Web 2.0 Style Text

Whilst trawling the internet, I've seen this effect used quite a lot in 'Web 2.0' style logos and it's very easily achieved using Adobe Fireworks.

Open Fireworks and use a chunky font to create some text:

Apply a linear gradient to the text like so:

I like the effect achieved as it is, but we can do more with this. Add a 2px basic soft rounded stroke (white) to the text and then add a glow which has the following properties:

This gives something like this: