Have you ever wondered how to increase your web presence? Find the resources you need by following the systems that I use in order to increase my awareness online.
Networking is a large part of sealing the deal with your webdesign business. You will always have new customers simply by doing what you would normally do while browsing the web.
Something as small as becoming a part of your favorite hobby community website could bring you wonderful opportunities to pursue. Networking with something you enjoy doing, will likely bring you opportunities to further develop your favorite hobby!
In this article I share several techniques that I follow, as well as personal experiences that I have had in finding website opportunities. I truly find the wierdest opportunity in the most familiar places.
Go check it out on my website: http://www.acehighdesigns.webs.com/
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
iPhone, is it the future of design?
I have always wondered after seeing most of the current web technology about what happens next...
After reading a blog, something sparked my attention. Technology is constantly becoming more condensed, and more efficient. People are getting busier, but at the same time we are getting even more productive.
So what is next?
In my opinion, there is great opportunity lying in iPhones, in that people are browsing the web via iPhone's which require a much more condensed webpage.
The blog I was reading can be found at the following URL: http://www.viget.com/inspire/vigetcom-gets-iphone-ized#continue
Basically, we as webdesigners need to take this opportunity and run with it. Nothing on the web lasts for long, but those who do not keep up will soon fall far from the tree. You need to market yourself as an innovative webdesigner, one who is always on the front-end of webdesign technology.
I will definitely look further into this and see how I can take advantage of this growing trend.
After reading a blog, something sparked my attention. Technology is constantly becoming more condensed, and more efficient. People are getting busier, but at the same time we are getting even more productive.
So what is next?
In my opinion, there is great opportunity lying in iPhones, in that people are browsing the web via iPhone's which require a much more condensed webpage.
The blog I was reading can be found at the following URL: http://www.viget.com/inspire/vigetcom-gets-iphone-ized#continue
Basically, we as webdesigners need to take this opportunity and run with it. Nothing on the web lasts for long, but those who do not keep up will soon fall far from the tree. You need to market yourself as an innovative webdesigner, one who is always on the front-end of webdesign technology.
I will definitely look further into this and see how I can take advantage of this growing trend.
Featured article: Increasing Web Traffic
There are some people who can design a website, and then never edit it again for as long as they have it. It is usually those people that ask me the question of why visitor's are not visiting their website. This is what I have discussed in my most recent pillar article on AceHighDesigns...
I encourage you all to go check it out..
It will provide insight into increasing the traffic of your website without doing much at all.
If you have a great idea for a website, I will promise you that this technique will get you the traffic you desire. With very little time commitment, this has never been so easy then with the new technology we have today with webdesign.
Go check it out at http://www.acehighdesigns.webs.com/
I encourage you all to go check it out..
It will provide insight into increasing the traffic of your website without doing much at all.
If you have a great idea for a website, I will promise you that this technique will get you the traffic you desire. With very little time commitment, this has never been so easy then with the new technology we have today with webdesign.
Go check it out at http://www.acehighdesigns.webs.com/
New virus on Facebook!?
In the webdesign world, we have certainly taken notice to the the strong social networking site, Facebook. I would have thought that a website like Facebook would be entirely innocent, however, this new virus, called "Koobface" has proved me wrong.
Basically, be careful of the links that you click!!
The virus was probably first implemented from a link in a post on Facebook that directs them to a website that "updates" your Flash player, in order to view a movie. If the user accepts this, and does not take the proper precaution, it can implement this same bug on that persons computer and will continue the Koobface wall posts.
Is this said to be harmful? Well, it intrudes your computer and your privacy... however, it doesn't seem like it is making any harmful trends on your computer right now.
What can we learn from this? Make sure when you build a website, that you can protect your users credentials, and don't ask for something like a credit card number or SSN if you can't make sure it's secure!
Facebook contains a lot of information about your personal situations and having that open to someone like a hacker is serious business.
Hopefully, Facebook clears this issue up soon.
Find out more information: http://crystalcoasttech.com/blog/koobface-virus-on-facebook
Basically, be careful of the links that you click!!
The virus was probably first implemented from a link in a post on Facebook that directs them to a website that "updates" your Flash player, in order to view a movie. If the user accepts this, and does not take the proper precaution, it can implement this same bug on that persons computer and will continue the Koobface wall posts.
Is this said to be harmful? Well, it intrudes your computer and your privacy... however, it doesn't seem like it is making any harmful trends on your computer right now.
What can we learn from this? Make sure when you build a website, that you can protect your users credentials, and don't ask for something like a credit card number or SSN if you can't make sure it's secure!
Facebook contains a lot of information about your personal situations and having that open to someone like a hacker is serious business.
Hopefully, Facebook clears this issue up soon.
Find out more information: http://crystalcoasttech.com/blog/koobface-virus-on-facebook
Monday, March 30, 2009
Featured Website: Pi Sigma Epsilon
Well, since I won't be making a formal portfolio on the website anymore, I still wanted to share one of my most active websites on the internet right now.
I am the Vice-President of Communications for my professional fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon. We are the Delta Omega Chapter, and have been around since 1992.
The Chapter never had a decent website, and I am glad that I was able to step in and begin work. Really, the website is one big experiment to me. It allows me to implement my ideas into live content, for real results.
This website implements databases, and has even taken the front page of Google under the search term, "Pi Sigma Epsilon", and the #1 result for "Pi Sigma Epsilon Delta Omega" or "PSE ISU". I am very proud.
It gets a lot of hits per month, and over 300 unique visitors.
Go check it out!! Comments welcome.
http://www.pse-isu.org/
Thanks for reading!
I am the Vice-President of Communications for my professional fraternity, Pi Sigma Epsilon. We are the Delta Omega Chapter, and have been around since 1992.
The Chapter never had a decent website, and I am glad that I was able to step in and begin work. Really, the website is one big experiment to me. It allows me to implement my ideas into live content, for real results.
This website implements databases, and has even taken the front page of Google under the search term, "Pi Sigma Epsilon", and the #1 result for "Pi Sigma Epsilon Delta Omega" or "PSE ISU". I am very proud.
It gets a lot of hits per month, and over 300 unique visitors.
Go check it out!! Comments welcome.
http://www.pse-isu.org/
Thanks for reading!
Webdesign: A job, or a hobby?
Over at Xemion.com, a webdesigner blog, they have a new post about the idea of webdesign being an actual career to people who are not familiar with what a webdesigner actually does. Obviously, webdesigning entails more to surfing the web, but does everyone else understand this?
This blog really hits the spot for me too. When I tell other people that I design websites, it doesn't mean I create websites through GeoCities, where almost anyone could create a simple webpage.
My knowledge extends to so much more than is perceived by others, and it angers a lot of us to think they really believe that.
Go check out the full post, it really is an epic to read...
http://www.xemion.com/blog/
This blog really hits the spot for me too. When I tell other people that I design websites, it doesn't mean I create websites through GeoCities, where almost anyone could create a simple webpage.
My knowledge extends to so much more than is perceived by others, and it angers a lot of us to think they really believe that.
Go check out the full post, it really is an epic to read...
http://www.xemion.com/blog/
Advertising on a website
I am currently taking a class for creating an e-business online. During that class we have learned that advertising is a great way to get money for your starter business. However, I have a few rules I give myself in regards to this.
Inside, I am really not a fan of advertising on a website. If there will ever be advertising on my websites it will usually be once in a page, and never more. I hate looking at advertisements, especially if they are hard to look at!
If you will use advertisements on your website, make sure that they are visually appealing, and do not overdue them! They will steer away audiences from your website. Also, make sure they relate to your content, not doing so will make a void in your page to draw attention to what is not important in your audience to understand.
Inside, I am really not a fan of advertising on a website. If there will ever be advertising on my websites it will usually be once in a page, and never more. I hate looking at advertisements, especially if they are hard to look at!
If you will use advertisements on your website, make sure that they are visually appealing, and do not overdue them! They will steer away audiences from your website. Also, make sure they relate to your content, not doing so will make a void in your page to draw attention to what is not important in your audience to understand.
Recommended Host: SiteGround
I recently found the website host provider "SiteGround", and have loved them ever since.
SiteGround is unique among the rest because they provide you with everything a person would need to make sure their website gets under way. They provide you with plenty of space, coding options like PHP, ASP, HTML, PERL, MySQL and pretty much limitless opportunity.
In addition, they give you use of an easy to use control panel to monitor your entire website.
An example site that I have running is: http://www.pse-isu.org/
Go check it out, it runs smooth!
Also, I have managed to get that website onto the front page of Google under the search term "Pi Sigma Epsilon", so I must be doing something right!
Here's their website: http://www.siteground.com
Have a great day!
SiteGround is unique among the rest because they provide you with everything a person would need to make sure their website gets under way. They provide you with plenty of space, coding options like PHP, ASP, HTML, PERL, MySQL and pretty much limitless opportunity.
In addition, they give you use of an easy to use control panel to monitor your entire website.
An example site that I have running is: http://www.pse-isu.org/
Go check it out, it runs smooth!
Also, I have managed to get that website onto the front page of Google under the search term "Pi Sigma Epsilon", so I must be doing something right!
Here's their website: http://www.siteground.com
Have a great day!
My opinions about e-mail
Professionalism is a big aspect of my approach to designing websites. When I look for a provider to host my website I often search for one that provides an e-mail service.
To stress the importance that I find in this, take the following example.
You start up a website for a mortgage company called JRK Mortgage Inc. How credible would you find someone with an e-mail such as jrkroeg@gmail.com for this mortgage company?
The answer is not credible at all!! Therefore, it is in my honest opinion that if you are going to start up a website, make sure your e-mail is formatted professionally.
In place of a "GMail" account, instead use something like jrkroeg@jrkmortgage.com.
People will take you more seriously!
To stress the importance that I find in this, take the following example.
You start up a website for a mortgage company called JRK Mortgage Inc. How credible would you find someone with an e-mail such as jrkroeg@gmail.com for this mortgage company?
The answer is not credible at all!! Therefore, it is in my honest opinion that if you are going to start up a website, make sure your e-mail is formatted professionally.
In place of a "GMail" account, instead use something like jrkroeg@jrkmortgage.com.
People will take you more seriously!
AceHighDesigns Direction
I have come to a conclusion that due to my time at school, and the additional projects that I have going on it is unrealistic for me to deliver custom webdesigns to my audience. Therefore, I will be temporarily converting this website to a Website Design Resource. The majority of the population has already been enticing themselves in the content that I have been creating to further help my fellow webdesigners, and so, not much will change!
I plan on keeping up to date with what I think a good webdesigner entails, and the resources you can all use to better yourself as a designer using tools that I would often use. Also, articles will be frequently posted to also interest you in other tools and techniques that you can use.
Keep checking back for further updates and news!
Thanks for reading!
I plan on keeping up to date with what I think a good webdesigner entails, and the resources you can all use to better yourself as a designer using tools that I would often use. Also, articles will be frequently posted to also interest you in other tools and techniques that you can use.
Keep checking back for further updates and news!
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Google Shopping Cart
Google has come out with a new program, somewhat like PayPal, but gets integrated into any website. I think this is an interesting concept, and I certainly plan on using it!
Imagine being able to provide your customers with a very sleek designed shopping cart for the products that you use. The cart is managed through a "pop-up" type syndication, and is very unobtrusive to the overall design of your website.
Go check it out @ www.checkout.google.com
I definitely think this is probably going to be huger than PayPal!
Imagine being able to provide your customers with a very sleek designed shopping cart for the products that you use. The cart is managed through a "pop-up" type syndication, and is very unobtrusive to the overall design of your website.
Go check it out @ www.checkout.google.com
I definitely think this is probably going to be huger than PayPal!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Acid testing on a website?
No, I am not talking about Acid the drug, but I am talking about the Acid the e-drug.
Apparently, there is a test called an "Acid Test" that tests internet browsers for compatibility.
The test will display a simple "Hello, World!" smiley face which will be displayed if the browser passes the test, or it will distort the smiley so much that it will be very noticeable that the test failed.
I stated in an earlier post that there needs to be some type of median between internet browsers so that not webdesigner's like us can be worry-free when designing websites.
In my opinion, there needs to be a stop put to having to redesign a website just because it doesn't display correctly in a certain browser. It is far too much work to create a website twice.
This might be our fix, and I hope it is.
There is a more detailed post about this located here: http://dustinbrewer.com/page/4/
I am really starting to like the content of the blogs in this guys posts, so keep checking back!!
Apparently, there is a test called an "Acid Test" that tests internet browsers for compatibility.
The test will display a simple "Hello, World!" smiley face which will be displayed if the browser passes the test, or it will distort the smiley so much that it will be very noticeable that the test failed.
I stated in an earlier post that there needs to be some type of median between internet browsers so that not webdesigner's like us can be worry-free when designing websites.
In my opinion, there needs to be a stop put to having to redesign a website just because it doesn't display correctly in a certain browser. It is far too much work to create a website twice.
This might be our fix, and I hope it is.
There is a more detailed post about this located here: http://dustinbrewer.com/page/4/
I am really starting to like the content of the blogs in this guys posts, so keep checking back!!
The story of how I got started doing webdesign....
I value my childhood growing up because I was fortunate enough to be presented with a computer.
Therefore, I find it an important part of my webdesign story to tell my readers about how I got start doing webdesigns, and the interesting story of how I networked myself to New York creating websites for dancing companies.
My experience has been a great one, and I have had some really awesome experiences that I don't think many other people can say for themselves my age.
Overall, my webdesign abilities will last me a lifetime, and I look forward to my career ahead when I can demonstrate the talents that I have learned and implement them into an even more real situation.
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
Therefore, I find it an important part of my webdesign story to tell my readers about how I got start doing webdesigns, and the interesting story of how I networked myself to New York creating websites for dancing companies.
My experience has been a great one, and I have had some really awesome experiences that I don't think many other people can say for themselves my age.
Overall, my webdesign abilities will last me a lifetime, and I look forward to my career ahead when I can demonstrate the talents that I have learned and implement them into an even more real situation.
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
The Steps to Creating a Good Webdesign Business Transaction...
I have posted yet another article today about how you can make the transactions between your business and the customer a good one.
Developing a process to carry out the transactions of your company is one of the most important factors in ensuring that you stay on track and get paid doing it!
This is something that still stumps me on a daily basis, but this is my two cents. Be it the most efficient system or not, its a system that I try to stick to all the time!
Do you get paid all at once, after every so often, or after you complete content? Really it is up to you in the end, but it is important that you pick the option that motivates you to get the job done as quick as possible and get paid while doing it!
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
Developing a process to carry out the transactions of your company is one of the most important factors in ensuring that you stay on track and get paid doing it!
This is something that still stumps me on a daily basis, but this is my two cents. Be it the most efficient system or not, its a system that I try to stick to all the time!
Do you get paid all at once, after every so often, or after you complete content? Really it is up to you in the end, but it is important that you pick the option that motivates you to get the job done as quick as possible and get paid while doing it!
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
The programs I use to create my webpages...
I have posted an article up reflecting the programs that I use to complete my webdesigns.
As an experienced webdesigner, I have come across a lot of programs and techniques to finish my webdesign. I am here to tell you about the routes that I took starting out and how I developed myself into where I am today.
Take it for what it is worth, and maybe this article won't tell you how to do your job better, but at least you will get a list of additional options for your webdesign career ahead of you.
If nothing else, at least give the programs I recommend a shot and see how you like them.
If you have something better than what I use, I would personally love to hear your comments about them!
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
As an experienced webdesigner, I have come across a lot of programs and techniques to finish my webdesign. I am here to tell you about the routes that I took starting out and how I developed myself into where I am today.
Take it for what it is worth, and maybe this article won't tell you how to do your job better, but at least you will get a list of additional options for your webdesign career ahead of you.
If nothing else, at least give the programs I recommend a shot and see how you like them.
If you have something better than what I use, I would personally love to hear your comments about them!
Check out the article on my website www.acehighdesign.webs.com/ in the article section.
The importance of making your content credible...
I have just posted a new pillar article on my website regarding how to make your content credible, and the importance of it!
