Will Egan's Web Page http://willegan.com Marketing, Politics and Media! Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:32:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 willeganhttp://feedburner.google.com Lesson 1: Cascading Syle Sheets (CSS) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/1BEyCMXJfFM/ http://willegan.com/2010/09/04/lesson1-cascading-style-sheets-css/#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:57:03 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=469

Cascading Style Sheets

Today I am researching basic principles of writing Cascading Style Sheets or as it’s referred to, a websites CSS. The beauty of a generic website style sheet is that the styles you outline can be applied easily across all HTML pages on a website, thus reducing potential workloads in re-writing individual styles for each page on a domain. I have begun my search for knowledge at FriendlyBit with his beginners guide to CSS.

Learnings:

Before you create your CSS sheet you need to reference it in the HTML page you want it’s styles to be implemented in. This is a crucial process and can be easily done by adding this line in the header (<head></head>)of the HTML page:

<link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" type="text/css">

This line should be added inside the header of every page you wish to apply your styles. The next step is to open up a plain text document or Dreamweaver file to start writing your CSS. The best way to learn is to do. I am going to be using Dreamweaver.

Emil Stenstrom, author of FriendlyBit, states that there are many selectors, however today we will address 3 types of “selectors” in a CSS file.

  1. Element
  2. Class
  3. ID

An Element

An example of an element is <h1> or <p>, it is a HTML tag sitting on the page. By including this in the CSS sheet you are able to control exactly how this element is displayed on all pages of your website. The styles you add into this section of the CSS will effect all elements with this tag across the HTML documents of your website. Let’s give it a go:

/* CSS Document */
h1 {
Parameter1: value1
Parameter2: value2
Parameter3: value3
}		 Real Parameters >> h1{
font-size: 16px
font-weight:bold
color:#000000
}

A full list of CSS Parameters and how to implement them is available here. Remember, the styles associated with each tag in the CSS sheet will apply the style to all tags.

A Class

Writing a “class” into your style sheet is also simple. The same principles apply, if you include a class attribute within a tag, the information within that tag will be affected by all styles written in the class selector. It is is quite simple to introduce a “class” into a section of a web page, but why would you need to and what could you use it for? Remember, the whole purpose of creating a style sheet is to create consistency throughout a website. A class attribute could be used for the comments section of a blog <div class=”blog.comments”>. It could be used for alerts on a website such as warnings and messages <div class=”alerts”>. Or specific to an element, such as a certain set of links being a different color <em class=”outbound.links”>. You will get the jist from those last three examples of how to implement class attributes onto a HTML page, however I have restated them below:

<div class"name.of.class">
<em class"outbound.links>

The <em> selector tag allows you to apply a class or special element (em = element) with a unique style.
For example: <h1>This is the <em class"outbound.links">best website</em>in Australia!</h1>

Let’s now look at how to write the class selector into the style sheet. We will follow the same formula as written above and see how that effects the example given above.

/* CSS Document */
.outbound.links {
Parameter1: value1
Parameter2: value2
}		 Real Parameters >> .outbound.links {
text-style: italic
color: ##FF0000
}

This means that the HTML  <h1>This is the <em class"outbound.links">best website</em>in Australia!</h1> would look something like this: This is the best website in Australia!

A Class

The final selector we will cover in lesson one is a class. An ID works in much the same way as a class. However, an ID is used to define a certain section of the page and in theory a web page can not have two of the same sections. For example, many areas of a webpage could require the “.outbound.links” class. But, an Id which is used to define a specific element can only exist once on the page, like “sidebars”, “headers” and “footers”. You wouldn’t have two headers, just like you wouldn’t build two separate roofs on top of a house. An ID can contain various elements which directly affect that specific section of a website. For example:

/* CSS Document */
#header {
Parameter1: value1
Parameter2: value2
}		 Real Parameters >> #header {
padding-top: 10px
bg-color: ##FF0000
}

Finally, you will have noticed I used live examples above. For the purpose of your records, and mine, I have outlined the styles being applied in the terms they are referred to.

Selector1{
(declaration1)Property:value
(declaration2)property:value
}

Get the idea? I will working on developing a basic Style sheet in the next few days and then start on Lesson 2.


]]> http://willegan.com/2010/09/04/lesson1-cascading-style-sheets-css/feed/ http://willegan.com/2010/09/04/lesson1-cascading-style-sheets-css/ CPD Calculator http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/WMXep3iPv_Y/ http://willegan.com/2010/06/30/cpd-calculator/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:34:39 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=461

I will put more in the post later as I launch part two of my latest project.

But for now, especially if you work in health care, you may like to use our new CPD Calculator to work out how many CPD hours you need to earn from July 1st onward, 2010.

I will update later tonight!

