Kettul News

Free Website! Only $500?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:56:00 +0000

It's no surprise that with all the free website setup tools out there now (e.g. GoDaddy, Wix, Weebly, etc…) there are companies that use these services and charge hundreds of dollars or more for a website that can be created in minutes. All they are doing is picking a pre-made design and popping in some content. Do you know how long it takes to add a page to a website? Once the content is typed out, it takes about as long as it does for you to hit "copy" and "paste." Yes, that's it. So, if you're paying a development firm to add content to your site and you're sending them the content, you're doing all the work and they're getting paid.

Right now you're saying, "But I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a custom website! I can afford $500 for a simple site." Do yourself a favor: Pick one of the companies offering free website creators and do it yourself. Chances are that the developer isn't any more qualified than you are. If you really feel lost, post an ad on Craigslist or find a student to help. Even if you have to cough up $100, you're still $400 ahead! Take that money and put it on the side for the website of your dreams.

Don't be scammed by companies that resell website templates for hundreds of dollars. Sometimes you don't get anything near what you pay for.

Sincerely,

Kettul

An open letter to technophobes

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:26:00 +0000

Dear Technophobes,

You know who you are. I just need to get something off my chest. Some people simply suck at computers. 'Nuff said. What I truly don't understand is why many of you, though completely capable of having a healthy, symbiotic relationship with your computer, make an almost-conscious choice to throw your hands up in "incompetent" defeat when placed in front of a screen and a keyboard.

It seems there is an obvious disconnect in your brain when it comes to the computer that I will try to explain and offer a few observations for any of you who wish to have a better relationship with your PC or Mac.

Don't forget what you've learned
Many of you assume that the computer and real life are completely different, sharing no similarities whatsoever and thus should be treated in separate fashion. Not true. The computer, specifically the internet, mirrors real life. Just because you're sitting in front of a screen doesn't mean you should forget everything you've ever learned in real life. Some real world comparisons for your consideration:

- Updating and "cleaning" your PC = Getting a tuneup and changing your oil
- Logging into a site = Opening a locked door with a key
- Redesigning your website = Getting your house remodeled
- Clicking through a website = Flipping through a book or newspaper
- Buying something online = Just like real life except you have to wait a few days to
get it
- Googling something = Browsing through an encyclopedia (remember Brittanica?)
- Playing Grand Theft Auto = Stealing cars and slapping hos without getting caught
(aka Gary Busey)
Your PC is a tool
The computer is a tool just like any other tool in your real world toolbox. It just looks different and can do fancier, cooler stuff. But it should still be thought of as a tool to help you get a job done. The computer is there to help. It's a tool. Like a wrench or a hammer. You just need to know when and where it's appropriate to use it.

Your PC is designed to enhance your life, not make it difficult. When I hear some of you say, "computers just make things more complex", that's not really accurate. Your computer is devoid of intention or motives. You're making things more complex. Don't blame the inanimate object on your desk.

Example: You have a 20 page report to write. You can't figure out how to format the correct font in your word processing program (i.e. Word, Pages). You get so frustrated with it you feel like throwing your PC out of the window and writing everything by hand. This is where simple math comes in: Time it takes to breathe + relax + ask someone for help or tough it out and figure it out and finish typing it = 1 hour Time it takes to handwrite it + time it will take you looking for a new job because your boss wanted it typed and can't read your chicken scratch = Well, you get my point.
It's not just for geeks
Hey, guess what. You're in the minority. Yup. It's true. This whole computer thing.. it's pretty big. Trust me. Everyone's doing it. Get on board already, will ya?

Being good or at least somewhat proficient with computers used to be something kids got made fun of, being called "geek" and "nerd" and "dork". Newsflash. That was the 80's. Fast forward 20-30 years later and you realize that everyone around you must be a geek or a dweeb or the dreaded *gasp* "four-eyes". Why? Because THEY'RE ALL ON THE COMPUTER. Why aren't you? Because you're either a) a dinosaur b) too stubborn to get into that whole "computer fad" c) living in a cave or d) all of the above.

Ok, I think I've ranted enough. I hope some of you get the point and start thinking of the computer as just another aspect of the real world rather than this mystical device that somehow appeared on your desk one day and you're afraid to touch it.

Please, for the love of all things holy, give your computer another chance. It misses you. Go say you're sorry and make up.