Managing a Business Fraternity website I have seen the responsibilities that come with the task. Not only do you need to act as the brand manager for a company as a webdesigner, but you also need to make the company look professional.
Every day we are confronted with situations where we have to post things for the public to view, and it is one of my biggest pet peeves when someone does not put their full effort to the situation.
Check out my website at http://www.acehighdesigns.webs.com/ in the articles section to check out this latest article!
Managing a Business Fraternity website I have seen the responsibilities that come with the task. Not only do you need to act as the brand manager for a company as a webdesigner, but you also need to make the company look professional.
Every day we are confronted with situations where we have to post things for the public to view, and it is one of my biggest pet peeves when someone does not put their full effort to the situation.
Check out my website at http://www.acehighdesigns.webs.com/ in the articles section to check out this latest article!
Website color schemes...
The color scheme of your website is truly one of the most important factors in designing a website. You could havea really well laid out website but a horrible color scheme and it would not take long for your visitors to get up and leave your website because of it.
It is important to make sur ethat the right color scheme for your website is chosen. For example, if you were asked to design a website for McDonalds, would you choose purple and bright pink as the main colors of your design? Definitely not.
Instead, you should take time to research the company, organization, or person, to see the types of qualities they represent and the colors that would mesh well with them. Also, if they already have a logo, you should do your best to work around that logo to emphasize the color qualities in that logo to reflect that of your design.
I found another blogger that has gone into extreme detail about this topic, but being it so important I had to post my two cents into the issue... see his priceless information here: http://dustinbrewer.com/finding-inspiration-for-a-color-scheme/#more-105
It is important to make sur ethat the right color scheme for your website is chosen. For example, if you were asked to design a website for McDonalds, would you choose purple and bright pink as the main colors of your design? Definitely not.
Instead, you should take time to research the company, organization, or person, to see the types of qualities they represent and the colors that would mesh well with them. Also, if they already have a logo, you should do your best to work around that logo to emphasize the color qualities in that logo to reflect that of your design.
I found another blogger that has gone into extreme detail about this topic, but being it so important I had to post my two cents into the issue... see his priceless information here: http://dustinbrewer.com/finding-inspiration-for-a-color-scheme/#more-105
Time Management Tip: Project2Manage
I was searching the web for ways to improve my time management skills, and stumbled across a website called Project2Manage (http://project2manage.com/).
Basically, it is a free website that helps you to keep your projects organized. You can have a workgroup of several memebers, with several different users. Within those workgroups you can manage the projects from anywhere and can create as many projects as you want.
Project2Manage also allows you to keep everyone up to date by making posts to a message board of your own. Additionally, you can create To-Do Lists that can be shared by anyone in your workgroup.
Something else I found out, and thought was quite interesting, is that you can create Milestones to stay on top of your work. I guess I didn't realize at first that the Milestones we are being assigned for one of my e-business classes (why I am also writing a blog) are actually used every day to get tasks done in a timely manner!
Basically, it is a free website that helps you to keep your projects organized. You can have a workgroup of several memebers, with several different users. Within those workgroups you can manage the projects from anywhere and can create as many projects as you want.
Project2Manage also allows you to keep everyone up to date by making posts to a message board of your own. Additionally, you can create To-Do Lists that can be shared by anyone in your workgroup.
Something else I found out, and thought was quite interesting, is that you can create Milestones to stay on top of your work. I guess I didn't realize at first that the Milestones we are being assigned for one of my e-business classes (why I am also writing a blog) are actually used every day to get tasks done in a timely manner!
Facebook security...
There is a hot topic going on right now, and I need to bring it to my readers attention.
What started out as a website created by a webdesigner just like some of us reading this blog right now, has turned into a website filled with politics and A LOT of attention.
Most importantly, I am posting about Privacy Policies. A lot of websites don't even bother posting a Privacy Policy these days because not everyone handles guest information, and no one REALLY reads them.
However, the question is, should people be paying closer attention to the websites they utilize on a daily basis and post private information regularly on?
It only took one person that decided to read Facebook's updated Privacy Policy to find out that their information was being jeopardized. In a sense, they discovered their information could be used anywhere and given to anyone at Facebook's discretion.
