Volumetric Lighting/Text Effects in AE 5.5
 

Does anyone know how to create volumetric lighting effects with text in After Effects 5.5 standard, using just the included effects? You know, that overused effect where it looks like light is passing behind/through the text?

I've search the site and checked Google, but I have not been able to find a good way to do it.

I've attempted it myself using Radial Blur and the free Lens Blur plug-in that came with the Meyer's Motion Graphics book: www.karatemedia.com/video/volumetric.mpg (MPEG-1, only 300K). But it doesn't really approximate the effect to my satisfaction. Any suggestions?

I know this is not the answer you are looking for, but I've always used Trapcode's Shine effect for this effect. I'm not sure if you can get this effect without a plug-in.