Starting May 29, 1998, David Farrell's syndicated newspaper column, Roadside Attractions, part of The Syracuse Newspaper, mentioned and reviewed my WebFX website (a cool graphics tool you use over the web).Here's the article: (available on their website)
You might have seen programs at your local software store that allow you to take pictures and twist them and stretch them into funny shapes. If you like that sort of thing, you must visit WebFX at http://zippy.sonoma.edu/kendrick/webfx/This nifty little site was put together by Bill Kendrick, a student at Sonoma State University in California. You don't have to be a graphics wizard to use this site. In fact, it will make even the greenest novice look like a pro. Within minutes of entering the site you will be able to modify any .gif or .jpg file you like with only a few mouse clicks.
WebFX is great because it works with any graphic file that exists on the Net. All you have to do is type in the URL for the graphic or picture you want to play with, choose an effect and click "apply effect." Moments later your picture will be displayed on your screen with the effect applied.
What can you do with your pictures? Kendrick has three dozen effects on his site, ranging from a wood grain look to an animated water ripple effect. After you've created your cool graphic, you can save it or download it onto your own site.
I especially liked the animated gifs Kendrick put on the site. I've converted several flag pictures into waving banners and have created a number of artsy-looking "water portraits" using his "animated ripples" effect.