#ianscheller {teaching: creative web production;}

How to Solve a Problem on the Web

2011-12-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a scenario: Someone suggests what seems to them to be a more efficient way to do something that really doesn't need to be changed, but appears as if it should be changed because they have inconvenienced themselves due to ignorance.

I remember sometime during the dawn of the web, when an email administrator (back then a person who just "took care of the emails") said

"Hey man, don't use background images, OK?"

We listened because they were the one testing and sending the emails, and as bad as we wanted to put background images in the email there was a big chance that someone out there was using 1 of a gazillion different email systems (yahoo, gmail, lotus notes, etc) and not all of them could see the background images.

This is something you accept. You don't question it, because really, it doesn't need to be questioned.

Every company has their own way of doing things when it comes to everything, and if your CEO says make your internal business newsletter published via intranet, then that is what you do.

If someone wants to change it - the way it is published and distributed for example - then what?

Well then, I suggest really solving the problem - and that means getting together all parties involved, identifying the problem, and then coming up with a way to solve it.

More than too many times a designer will test and reconfigure in their own environment which does not come close to the live environment that the content will actually be published on.

What happens is the designer will work more hours on a problem that doesn't need to be solved.

But lets say you do want to solve the problem. You'll have to get all the stakeholders in one room, agree on what the problem is, make a list of possible solutions, then follow up on each of them.

Often times there are too many stakeholders attached to fixing a problem that has not been pre-scheduled on their quarter-by-quarter to-do list, so fixing what might be considered a small problem can become a large problem rather quickly.

To stay on top of most any issue, it helps to know the life cycle of each and every project in your department. From there you can address how to change something - but only if the original process is documented first and only if the changes provide a clear benefit from the way you are doing things now.

Before You Build or Buy - Get Web Educated

2011-08-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

Just about 80% of my web clients arrive at my doorstep confused and generally soured on the web process. Even after 12 years of working professionally with the web, it can still be confusing.

I've condensed my lessons about the web down into a seminar that gives people of all walks of life an understanding of how the web is built, and what they can do to market their business and website.

Part 1

- Securing your domain name and keeping it
- Organizing your digital brand
- Learn how professional web brands are built
- Start to plan your personal or business web site
- Creating a consistent web image.

Part 2

This course aims to give one a basic working knowledge of the web by examining the build process from start to completion. Once informed, we can make better decisions about how and what to build, as well as what to expect when your site needs upkeep.

- Concept
- Design
- Code
- Test
- Upkeep

Part 3

Once you have a website, then what? There are an infinite amount of options, and they all take time to understand and implement. Get some knowledge then decide.

- SEO
- Clean Code
- Email Marketing
- Message Boards, Social Media
- Link Exchange

Exciting Moments in Collaboration

2011-08-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

When the team is excited, and you are producing good numbers its best to continue the trend. Nothing motivates a team more than a team that is already motivated!

Count your blessings when marketing, creative and analysis all come together.

Efficient Creative Web Workflows - An Investigation

2011-03-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Above: Grandpa Herb - Scientist, WW2 Navigator, Baker, Family Man.

Part 1. (5 Minutes)
The Players and the Goals
This serves as the introduction. We identify who the players are in the world of corporate design. Several types of companies are identified - the self incorporated business, the entertainment studio, and the international conglomerate.

Part 2. (15 Minutes)
Recent Work-flow Systems
We peer into the specific design work-flow systems used by these companies to better understand what our role is as designers, teachers, and non-executives.

Part 3. (10 Minutes)
Concurrent Creativity and Maintenance
A bold statement of a truly realistic approach to maintaining and creating design for the long term - for yourself, or for any type of client. Part 3 is a dedication to the craft of design, with a focus here on the web and it's emerging technologies.

My New Website.

2011-02-09T21:01:00.001-08:00

I've recently re-designed my website, ianscheller.com

Well, the front page anyway. The index.html for you authors out there.

This is probably my favorite homepage of all time and it took years to create.

Its very easy to get burnt out on this web thing both professionally and personally. When I first encountered this technology, it was in the creative writing building at Syracuse University. It was a puzzle that took me months to understand, coming at it from a strictly fine-arts viewpoint.

Hypertext was my introduction to the web - telling stories in a non-linear fashion through hyperlinks.

There was no e-commerce, no marketing, no SEO. The web was pretty pure. (well, ok the adult industry did get going rather quickly and did start all the above.)