Will


]]> http://willegan.com/2010/06/30/cpd-calculator/feed/ http://willegan.com/2010/06/30/cpd-calculator/ Frankfurt Book Fair http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/VILPxaOGH8E/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/18/frankfurt-book-fair-tools-of-change/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:45:46 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=446

I don’t think I ever got around to posting whilst I was over seas recently. I had one of the busiest trips of my life so far, made some big deals and met some amazing people!

The Frankfurt Book Fair is one of the worlds largest gathering of publishers, rights sellers and authors from across the world. It is also a place where some of the ‘big guns’ in the industry meet and talk about where the future is going. Some talk about it as though they aren’t part of it, others as though they are creating the future and some like it’s already been on gone.

Nevertheless publishing in my opinion is quickly going to change and many people will be left behind.

The video above was made by O’Reilly media for the Tools of Change conference at the FBF 09. The conference was great! I didn’t learn as much as I would have liked but definately had some of my ideas and believes confirmed which is also a positive thing!

I’m planning on writing a decent post on the publishing industry in the next few days.


]]> http://willegan.com/2009/11/18/frankfurt-book-fair-tools-of-change/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/18/frankfurt-book-fair-tools-of-change/ Reviewed: 5 Seeds marketing campaign. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/LCMqIryfHk4/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/09/a-review-of-the-socially-enriched-5-seeds-marketing-campaign/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:39:31 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=429

I recently listened to an interview on one of my favorite marketing Podcasts which was interviewing Tim Street, creator of French Maid.tv. Basically, they were talking about the idea of interactive video stories which told consumers about the product through a related journey. Ultimately, suggesting that tying this into social technologies is one of the biggest hurdles for companies in the future.

I saw this campaign when it was first launched thanks to Mumbrella and the Gen Y Marketing Podcast (another of my faves) but didn’t realise the significance of what was being done until I went right through the journey whilst I procrastinated for a University exam.

So, I thought I’d vlog about the whole thing.

Take away points:

  1. Very successful integration of YouTube, Twitter & Facebook. User easily move across these three platforms.
  2. Interactive video content was extremely innovative and user retention was around 80% of the initial video views.
  3. I bought some after watching this campaign!

Hope you enjoyed…

5_seeds_logo

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]]> http://willegan.com/2009/11/09/a-review-of-the-socially-enriched-5-seeds-marketing-campaign/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/09/a-review-of-the-socially-enriched-5-seeds-marketing-campaign/ Is this the official end of print? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/ZQuKLBqPIW4/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/06/is-this-the-official-end-of-print/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:04:00 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=423

You have probably noticed how ebay has stolen a  large portion of the second hand trading market, sites have been established where you can rent goods online and those old pieces of paper that you buy for the cat litter is still being printed.

Well, not any more…

tradin_post_dead

I just bought my first ebook reader and found a site that sells uni textbooks, so that’s the end of my bags breaking under the massive weight of uni books next semester!

Keep on following!

Finally, my moustache is coming along just nicely, check my day by day pics out here.


]]> http://willegan.com/2009/11/06/is-this-the-official-end-of-print/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/06/is-this-the-official-end-of-print/ Help Me Grow My Mo http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/hRssdtvezgk/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/02/help-me-grow-my-mo/#comments Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:11:54 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=410

I’m growing a Mo for Movember and need your help.

I’ve had my first donation today from Zac Martin of $20.00 and am aiming at raising $700. So I NEED YOUR HELP!

Click here to read more about my mo, why I’m growing it, and see some pics of my mo in action!

Click here now!

Looking forward to your donations!!

Will


]]> http://willegan.com/2009/11/02/help-me-grow-my-mo/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/11/02/help-me-grow-my-mo/ The Asylum Seeker Issue http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/Sa-kVuDTxRI/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/29/the-asylum-seeker-issue/#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:41:09 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=388

An ‘I Eat Media for Breakfast Production’.

The ongoing battle between the Australian Government, the asylum seeking refugees and the Indonesian foreign ministry has sparked me to have my say.

Have a watch…

My stance: Australia shouldn’t just open it’s doors, nor should we not allow anyone in. We need to develop a policy that deals with this problem in a structured way, rather than the boat by boat basis which is currently being used. It’s inevitable that asylum seeker numbers will increase as the world population grows and Australia remains spacious. Furthermore, although we need to protect our society and cultural values, we shouldn’t be scared of new ones. For many of us, we were part of the new cultures being brought to Australia 10, 20, 30 or 50 years ago, and we have been crucial in shaping Australia into the society it is today.

I hope you enjoyed and feel free to add some scrambled eggs to the breaky (your opinions that is).