Sincerely,

Kettul

Followup: To buy or not to buy the iPhone 4

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:18:00 +0000

Last month, I wrote about whether or not you should rush out and buy the iPhone 4, now that it's on Verizon. To be honest, I was skeptical about all of the hype but, in a moment of weakness and frustration over my current phone (Samsung Reclaim on Sprint), I called up Sprint, canceled my contract early, rushed out to the nearest Verizon Wireless store, and purchased a brand new 16gb iPhone 4.

To answer the question posed in my previous post: It's worth it.

I've had it for less than a week and already don't know how I lived without it. Granted, much of my satisfaction with it comes from the fact that it's clearly a well-designed and developed product. It just works. That's not what this post is about though.

To focus on the Verizon aspect, the 3G service (yes, it's not offered on 4G yet) is crisp, clear, and abundant wherever I travel (the Mid-Atlantic). The people at Verizon are easily accessible, friendly, I have no surprise charges, and the plans are affordable and reasonable. For years, I avoided the iPhone for fear of being tied to AT&T for 2 years. I'm glad I made the plunge when I did. I would highly recommend Verizon to anyone who is looking to switch carriers, and I'd certainly recommend the iPhone 4 (the cost is justified, believe me) to anyone thinking about a new smartphone.

To buy or not to buy the "Verizon iPhone"

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:22:00 +0000

There has been a LOT of buzz about the iPhone finally coming to Verizon, giving Americans what much of the world has already had for years; choice of provider for the revolutionary smartphone. There is just one issue with the timing of this that such famous blogs as Technorati and Gizmodo have been quick to point out.. Apple will undoubtedly release a new iPhone in June.

So why would you rush out and pay top dollar for the iPhone 4 on Verizon when the iPhone 5 will be available in just 3 months time? You wouldn't. Unless you have a bunch of disposable income and you just HAVE to have the latest hot thing. The thing is, with that logic, you shouldn't ever buy anything tech-related because something new and cooler will be out soon, effectively rendering your current device "obsolete".

This, of course, is flawed logic. If you want the iPhone on Verizon, then go out and get the iPhone on Verizon. Simple. If you want the iPhone 5 on Verizon, either wait to buy your first iPhone then or upgrade from the one you already have. Period.

Doing Work for Free - Good Karma or Bad Business?

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:03:00 +0000

There was recently quite a bit of buzz in the Art Directors Club of Metro Washington (ADCMW) about the pros and cons of performing design spec work for a client with absolutely guarantee of compensation or contracted work. I felt this was a good opportunity to voice a short opinion piece on this matter, being that it is a hotly debated topic in many industries, particularly the graphic/web design field.

I love getting things for free. Who doesn't? There's nothing better to me than scoring a really sweet deal. however, I would NEVER expect something of real value for free unless it was being given as a gift or I won it in a contest. Think about it, you think someone's just going to give you a brand spankin' new MacBook just because you put out an ad saying you wanted to see what different computers were like?

No.

That's exactly what happens when businesses and organizations put out an ad or an RFP asking for design work before you even win the job. They'll ask for anything.. logos, website designs, brochures, etc. There is a serious issue with this. When a designer or design firm does spec work in this fashion, they're working for free with no guarantee of contract, and they're usually handing over all legal right to the work they just created. This means that the potential client that asked for the work in the first place could pick another firm to work with and yet still use the pro bono work done by other firms bidding on the project!

Don't get me wrong, pro bono work is not all bad. There are some really great organizations/people out there that can really benefit from some donated work by a talented designer/firm. This also usually promotes some positive word-of-mouth and good karma all around. However, this is not the same as spec work when bidding on a project!

In closing, unfortunately in this day, designers are really undervalued and unaccredited; anyone could become a designer.. there is no certification or license. I'll leave you with this thought though, spoken by one of the members of ADCMW: Would you ask a plumber or an architect to do some free work on your house before you actually hired them? I hope not.

A New Browser Designed for Social Networking Released

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:13:00 +0000

If you didn't think having the choice between half a dozen browsers out there was enough, you're about to have one more. RockMelt, a new browser designed for how we use the web today is being released.
RockMelt is developed on the Google Chrome core so good for us developers, we won't have to worry about design or development issues in yet another browser.
The cool thing about RockMelt is that it integrates all of your social networks right into the browser interface. So when you're surfing the web, you can constantly see updates from services like Facebook and Twitter (more networks to be added later) in realtime rather than having to navigate to those sites constantly.

This also eliminates the need for such desktop applications as Seesmic, which gathers and displays all of your social feeds in a nifty little app. If you're getting all of this constant, streaming information directly in your browser at all times you're surfing, there's no need to have one more application open in the background that you need to switch to anyway.

Some big names have already shown support for RockMelt and you can probably expect it to pick up quite a following. That is, if people are really willing to yet again switch their browser. The thing you have to remember is, a lot of people didn't think people would switch to Google Chrome either, yet Chrome is enjoying an ever-increasing userbase that should not be ignored.

We'll see how RockMelt does. If you're really into social networking all the time, we'd recommend checking it out.

PLEASE Don't Fall For Email Scams

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:39:00 +0000

This may be a bit harsh, but people who fall for the majority of internet and email scams out there deserve to have their money stolen. That's not saying that we like internet scams and think that bad things should happen to good people. What we're saying, is that most of the scams out there on the web today are some of the most ridiculous pieces of fiction you'll ever hear in your life.

Seriously, if you receive a seemingly innocuous email in your inbox one day telling you that some rich heiress in the jungles of the Congo has gone missing and needs her funds moved to an offshore account in the Caspian Sea... AND only you can do it by providing your name, social security number, first-born son, and left arm... AND if you do this "small favor", you will get 42.7% of her fortune.. IT'S A SCAM (no offense to the real Congo-going heiresses out there).

We have compiled a short list of some very basic survival tips when faced with a possible scam. Follow these at your own risk (they may just save your life, or at least your wallet):

If the email is in your spam folder, it's probably spam.Of course, plenty of email gets dumped in your spam or junk folder that's not spam or junk but this is your first clue something's amiss.
Check the sender's email address.There is a pretty good chance that the UK Lottery does NOT send emails to its winners from a random gmail or yahoo account. If the email is supposed to be official, it is highly likely it will NEVER come from any of the following: Gmail, Yahoo, MSN, Hotmail, Excite, etc.
Email Don't Even Have Good English Yes?If the email you're reading looks like it was written with such horrific poor grammar, a 6 year old could do better, it's probably not legit. Poor spelling, grammatical errors, and misplaced punctuation are all good indicators that you may be getting scammed.
I don't think I know this person.Then you probably don't. ESPECIALLY if it's from a country you've never been to, don't know anyone from, and never plan on going to. Sorry Nigeria, you're not on the top 10 travel destinations in the world. Get used to it.
This is from someone I know, but I didn't know they were out of the country.This one is actually a bit craftier than 99% of the scams out there. Someone you know has their email address hacked, then you get an email saying they're in London, have been mugged and stabbed, and need $850 to get home. DON'T FALL FOR THIS. If you really know this person, get in touch with them another way first. Never just blindly send money. Confirm that they may be actually in trouble. Most of the time, they're perfectly fine (except for the aggravation of having their email compromised).

Those are the basics that will protect you from 99.9% of the email scams out there. Remember to never give out your private info to anyone you don't know, don't assume your friends are in trouble without confirming, and don't trust emails from Nigeria unless you know someone there (sorry again, Nigeria.. it's how it is).

Why You Shouldn't Use Internet Explorer

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:44:00 +0000

My lovely girlfriend and I have been having a few small arguments as to if people should or should not use IE (the average web developer's most hated browser). She says I'm too harsh when it comes to my disdain for IE and that I tend to come off as a bit patronizing to people who use it regularly.
Let me clear the air.. this is not my intention at all! :) As a designer and a developer, it's my job and my passion to give people an enjoyable internet experience.

That being said, I feel like it's my duty as a web developer to let people know (that may not already know) that their web experience is actually worse when using IE (most notably IE6 and IE7). Now, don't get me wrong. The browsers work. It's not like they're some piece of junk in your driveway you just can't get to start. The problem is the latest design and programming technologies on the web simply work better in any other browser (namely Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, and Opera).

The web just looks and works better on these browsers. The way it is intended to be. If you are indeed using IE while reading this and are interested in switching to a better web experience, I've made a shortlist below of some very basic details about for each browser.

Firefox: More secure than IE, supports the latest in design standards (CSS3), has the most add-ons/apps of any browser (to date) to customize the way you want it.
Google Chrome More secure than IE, loads pages fast, supports the latest in web technologies (CSS3, HTML5) to give you a truly awesome web experience, supports a growing number of add-ons/apps.
Safari: Nice design and rendering, has the same lack of flexibility as most Apple products but looks nice and works well, supports CSS3 and HTML5.
Opera: Clocked as one of if not the fastest browser to date, has some really nice built in features for workflow, unfortunately has a smaller support community than Firefox and Chrome.