But for that brief time, the web was an endless abyss, a small cozy place to be - a misunderstood young medium.

I call it a medium of multi-mediums.

The web combines the best and worst of each medium that has come before it. And because of this giant amalgamation, there are many that clearly have forgotten that journalists, printers, radio hosts, actors, artists - crafts people ruled our working economy before everyone gave their private lives to the public world.

And you didn't need web skills to bring yourself to the attention of the ignorant.

I've recently let my freelance clients go. I'm now teaching the craft of the medium of multi-mediums -- and while I have just begun, it is so very important that if you decide to choose this place to create - and you should - you must not forget that there are many talented, intelligent and genius crafts people that have come before us.

Their work cannot be taken for granted as we charge forward to reveal the hidden mysteries of our imaginations.

The Key to a better life - Minimizing Computer Time

2011-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

A Web Seminar

2010-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Come on down if you are in Hollywood --

November 20th, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. at Stella Adler Academy of Acting

Join Ian Scheller as he takes your questions and discusses the following:

* Securing your domain name and keeping it
* Organizing your digital brand
* Learn how professional web brands are built
* Start to plan your personal or business web site
* Creating a consistent web image.

More information is available at:
http://www.ianscheller.com/icb/a_web_seminar.html

Sharing in both production and profit

2010-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I've thought about this one before, but never bothered to write it down. Some may label it an idealist's vision, but I haven't convinced myself yet.

If a designer, writer and marketing manager all work on campaigns together, why is it that the marketing manager will reap the benefits and bonuses of that project? Each player on the project is shaping the end result, and they should be recognized for their efforts.

Maximize your production and give each player a chance to earn rewards for work that goes above and beyond.

Teams become strong when everyone is respected as a player.

If a bonus is already in place but is not rewarded based on the success of the team's work, then it would make sense to reward the bonus that is larger, or a combination of both.

Giving options in compensation opens up opportunities for your business.

I'm not saying businesses should over promise bonuses or give away their profits. They should inspire healthy competition - and rewarding a team over individuals is a great way to do it.

Creating video presentations

2010-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the elements that go into a multimedia video presentation at the professional level at a bare minimum:

Software:
1. Motion Grahpics Software (2-d motion graphics)
1a. Motion Graphics Software (3-d motion graphics)
2. Screen Capture Softare (for showing off product demonstration)
3. Video editing software (for editing motion graphics, screen capture and other video content)

*You will also need the people that understand the above software.

Content:
1. Video content (live action, screen capture examples, motion graphics)

Settings:
When creating individual pieces of content, all settings must be accurate or similar so that the final export of the video looks correct.

Experimentation:
When combining content from different software sources, it is generally good practice to do several export tests to make sure your final product looks presentable.

Workflow:

Once a final script is approved, it can be story boarded. Once story boarded, decisions can be made about which software will be used for the project - based on the type of storyboard/vision created for the project.

After software is selected, the creative assets are created. It is essential that the software settings are synchronized.

Export:
Export depends on what your original project settings are.

Fighting over Words

2010-06-02T21:59:00.001-07:00

Chances are, if someone is fighting for something they need really really bad on a web page its probably because they have no idea what they are doing.

Before you spend your money on the web, do a google and Read the Results.

i!

Just Because someone told you . . .

2010-05-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of calls from people who are desperately trying to figure out whey they keep getting calls about their website optimization.

In the speedy clamor of the web world, it is easy to point fingers and blame others in lue of selling a non completed product, or making a quick buck off of services which do not produce better results for a website.

Even successful businesses that are using the web as a quick money tool find themselves grasping to understand core concepts that make the web a nice place to work.

As always, ego and ignorant audacity become substitutes for good products and down to earth efficiency.

Usually my suggestions are similar to those who want to know more -- do a google search, find multiple points of view - Learn Something -- and make your best decision.

Throwing money at a situation is not always the best answer for a problem. Placating a business peer because they feel they have found an efficiency for their business, does not automatically translate into a win for your business.

Why not try what most web designers and engineers do? Research the problem, draw a concept of your idea with a pencil on a piece of paper. If you can't get that far, perhaps the idea wasn't worthy to begin with.

On the other hand, ideas written or drawn have the most potential to grow roots. It will be your responsibility in one way or another to water the plants.

