickfinder. Our 1040 Edition will be around 300 pages, the Deluxe will be around 460 pages, and the All States will be around 550 pages. So far, we have received all positive responses to our Deluxe Edition concept. We are not going to change our top selling idea.

Disclaimer: To avoid confusion, please note that I am no longer employed by Quickfinder or PPC. My current employer, Tax Materials, Inc. has no connection with Quickfinder or PPC.

There, satisfied, Paul?

[TMI Moderator]

Thanks to all for the comments on the font size. The issue with many seems to be more with the font being too light verses being too small. We are going to change the font to something darker and closer to what we had with Quickfinder without sacrificing the number of words per page. We will not sell you less information per page. All of us making this decision need and wear bifocals, so if we can read it, you will be able to read it.

The size of the Deluxe Edition will be something in between the size of the 1040 Quickfinder and the All States Quickfinder. Our 1040 Edition will be around 300 pages, the Deluxe will be around 460 pages, and the All States will be around 550 pages. So far, we have received all positive responses to our Deluxe Edition concept. We are not going to change our top selling idea.

Disclaimer: To avoid confusion, please note that I am no longer employed by Quickfinder or PPC. My current employer, Tax Materials, Inc. has no connection with Quickfinder or PPC.

There, satisfied, Paul?

Yes, yes, much better, thank you.

I'm the nervous one.

-paul