After Facebook realized members were so appauled by this, they are now putting it to a member vote. I have a feeling members will be fairly one sided on this issue.
Considering Facebook is one of the most popular websites there is today, I think that Facebook will be careful in the future when they change their Privacy Policies.
Read more about this issue: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,501925,00.html
What started out as a website created by a webdesigner just like some of us reading this blog right now, has turned into a website filled with politics and A LOT of attention.
Most importantly, I am posting about Privacy Policies. A lot of websites don't even bother posting a Privacy Policy these days because not everyone handles guest information, and no one REALLY reads them.
However, the question is, should people be paying closer attention to the websites they utilize on a daily basis and post private information regularly on?
It only took one person that decided to read Facebook's updated Privacy Policy to find out that their information was being jeopardized. In a sense, they discovered their information could be used anywhere and given to anyone at Facebook's discretion.
After Facebook realized members were so appauled by this, they are now putting it to a member vote. I have a feeling members will be fairly one sided on this issue.
Considering Facebook is one of the most popular websites there is today, I think that Facebook will be careful in the future when they change their Privacy Policies.
Read more about this issue: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,501925,00.html
Time Management
Something I have been posting about a little bit lately is the management of time in your daily activities in order to maximize your efficiency.
Juggling my hobbies, interests, college, and fraternity is not an easy task! I have to make sure to do everything right and on time.
Something I have been doing lately is spreading out the tasks that I have to do for the day and spread them out while doing small pieces at a time.
This ensures that I do not get overly distracted or uninterested.
Additionally, the last internship that I had told me that for the next book I should read should be over time management because it will look really good in an interview when they ask me what the last book I read was.
This may be something you want to try to, but it crossed my mind and I thought I would post :).
Juggling my hobbies, interests, college, and fraternity is not an easy task! I have to make sure to do everything right and on time.
Something I have been doing lately is spreading out the tasks that I have to do for the day and spread them out while doing small pieces at a time.
This ensures that I do not get overly distracted or uninterested.
Additionally, the last internship that I had told me that for the next book I should read should be over time management because it will look really good in an interview when they ask me what the last book I read was.
This may be something you want to try to, but it crossed my mind and I thought I would post :).
Database Software
Since I have been getting better at designing websites, I have noticed that today there is a trend of using database software to make your website more involved. I am not sure how I could get some of the things that I get done on a daily basis with websites without the use of database software.
With the way integration works today, it is easily possible to make your website completely integrated. By integration, what I mean is, making your website work so that the person that runs the website needs to know very little html knowledge (if any at all).
The database software of choice is MySQL. I have heard through college courses and done my own research as well, and have found out that MySQL is one of the hottest trends of database software there is today. It is simple, and to the point, while making it easy for its users to understand.
This is what I have done for most of my Chapter's website, located at http://www.pse-isu.org/. As my Executive Board position nears its end (due to graduation next year) I need to be able to pass on the website responsibilities to someone new. In order to do this, it is my goal to make the website entirely integrated so that this can work smoothly (and I don't have to teach someone everything there is to know about HTML, PHP, and MySQL).
With the way integration works today, it is easily possible to make your website completely integrated. By integration, what I mean is, making your website work so that the person that runs the website needs to know very little html knowledge (if any at all).
The database software of choice is MySQL. I have heard through college courses and done my own research as well, and have found out that MySQL is one of the hottest trends of database software there is today. It is simple, and to the point, while making it easy for its users to understand.
This is what I have done for most of my Chapter's website, located at http://www.pse-isu.org/. As my Executive Board position nears its end (due to graduation next year) I need to be able to pass on the website responsibilities to someone new. In order to do this, it is my goal to make the website entirely integrated so that this can work smoothly (and I don't have to teach someone everything there is to know about HTML, PHP, and MySQL).
Jason's Highly Recommended: Utopia News Pro
In the past, I have gone through and used many systems that organize your announcements while managing a list of users to control that system. Something that is extremely important is the security of the announcement system. I don't want some John Doe posting spam, or God knows what, to my website. On the flip side, it is also important to have an announcement system for all types of websites.
In almost any website there is updates that need to be talked about with visitors. This helps create awareness and presence of new content on your website.
