Announcement Application - Best way to Build it??

[Bobafart]

Hi,

I am expecting in 2 weeks (yeah!) and I would like to create a birth announcement for my new baby. I have been to sites like shutterfly -- these sites all charge for birth announcements.

Since I like to code I figure I can probably make one for myself rather than pay for it. Plus I have the time and I think it would be a fun challenge. Rather than just create one for me I was wondering if I could create an online application for others to use as well -- FOR FREE!

I have played around with HTML2PDF app (PHP based) which converts HTML to PDF files to be printed out. So far this is the best way I can think of to create a baby annoucement for users.

Users head to the site -- they upload their pictures, using CSS they customize the announcement fonts, colors, etc. When they are done they hit the "Submit" button and a PDF is created for them to download and bring to Staple/Business Depot/whatever to print out and mail. Or they can email the Link to their friends for an online announcement. HTML2PDF would make the PDF file.

Are there any other ways any of you can think of to tackle this problem?

thanks!

[xconspirisist]

Personaly, I would like you to futher justify your little adventure. It is likely that you would have a hard time trying to find users that would find your site appealing. Most people who would want to create this sort of announcement would fire up Microsoft Publisher or something similar. Dynamically generating a PDF from PHP is overkill for the effect that you are trying to accomplish. DTP offers far more flexability.

Please don't take it personally, but I just wanted to give you the heads up before you dive on in. If after further consideration you feel that this is the right thing to do, I would be more than happy to help you out.

[Bobafart]

what is DTP?

[xconspirisist]

It's an anagram for DeskTop Publishing. It's a generic term used to describe software like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, etc.