Why do they hire me?

Recently I've been working with some clients that have several revisions. They give me mockups of changes they would like to see, things thing would like added to the design. It is turning into a mess. Chances are they will not read this because I don't think they have ever been to my website.

At times I wonder, why do they hire me? I've got nearly 7 years of experience, a degree, design awards...yet they think they know what will look the best.

If you are one of those clients (or think you are) please consider what I've said. I get frustrated with you. I am trying to make you look good. I'm even giving you discounts! I don't want my name on something I am not 100% satisfied with. If I tell you it would look better implemented in another way, PLEASE take my advice (thank you to those that do)! I use your mockups as a guide, not for copying.

I have to rant somewhere and I'd rather it be indirect.

I thank you to those clients who understand me. Most of those actually looked at my work, read my FAQ, etc. Those clients hired me because they saw something unique in me and my designs and knew I could do the job. They didn't hire me solely because someone they knew said I did design.

I hope they realize that I charge hourly and the more revisions they ask of me, the more expensive it's going to get for them.

That's so 2001!

How long have you kept your cell phone if you have one? 10 years maybe? Remember when Nokia was all the rage? It's old isn't it? It doesn't work as well as the newer phones. It doesn't have as much functionality as the newer phones.

What about your computer ten years ago? Do you still have it now? Doesn't work as good as today's computers and probably with less functionality. Do you still have a floppy drive?

What is my point?

Internet Explorer 6 was released in August, 2001. This year would be its 10th year anniversary. It is time to put it to rest. It's old. It doesn't work as well as newer browsers and it doesn't offer as much functionality, especially with CSS. There are hundreds of security flaws. Internet Explorer 8 is available now. It's time to keep up with the times, especially when it's free.

That's why I don't support IE 6 when coding. If you want it, be prepared for additional costs because yes it will cost you. If you don't want to support IE 6 and want others to get on the wagon for a better usability and viewing experience, I can add a conditional comment for those viewing on IE 6 and earlier to update.

GoDaddy's previewDNS - A Thorn in my side

This is for anyone who has had issue with the Mootools (popups) not working in Joomla and using GoDaddy's previewDNS option which basically lets you preview a site in development if the domain is pointed to another host. It would be like yourdomain.previewdns.com.

So I'm working on getting Joomla set up for a client. I have it on my server and I get it to a point where I really need to get it on their end for additional development. I install on their site. I copy over my database and all files using a backup extension for Joomla. It looks fine.

Then I notice the popups for preview and the menu select article not working. I think perhaps it's because of my loading the backup. So I delete it and do a fresh install. Still not working. So I delete it and download Joomla again thinking one of my files got corrupt. Still not working.

So I call GoDaddy. Apparently they've never had anyone call about Joomla that had been using previewDNS. They suppose that is the root of the problem. The guy does tell me they don't really offer support for any of their applications. So I have to get the client to buy another domain to test with (something they can use in addition to their current domains for additional SEO).

It works.

2 days later! In 2 days the site could have been DONE.

You know the great thing about my host, 1and1? It comes with a testing domain already so you don't have to use some complicated mask.

Making money with YouTube

If you produce video content for YouTube and you have an AdSense account and you haven't signed up to their partner program, you are missing out on advertising revenue.

http://www.youtube.com/partners

The minimum qualifications are simple

• You create original videos suitable for online streaming.
• You own or have express permission to use and monetize all audio and video content that you upload -- no exceptions.
• You regularly upload videos that are viewed by thousands of YouTube users.

You get the benefit of branded channel options, analytics tools, plus with the funds you make from the AdSense ads, you can make your own ads.