Out of all the programs I have used to accomplish this, the easiest and most efficient program has been Utopia News Pro. The downside to this program is that it has not been updated in quite some time, but it still gets the job done beautifully with little error.
Download: http://www.utopiasoftware.net/
In almost any website there is updates that need to be talked about with visitors. This helps create awareness and presence of new content on your website.
Out of all the programs I have used to accomplish this, the easiest and most efficient program has been Utopia News Pro. The downside to this program is that it has not been updated in quite some time, but it still gets the job done beautifully with little error.
Download: http://www.utopiasoftware.net/
The smallest things in stock photography...
Crestock.com is becoming one of my favorite sites these days, as I have read so many interesting blogs in just the last few days of me visiting.
Today it was this post: http://www.crestock.com/blog/photography/rejected-falling-at-the-first-hurdle-with-stock-photography-89.aspx
It discusses photography, and how even the slightest mistake in a photo (like leaving a logo, a picture, a card in a bundle of flowers) could easily cause a buyer to not purchase your photo. I don't look at this issue from the photographers view, but yet, it tells me that not all stock photos are legitimate and without mistake. Most all are user-submitted, and could still have flaws in them that you would not want to cause a potential liability for using.
The solution? Keep your eyes out!! Don't rush into using one picture and make sure to cover your back!
Today it was this post: http://www.crestock.com/blog/photography/rejected-falling-at-the-first-hurdle-with-stock-photography-89.aspx
It discusses photography, and how even the slightest mistake in a photo (like leaving a logo, a picture, a card in a bundle of flowers) could easily cause a buyer to not purchase your photo. I don't look at this issue from the photographers view, but yet, it tells me that not all stock photos are legitimate and without mistake. Most all are user-submitted, and could still have flaws in them that you would not want to cause a potential liability for using.
The solution? Keep your eyes out!! Don't rush into using one picture and make sure to cover your back!
The importance of networking in webdesign...
Out of all the advice that I could give to someone about webdesign, I think there is one piece of advice I would not want to miss giving out.
NETWORK!!
No website will get to any level of success without utilizing your networks (even if its online networking). Networking is the easiest task, all you really need to do is talk to people. Get involved in online forums and discussion boards and just begin to talk with people, check out their websites and make comments on them.
I was able to network myself into several job opportunities when I was only about 16 years old to New York City (half way across the nation) designing websites for New York Dance Companies (in all honesty, the least likely spot I though I would be designing websites for).
It has its benefits, and its so easy!
NETWORK!!
No website will get to any level of success without utilizing your networks (even if its online networking). Networking is the easiest task, all you really need to do is talk to people. Get involved in online forums and discussion boards and just begin to talk with people, check out their websites and make comments on them.
I was able to network myself into several job opportunities when I was only about 16 years old to New York City (half way across the nation) designing websites for New York Dance Companies (in all honesty, the least likely spot I though I would be designing websites for).
It has its benefits, and its so easy!
Jason's Highly Recommended: EasyPHPCalendar
I want to start making posts on this blog regarding some of the highly recommended programs and scripts I use on my websites to make them successful.
This will be the first of these kinds of posts, but first and foremost -- I think it is one of the best.
EasyPHPCalendar, which can be found at: http://www.easyphpcalendar.com/, is a program that allows you to include a calendar that can be sorted, and easily administered by a number of users. You can place it on your website fairly simply with a single like of PHP code, and if you have a bit more advanced knowledge using HTML and PHP, you can modify the open source code to match the design of your website.
I have put this to use on my Chapter's website @ http://www.pse-isu.org, and it has thus far, been a great success.
This will be the first of these kinds of posts, but first and foremost -- I think it is one of the best.
EasyPHPCalendar, which can be found at: http://www.easyphpcalendar.com/, is a program that allows you to include a calendar that can be sorted, and easily administered by a number of users. You can place it on your website fairly simply with a single like of PHP code, and if you have a bit more advanced knowledge using HTML and PHP, you can modify the open source code to match the design of your website.
I have put this to use on my Chapter's website @ http://www.pse-isu.org, and it has thus far, been a great success.
