ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As I'm writing this acknowledgment, I'm finally learning what the downside of being a coauthor is: You only get half as much space to thank all of the great people without whom you couldn't do any of this.

First, I want to thank my incredible wife, Kalebra. I don't know what she puts in her morning coffee, but it must be working. Every year she gets more amazing, more beautiful, more hilarious, more savvy, and more just plain wonderful. She's my best friend, confidante, advice desk, gourmet chef, favorite artist, and the ultimate business partner. Best of all, she's a world-class mom, and it's an absolute joy seeing her special gifts reflected in our son Jordan. He has no idea how blessed and supremely lucky we both are to have her.

I want to thank my coauthor, Felix Nelson, for agreeing to do this book with me. He's an amazing persona great artist, with seemingly limitless enthusiasm and energy that has him perpetually in a good mood seven days a week.

His combination of talent, business savvy, and humor make him an absolute pleasure to work with, and I continue to learn more from him every day. I want to thank my Tech Editor Chris Main and Production Editor Kim Gabriel for once again bringing the whole project together and kicking butt every step of the way. Also thanks to Barbara Thompson for all her hard work and dedication to this project, and to Dave Korman and Daphne Durkee.

I want to thank the Photoshop experts from whom I've learned so much over the years, including Julieanne Kost, Ben Willmore, Russell Preston Brown, Doug Gornick, Deke McClelland, Jack Davis, and Robb Kerr. I also want to thank my good friends and business partners, Jim Workman and Jean A. Kendra, my brother Jeff for everything he does and for being such an important part of my life. I want to thank everyone at KW Media Groupthey excel at the whole "David and Goliath" thing. An extra special thanks to Kathy Siler for the hundreds of things she does for me that make my life and my work so much easier.

Thanks to Steve Weiss and Nancy Ruenzel at Peachpit for their commitment to excellence, and for the honor of letting me be one of their "Voices That Matter," and to Jeff Schultz for bringing us all together in the first place.

And most importantly, an extra special thanks to God and his son Jesus Christ for always hearing my prayers, for always being there when I need Him, and for blessing me with a life I truly love, and a warm loving family to share it with.

SCOTT KELBY

First, I'd like to thank my wife, Patty, who is the kindest, most understanding and caring person on the face of the planet. Her positive outlook on life, no matter how chaotic the world is around her, is remarkable. A smile from her face can light up an entire room. Then there are my three sons, Earl, Chris, and Alex. Earl is the ultimate in cool. Nothing ever ruffles his feathers. To watch an adorable, curly-headed little boy grow up into such a wonderful young man has been my greatest source of pride. And Chris "the studier" is the hardest-working, nose-to-the-grindstone person you'd ever want to meet. His drive and determination astonishes me. He's just a fantastic kid. Then there's little Alex. It's absolutely amazing how this little person affects my life. No matter how bad or how stressful the day has been, a hug from those tiny little arms and an "I love you Daddy" from those big brown eyes just melt my heart. He makes me realize things are never quite as bad as they appear.

My involvement in this book would not have been possible without the guidance and tutelage of Scott Kelby. He is without a doubt the most energetic, ambitious, and entertaining person I've ever met. His motor just never stops running. I can't begin to tell you how much he's influenced my life. He's a great mentor and a wonderful human being. I also have to thank the partners of KW Media Group (Jim Workman, Jean Kendra, and Kalebra Kelby) for the opportunities they've given me. When it comes to hard work and dedication, they're right up there with Scott. They're an amazing group, and I'm a better person for knowing them.

Thanks to Dave Moser and Kim Gabriel who, come hell or high water, make sure the trains run on time. If it weren't for their efforts, this book might never had made it to the presses. Of course, I can't forget about Dave "Dude" Korman and "Super Dave" Damstra, who do the work of ten ordinary designers. They flat out kick butt. Chris Main and Barbara Thompson could proofread an entire set of encyclopedias in an afternoon, and still have time for beer and a game of darts. I couldn't make it through the workday without them. Thanks to everyone at KW Media group, working behind the scenes, from the mailroom to customer service, who make us all look good. And a special thanks to "Rockin" Ronni, Jeff, Stacy, Kevin, and Daphne. They should all be up for sainthood just for putting up with me on a daily basis.

FELIX NELSON