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Business Cards, Labels and Unix?

Posted by Cliff on from the be-your-own-printing-press dept.

Scott Taylor asks: "I've recently started my own company, and after reading The Pragmatic Programmer, and Unix Power Tools I'm interested in removing the need for Microsoft Word to make my business cards and labels. I would like to use a command line solution. One where I can update a configuration file, run make and out comes a label or business card from the printer. Unfortunately I have little experience with text formatting tools other than LaTeX. What would be the best Unix tool to use to create proper templates for Avery labels. Can it support color and graphics? What about printing to color ink jet printers?"

2 of 24 comments (clear)

  1. Laser Printed Business Cards are Sloppy by InitZero · · Score: 3

    For the first time in while, I got stuck interviewing job applicants and reviewing loads of resumes.

    Thirty-one of 53 people had laser-printed business cards. These struck me as tacky. They didn't feel right, some didn't fit in my business card holder and many smeared.

    Maybe I'm a business card bigot so take this advice with a grain of salt... For crying out loud, spend the $35 (or less), go to your local printer and have professinally designed and printed business cards.

    I didn't nuke any of the candidates because they had unprofessional cards but it was certainly wasn't a point in their favor. All else being equal, I'm going to hire the dude who better presents himself because I believe that he will also better represent the company.

    Your mom might be impressed because you made your business cards all by your little self but I doubt those looking to hire you will.

    InitZero

    (Note to moderators: though this post may seem to be of the troll variety, please file it under 'hard truth' or 'good advice'. Thanks.)

    1. Re:Laser Printed Business Cards are Sloppy by doggo · · Score: 3

      "Maybe I'm a business card bigot so take this advice with a grain of salt... For crying out loud, spend the $35 (or less), go to your local printer and have professinally designed and printed business cards."

      Good grief! I'd seen those pre-cut business card things, I think Avery makes 'em, and my dad even made some up, but I couldn't imagine someone seriously using the damn things.

      I think I'd laugh in someone's face if they handed me one of those.

      For God's sake, if you take your work seriously, have some business cards printed up. They're not that expensive, and they're essential to being taken seriously. Same with letterhead.