#1 "thing" not to do when building a website....
http://www.josiahcole.com/2007/02/14/a-webmasters-19-commandments/
I found this blog post somewhat comical after reading it. It lists the top 19 things that a webdesigner should not do when building a website.
The number one "thing"? Don't resize your browser window.
Seriously, though, think about this for a second. When would it ever be necessary to have to resize your browser window in order to build your website? It is really never ever necessary.
I won't give away the other 18, but they are all somewhat ironically funny.
Go check out this blog post!
I found this blog post somewhat comical after reading it. It lists the top 19 things that a webdesigner should not do when building a website.
The number one "thing"? Don't resize your browser window.
Seriously, though, think about this for a second. When would it ever be necessary to have to resize your browser window in order to build your website? It is really never ever necessary.
I won't give away the other 18, but they are all somewhat ironically funny.
Go check out this blog post!
"Whitespace" ... the new design?
Some websites I have been to can be very clustered, and are hard to read. Did you know that there is actually articles out there that explain the importance of having "whitespace" in your website?
It is the truth, and here's where you can read more: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/whitespace
The article goes into detail about why having a clustered website is not appealing to your readers and "whitespace" provides elegance, and shows care for your website. With the use of whitespace, it explains that your website is much better off!!
Find out why!
It is the truth, and here's where you can read more: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/whitespace
The article goes into detail about why having a clustered website is not appealing to your readers and "whitespace" provides elegance, and shows care for your website. With the use of whitespace, it explains that your website is much better off!!
Find out why!
The Aggravation of Web Browsers
I am sure other webdesigners out there can share my anger at this problem, but there really needs to be some kind of median for how different websites are displayed in web browsers.
At this moment, there is so many differences between different web browsers, that you may expect a webpage to be shown one way, and it will come out as being entirely different!!
The reason I bring this up right now is that the website I maintain for my Business Fraternity, http://www.pse-isu.org/, is having some problems! Some of its pages are being crushed to the side of the website using Internet Explorer, and then perfectly the way I want it to be shown through Mozilla Firefox.
Both these browsers are used all the time, but it drives me crazy trying to figure out why some code is not working the way it is supposed to!
In the end, I have to agree more with Mozilla Firefox, but Internet Exploerer is still one of the (if not the most) most used browsers existent today.
At this moment, there is so many differences between different web browsers, that you may expect a webpage to be shown one way, and it will come out as being entirely different!!
The reason I bring this up right now is that the website I maintain for my Business Fraternity, http://www.pse-isu.org/, is having some problems! Some of its pages are being crushed to the side of the website using Internet Explorer, and then perfectly the way I want it to be shown through Mozilla Firefox.
Both these browsers are used all the time, but it drives me crazy trying to figure out why some code is not working the way it is supposed to!
In the end, I have to agree more with Mozilla Firefox, but Internet Exploerer is still one of the (if not the most) most used browsers existent today.
HotScripts ... saving a world of time!
Over the years, I have found that there is a vast amount of webdesign reference sites to refer to for some of the most innovative tasks. I would like to share with my readers one of these websites that I have been using for many years now, and it has never stopped updating its content.
The website I use is called HotScripts, located at: http://www.hotscripts.com/
I find this website most useful because it contains scripts for tasks that someone such as myself would not be able to complete. My knowledge with PHP and MySQL is limited to the point that I understand the code, but it is far beyond me to create my own programs. This website offers free solutions for your website for almost anything you need.
Some of the most popular addons they have are the news system's and the online calendars. The scripts are hosted via your website, but they provide the source code to run them.
I encourage everyone to go find the website that interests them, and feel free to share with the rest of us!
The website I use is called HotScripts, located at: http://www.hotscripts.com/
I find this website most useful because it contains scripts for tasks that someone such as myself would not be able to complete. My knowledge with PHP and MySQL is limited to the point that I understand the code, but it is far beyond me to create my own programs. This website offers free solutions for your website for almost anything you need.
Some of the most popular addons they have are the news system's and the online calendars. The scripts are hosted via your website, but they provide the source code to run them.
I encourage everyone to go find the website that interests them, and feel free to share with the rest of us!
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