Online Advertising

Custom Blogs and eCommerce Sites

Do Yourself A Favor: Upgrade Your Browser.

Do you know what browser you are using? Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 perhaps? Ok, here’s the thing. Microsoft Corp isn’t the smarty pants that we (and they) all think it is. While they do develop some really mind-blowing technologies, their Internet Explorer (“IE”) is… well, sucky. Especially IE 6.0 and older. Infact if you using 5.5 or 5.0, then you need more help than I can give you. But if you are using 6.0, there is help! Read on…

If you aren’t sure what version of IE you are using, under Help, choose About Internet Explorer. This window will tell you a bunch of irrelavent stuff, but it should clearly tell you what version you are using. If it says “Version: 7.0…” then you’re all set, you are dismissed. If it does say 6.0, please stick around.

Have you ever heard of such a thing called Web Standards or Web Compliance? Few people (with exception to designers/developers/programs/geeks) realize there are actual standards, global standards infact, that guide folks like myself in building sites for all to enjoy. IE 6.0 is not (I repeat, NOT) web standards compliant. What web users see in IE 6.0 can be vastly different from what the rest of the world sees. Designers have to make specific changes to websites (= write extra code) in order for them to work properly in IE 6.0. This takes extra time, of course and if you are someone who pays a web designer… its extra money. Its not just time and money, but also frustration and aggravation. It’s just not right.

Now that you know some of the down falls of IE 6.0, let’s talk about fixing you up with a better choice for a more enjoyable browsing experience. First of all, the easiest thing for you might be to upgrade to 7.0. Its free. Get it here. Microsoft does have a beta version of IE 8.0 out, but don’t worry about that just yet. It’s not standards compliant either (let’s hope they fix that before its officially released). If you would like to try something fresh and new, go with Firefox. Its also free and cross-platform (you can use it on PC or Mac) and they just released version 3.0. Firefox is my personal browser of choice. Safari is made by Apple but is also PC compatible. Again, free. Its fun… it Mac-ifies your browsing experience. Its a nice change for PC users. There is also Opera which isn’t bad either.

So there you have it. I’m not anti-microsoft (would I have recommended IE 7.0 if I was?). I’m not a disgruntled web designer. I’m just trying to educate.

Let’s Face It: You Need Me.

Do you have a website?
Truthfully, you may not need one. If your current marketing plan is meeting your needs and goals, it may be cost-prohibitive to have a website built.

Who needs a website?
Businesses and organizations who want to develop and maintain client and customer contacts. Businesses and Organizations who want to reach out to prospective visitors to the area. Businesses who want to increase sales through e-commerce.

…and who needs a web designer?
You do (otherwise you wouldn’t be here!). If your time as a business owner is at all valuable, then you will understand the down-fall to online, template-based web design tools. They do not produce professional-looking websites that are tailored to you needs and they eat up your time.

Let me help you.

“Real American Stories”

I was checking the latest news headlines when I stumbled across an advertisement for “Real American Stories.” I was curious, so I checked it out. Its a site with videos of Americans (some well known, some not-so-much) explaining what being an American means to them, and telling their “Real American Story.” I watched a few, and I enjoyed Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry’s video. What stood out for me was Eddie Montgomery saying, “you can dream as big as you want to – all you gotta do is reach out and grab it.” Real American Stories

One blog leads to another…

I’m doing this again… starting a blog. These hasn’t worked out well for the past 3 blogs that I have started. But who knows this time. This one has a different goal and purpose, so maybe it will work out! I think mainly, it will be a good way to keep in touch with my clients, none of whom, I am sure, are blog readers. Ha.