5 Things Your Web Designer Won't Tell You

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Mannino) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:50:00 +0000

I was digging through some old writings I made ages ago and found this post. About time to republish considering that most of if not all of this info is still relevant. Enjoy :)

I've been a web designer for longer than I'd like to admit and have learned a few things along the way. One constant in my field seems to be the dishonest and unscrupulous practices of some so-called "web professionals". A good way of thinking of it is to equate web designers to mechanics... It's hard to find a good one that really knows what they're talking about and there are many designers and developers that use their knowledge of new technology to often dupe people out of a fair deal. Below is a list of five things your web designer/developer won't tell you when working with you on your website.

"This project is going to take 3 times longer than you think it's going to."Don't get fooled or enticed into thinking you can have a stunning, high-performance website with all the bells and whistles completed in under 2 weeks. Of course, every website is different and the length of time from initial meeting to site launch varies greatly depending on the needs of the client as well as the skill of the designer/company that's building it. Just keep in mind that the web, although fast and immediate in many regards, follows the same rule as does everything in else in life: You can't rush perfection.
"If you don't care about your website, it will fail."How many times have I seen customers completely wrapped up in the "honeymoon phase" of getting a brand new website up on the internet that they don't stop to consider the aftercare associated with it. We're in the participation age of the internet here. Constant updating, adding content, social networking, etc. is the here and now in web design. Just having a presence on the internet doesn't guarantee conversion or foot traffic into your brick-and-mortar store.

If you ran a coffee shop and bought a brand new shiny espresso machine with all the addons and attachments you could dream of, would you set it up in your store and then expect it to bring in money without touching it? I thought not.
"You really don't need that for your business."This is a biggie. Web designers can be and often are just as sleazy as insurance salespeople or mechanics (apologies to the honest insurance salespeople and mechanics reading this). The recession is not helping matters much either. It's no secret that the internet and computer technology in general is evolving at an incredible rate. If you didn't understand computers 20 years ago, you might as well sell all of your possessions and go hole up in a cave somewhere waiting for Jumjum, the Monkey God to save you.

In all seriousness though, it's an increasingly complex world with increasingly complex web technologies out there and it's exceedingly tempting to a lot of web professionals to take advantage of the general layperson's inexperience and ignorance in order to sell them products they really don't need and will probably never use. Ever hear the one about some guy bringing his car in for maintenance, then getting hit with a $9,273.49 bill because the mechanic claimed he really needed his Front Double-Joint Gasket Reservoir replaced. What's a Front Double-Joint Gasket Reservoir you may ask? I just made it up. This is my point.. web designers may not make up a technology per se, but they will invent a reason for you to have it. Then you're stuck with a useless Front Double-Joint Gasket Reservoir and a dunce cap on your head.
"You really should know what you're doing, or at least partner with someone who does."This one goes hand in hand with #3. In order to not have the wool pulled over your eyes, it's best to arm yourself with the knowledge of what you're getting into, or at the very least, team up with someone who's technologically savvy. Not only will this help you get the best deal and not be taken advantage of, but it will also help you and your website succeed in the long run.

If you're designer is suggesting to you to add Facebook, Twitter, ShareThis, etc. to your site then you probably should listen and look into all of those and more. Why? Because they're free. This is a clear indicator your designer is not pulling a fast one on you. They are actually dispensing valuable advice on how to promote and run the web side of your business. If you want a website in this day and age and cringe at the name "Facebook", or gulp nervously when you hear "Twitter", or *gasp* think you can look at your site every month or so... THEN A WEBSITE IS NOT FOR YOU. Just like anything else in your business, your website is a tool to be used for your ultimate goal: conversion. What good is a tool you don't know how to use and ultimately refuse to utilize?
"I don't work FOR you, I work WITH you."Ok, this one is a pretty divided issue among web professionals. This really could go either way so I'm simply issuing a warning to be careful with whom you trust. Of course, web design is a business just like any other. Many web designers will meet with potential clients and will display a vested interest in whatever the client does for a living but keep in mind what is on the designer's agenda. They are there to win a job, render a service, and complete a sale. They are not your employee. They're a businessperson, just like you. This is not to say that you cannot have friendly relationships with them.

This is merely to reiterate the fact that, at the end of the day, what they care about the most is running their own business, completing that sale, and putting food on the table back at home. So when a web designer is offering you more contact and support than you'd get from your own mother, be wary of empty promises.. they most likely have many other clients and you are probably not their most important one.

I hope these points help some of you to keep on your toes and remember what to look for when working with a web designer. It's easy to be taken advantage of and burned. This should not discount future experiences you have with another designer/design firm. It should simply make you more aware of the potential pitfalls you can encounter in the future. Good luck :)