Will

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Image Credits

Bacon - Oceanic Viking - Coat of Arms - Population Clock - No Vacancy sign - South East Asia - ASX image - A fair go - Australians standing together - Australian defence plane - Boxing day tsunami - Boxing day Tsunami 2 - Boxing day Tsunami 3 - Boxing day Tsunami 4


]]> http://willegan.com/2009/10/29/the-asylum-seeker-issue/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/29/the-asylum-seeker-issue/ Social Media and SEO http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/EWwV_5Zx4Kc/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/23/social-media-and-seo/#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:51:30 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=374

Notes taken from the SEO session at Marketing Profs Digital Mixer - Chicago

Social Media & SEO

marketing_profs_seo_chicago

Social Conversations

Before I begin my notes I would like to officially claim the coin of WMS - Weapons of Mass Search

Liana began by rocking the establishment, the second largest search engine other than Google is Youtube, over 10 billion videos were viewed in the U.S. in August. The next big thing is Google chrome, it is built to fulfill customers needs. Google can track and manage all searches and display content/advertising accordingly.

Furthermore, search has taken content beyond the web-browser. Mobile devices such as the iPhone is an example of this. Content is crucial, but optimized content is king. Personally, I think that whilst this is true, context of content is important also. Google is following this notion by developing the context of how content is delivered.

It is important to know whether your audience is local, national or global. Optimise your content to these audiences, geo-tagging in Google can help you do this.

Final Thought: “Throwing Up Tactics Without A Strategy is Like Doing Nothing At All” - Liana ‘Li” Evans

Thanks for the session!

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]]> http://willegan.com/2009/10/23/social-media-and-seo/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/23/social-media-and-seo/ Actionable Listening Online - Social Media http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/uzrKkLq4On4/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/22/actionable-listening-online-social-media/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:48:56 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=360

Notes taken from the ‘How big brands do ’social media” at the Marketing Profs Digital Mixer - Chicago

How The Big Brands Do Social Media

The session started with the case study of Intel’s Ajay Bhatt (Co-creator of the USB), the theme of the conversation is engaging communities online. The ultimate message was socializing online starts with the the notion of creating an intimate brand experience with one person. One by one, ambassadors have been created for the company using online communities and networking tools.

In relation to twitter content created by major brands, it can’t be billboard info and it shouldn’t be used as a marketing information platform. Why? Well, because your customers aren’t there to buy, they are there to communicate personally. Social media is about building relationships.

Symantec comments on the value of ’super users’, or brand advocates/reps/”happy users” and their ability to spread positive information and ‘word of mouth’ about your product. A non paid army of advocates of your brand, connect with them and treat them well. Companies shouldn’t be prepared to pay them monetarily, but make them feel valued and recognize their passion.

Personal Thought: ‘Find the employees in your company who are most passionate about what they sell and the industry they sell in. Choose those guys as the ones who you want to connect with your virtual networks online. Chances are they will ensure there is follow up and that the person representing the company will be able to interact on a personal level rather than a commercial.’

One way I know of to track your brand on all social media sites: http://addictomatic.com/

Notes taken from the Marketing Profs Digital Mixer in Chicago 2009, Click here to find out more.


]]> http://willegan.com/2009/10/22/actionable-listening-online-social-media/feed/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/22/actionable-listening-online-social-media/ Churn, Burn or Profits? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/willegan/~3/pcVfMmvlEI8/ http://willegan.com/2009/10/22/churn-burn-or-profits/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:17:24 +0000 admin http://willegan.com/?p=347

Notes taken at the Marketing Profs Digital Mixer in Chicago. Find out more here…

Email usability and marketing session: 9 - 10:30 (Day 1)

marketing_profs_digital_mix
Thank you to Marketing Profs for the image.

The current consumer climate in the United States is one where email marketing messages are more popular than any other media. However, with the increase in email marketing material also comes a responsibility to ensure you have permission to email these people. Permission marketing as outlined by Seth Godin almost 11 years ago is a crucial aspect about online communication.

A recent report from a leading email service provider, Silverpop,  suggest that a simple link “Share to Social” will increase forwards of an email by 25%.

The case study of Chicago was presented as a “real life” combination of email, social and online marketing channels coming together. NAME shared Chicago’s email subscribers volume, 85,000 leisure subscribers who receive an email once a week. The email sign up page clearly states the frequency of when emails will be sent to the subscriber. It is usually 2 - 4 months before a visitor who signs up actually comes to Chicago.

Email content usually consists of a story, an image and a call to action. The lead story of ‘What’s big’ in Chicago followed up with four supportive articles. Call to action is usually mid story. Emails which are sent out attempt to mimic the website identically. In regards to social sites like YouTube, Chicago city found that many companies and people want to link to sites with great content. Ultimately creating the buzz will help generate traffic.

Interesting point. At the end of every article on your site include a link to sign up for more info. This improved opt in rates on Chicago City website by over 100%!!

Email Crucials:

  • Open rate increase by subject line, identity (email sent by) and Trust.
  • Conversions can be measured by creating email specific landing pages which are ‘hidden’ from mainstream site navigation.

Now for some morning tea…

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