It is clear -- we live in a reality which is surrounded by a hype culture. In web land, that hype culture will dictate what tools one thinks you ought to use, and might go even further to dictate how you work. There are no unions in the web world - so recommended "standards" are not quite taken as such.

It like receiving directions from a stranger when you are lost -- it depends on who is giving the directions.

Always keep a road map in your back pocket.

(read Steve Krug http://www.sensible.com/dmmt.html)

Don't worry about a thing

2010-04-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

I think Bob Marley had it right. To stay out of the worry department, it is best to -

Eat a healthy diet -- low on sugar, salt and fat.
Get a good nights sleep -- keep the TV off when you doze.
Stay away from drugs.

There are too many outside influences trying their best to induce worry upon us.

Some of these outside influences believe they have the right to manipulate our common lives as they see fit -- ignoring common law and decency.

To rise above anxiety and worry, we must dedicate ourselves to healthy lives, constant education, and good will amongst men.

Music and love go a long way.

Starting your Website

2010-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

This topic never gets old. Inevitably, there is always someone out there who is starting out with their website, or wants something more from it. Most people have a few choices when they want to put their thoughts into action and that is --

1. Hire someone to do it
2. Bribe a friend that knows how to do it
3. Do it themselves.

The first one costs the most money. The second one is a good idea, but the third is the way to go. Number 3 however takes time and there is a learning curve. Even with many blogs and automated website creators, mounting a website is a daunting task that will leave many in the cold.

Lets face it -- not all of us have time to learn a new craft. Here is a short list of what you need to get started on your website -- before you pay or bribe anyone to do it.

Even if you are not going to hire anyone to help you with your site, it is a good idea to spend a few hours sketching out the site with a pen or pencil. Anyone who uses the web has the ability to do this, and they should.

1. Get a logo -- this is going to define you, so get yourself a logo!
2. Get a domain name -- this is going to be the name of your site for a long time (hopefully) so get yourself a name.
3. Sketch -- take out some paper, and get a pencil. Draw out your site how you see it in your head. This will work wonders when you hire or bribe someone to work on your site.

Don't be afraid and remember you can do no wrong. If you've been thinking about getting a website going for sometime but don't know what to do -- take the matter into your own hands and march forward!

You have the power!

Upgrading to Windows 7

2010-02-24T19:28:00.000-08:00

Update: My IT sources tell me external drives with NTFS will not perform as described below.

Be ready to have an extra new empty hard drive if you are going to update your files and bring them over to Windows 7.

I have (had) my data backed up across 3 drives using the 3 2 1 method, but when I plugged in one of them to my new Windows 7 laptop, only about 1/3 of the files showed up.

When I say showed up, I mean a bunch of files just were not viewable on the drive.

Luckily I have back up -- but I'm surprised at how un-mad I am at this situation.

I feel lucky to have found this bug and still have my past 2 years of data intact. If I lost it, I'm pretty sure things would be different.

My XP machine has a bad starter -- so while I can fix it, if I want to keep up with my clients, I had to make the jump to Windows 7.

I'm glad I did -- its fast cool and new. I've loaded my original version of Homesite on it (a program from over 10 years ago) and I also
have Filezilla and Photoshop. IE 8 and Firefox 3.6 round out the set up.

Now I just need access to some of my old files -- but in order to update my past work, I have to make sure to also open up to using new technology to get ahead of many in my field that are not using the newest technology.

There are times where for a short while, technology will put you ahead of someone. For whatever reason -- speed, efficiency -- there are technologies that make one perform better.

This is essentially, a bug report -- have a new drive ready to work down from Windows 7 -- you must use this newly formatted Windows 7 drive to dock part time back in XP land, rescue all the data, and bring you into the future.

I'd say about 1 - 2 years of time into the future.

And these days, the further in the future you choose to be, the more productive you can be in the present.

All These Browsers. . .and the push towards standards

2010-01-20T23:54:00.001-08:00

So you've got Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera. . . and many others.

Most of us still test and develop in Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8. I just went into my local bank (Chase) and they were using Internet Explorer 6, which is a myth and a (living) legend.

It was reported last week (or last month) that Internet Explorer 6 was the browser which enabled China to hack through a google app to access major US companies.

It would be nice to hear more details about this, but the mainstream news is caught up on bashing its president instead of trying to create an environment that promoted education, health and general well being.

I happen to enjoy Internet Explorer 6. Its old and outdated but it creates a nice challenge for designers and developers. It forces to you consider the past -- something that the new web world often forgets, even if the past is a few seconds ago.

