Just chiming in to confirm everything said above.
I do websites and newsletter layout for a living. If you need a program that is 100% intuitive and takes virtually no training, Publisher is the way to go. (If you're a Macintosh fan, it's very similar to "Ready, Set, Go!", another desktop publisher. But since that package is on its way to Software Heaven, stick w/ Publisher.) On a similar note, you can convert it to Adobe Acrobat in one click if you have that program.
PageMaker is extremely powerful but it takes a TON of practice to use. Even with their built-in templates, the tweaking takes a great deal of work, esp if you are just learning. 99 times out of 100, when I think I need PageMaker, I'll just bag it and convert to Publisher--you're hearing that from a power-user that's been trained in PageMaker and the entire Adobe line of tools.
Feel free to drop me a PM anytime if you need some pointers. I'll be glad to set you in the right direction.
Adrienne