While Internet Explorer 7 and 8 are more stable (at least when it comes to Front End Development) they are by no means ideal. Why? Well, it is something difficult to explain, but imagine trying to hammer a nail with a screwdriver. . .

Both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox offer nimble development environments and seem to promote creativity in code. Both of these browsers now have special add ons (I think Internet Explorer might have this too, but I can't imagine using the thing more than I have to) which help enhance your web surfing or creating.

These two tools -- Chrome and Firefox -- are the future of the web, but with the large market share of Internet Explorer still out there and my local (world dominating) bank still using a browser from over 10 years ago to set up new accounts, it looks like for now we have one foot in the past, and one in the future.

Its a good place to be.

Your Web Rep

2010-01-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

Your web reputation will be sludge if you engage in the following:

1. Sell a product that doesn't help anyone.

2. Forcefully install illegal software / malware / badware / adware on innocent's computers.

3. Get connected with any website or service doing the above.

The web is starting to become a heavily policed environment. User groups and self appointed corporate organizations are taking it upon themselves to keep the web squeaky clean.

Right or wrong -- if you are accused, you may find yourself in a situation akin to fighting reports on your credit that don't belong.

Get some good anti-virus software for your computer, quiz whomever is hosting your website and learn what makes the web go round.

Snake-Oil salesmen abound.

In Response to Rob McGovern, Jobfox.com CEO

2010-01-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Its nice to receive emails from Founders and CEOs that care.

Today I received a letter from Rob McGovern, Jobfox.com CEO.

He makes the point in his email that the new job market is about providing solutions, instead of providing an eagerness to learn and have fun at work.

Unfortunately, he is correct. With so many different legacy systems at work for so many different companies, there are a ton of problems to fix out there -- why not make one self appealing by offering to be ultimate solution at hand?

Debating the various radical social-polical changes that have swept over the job world here would be silly -- basically most people rely on their computers too much -- and that has 100% changed the way we behave to eachother on a human-human level.

When the job offers come -- they come -- and I think Mr. McGovern does make a great point -- one that should not be ignored.

Better to bend then to break.

+++

In response to Rob McGovern's letter

Hi Rob,

You make a good point here and a solutions based approach does seem to be the trend these days. I must admit I'm a unique person and when I apply to a posting I type unique cover letters for each job posting.

Perhaps I should take a more streamlined approach to applications and the interview process, but I find relying on my heart and how I feel about a posting is the best way to go for me.

There is a permeating feeling that when sending out resumes, most of them will go unanswered -- many recruiters and HR departments simply cannot get to all the email they receive for some positions.

Reading has taken a back seat to scanning -- most recruiters that have contacted me last year didn't even read my resume. They too are relying on search engine results and keywords.

I figure the company that talks to me has taken time to read my resume and understands that my experience is of value -- your letter reminds me that sometimes one must adopt some of the current trends and "go with the flow."

Thank you for your letter.

Sincerely,
Ian Scheller
ianscheller.blogspot.com

Dear Ian,

Recently I interviewed "Bob" for a job at Jobfox. His first response told me he doesn't "get" the new normal job market. I asked him why we should choose him for the job, and he answered, "Because this position would give me an opportunity to learn a new skill set, as well as work for an exciting high-growth company."

Huh?

We should pick you so you can learn and do exciting things? Did someone give you the idea that we were a benevolent university that paid people to learn and have fun? Virtually every corporation's charter states that the company exists to make profits for its owners. The fact that people have fun and learn things is extraneous in this job market.

The mistake this job seeker made was employing a 2007 job seeker's attitude. Back then it really was all about the job seekers, and employers pitched you on why you should join an organization. Now, it's reversed. Your objective is to convince the employer that you can help them achieve their business goals.

Bob would have been much better served by responding to the "Why you?" question with, "I think I'm the best qualified person to come in and solve your Web analytics problem. Not only do I have three years experience using your chosen Web tool but I'm also willing to work long hours and to commit myself to this position." With this response Bob would have positioned himself as the answer to the problem the employer was trying to solve.

This change of tone and approach should permeate every communication you have with a potential employer. For example, the objective statement in your resume should talk about what you can do for the company, not what you want for yourself. The same goes for your cover letter, follow-up letters, and phone calls. When the hiring manager is interviewing you for a position, he or she needs to feel like they can just plug you into the departing person's desk and the problem will be solved.

I hope you find this information helpful as you tune your job search.

Best Regards,

Rob McGovern
Founder and CEO
Jobfox.com

I'm Ian Scheller. (The International Consultant)

2010-01-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

People call me for help with their ideas. Sometimes its about graphics, sometimes its about marketing campaigns, other times its about stories or music they are creating.

To see some of the graphic and web work I've done see my portfolio.

As King Famous, I've created several original sound recordings.

My current major project is LA Allegory.

Happy 2010!

Staying Up Late (Working)

2009-11-20T19:50:00.001-08:00

What qualifies an unreasonable request? Sometimes you might find yourself asking this question in mind, or aloud to co-workers that are working with you on projects that never started with a deadline, or have had their requirements changed mid-stream.

All members of the team that are responsible for the project are required to stay should the scope of the project change.

If they don't stay, their bad behavior goes rewarded -- or in other words, a part of the team is burned, doing the work others may have neglected to do in tandem with the team.

Should you be burning the departments that actually produce the very work you request to be built?

Managers still suffer with this conundrum after a decade of mainstream web production in the United States.

Requesting your Background Checks

2009-11-06T02:00:00.000-08:00

I read an interesting article here that I felt compelled to respond to --

Beth Gilfeather's blog, The Candidate Advantage.

Great Article!

It is however unfortunate that such background checks are made -- the last company I worked for did a background check into Interpol, the International Police.

I requested the paperwork (as you have every right to request any background check done on you) so that I could actually see what sort of response and stories were reported about me.

No records came up --

Luckily in the web world, one is most often judged by the work they create. And, while most political laws that governed high school also govern the office, a person's past will show in the work they have created.

Good work which communicates a message -- buying, clicking, searching, learning -- is recognized instinctively -- a point which may elude some.

Dirt and rumors (and background checks) sometimes do not fully describe the truth of why someone was let go. Very often it is the pursuit of truth that leads one to be let go.

Think of how many sexual harassment cases occur reported or unreported in the workplace? Does this make one less desirable to hire because they harass workers?

Probably.

What about someone that hoards pencils and steals from the office supply closet? Are they fit to be hired?

Every job I've ever worked came to exist because of a close connection. No one wants to be humiliated, hurt, or slandered, and sometimes the truth is so good that it must be saved for a book, a play, and a movie.

Captain Gingerbeard once told me that being a programmer is not about solving problems, but it is rather about solving the perception of the problem.

If you see a skeleton from one angle, it just might be an angel in disguise.

Now where was I . . .?

i!

Consider the Concept of Research

2009-10-26T21:49:00.001-07:00

Many clients and executive level managers, CEOs, CFOs, etc will most likely want to know what you are doing with your time when it comes to their project. Very often is the case that your suggested timeline/scope will be chopped down, and you will be under pressure to get your project done correctly, and out the door.

As soon as an honest scope time line is chopped down, the first thing to go is the discovery or research of the project.

While this will not shut down the project at the onset, cutting out the research portion of the time line will ultimately result in undisciplined choices to be made down the line which lead to more time being put into the project to untangle the mess that was created because the research phase was ignored.

During the research phase, the entire time line can be broken down into mini phases, lists of page builds and urls can be gathered -- it is an essential part of a project because it allows and prevents workers from doing research when it comes time for them to actually do the work.

When there is no research phase, the workers on the project (designers, developers, etc) spend time on this anyway because in order for someone to understand a project, they must see how it was built, make a plan to build/alter it, and then actually build it.

After building comes testing and perfecting -- as long as the original scope does not change -- so -- leaders of the free world, when your team presents you with a project timeline that you think is too long, just because you think it is too long, take a breath and consider the concept of research.

Sun-Tzu's Art of War

2009-09-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a good book, I highly recommend Sun Tzu's The Art of War.

Front End Development Course Structure

2009-09-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

Course II: Front End Development for the Web
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Preparing Graphics for Mark-up, Web Standards, Best Practices, Search Engine Code and Tracking
Required Tools for Each Student

* Laptop or Desktop Computer capable of running a current version of Photoshop
* Notebook for sketching and notetaking
* Crayons or colored pencils or markers (or all of the above)
* Internet Connection
* Scanner

This course is designed to give the student an introduction to Front End Web Development principles, concepts, patterns and workflow.

Students will complete Front End Web Development projects to increase their understanding of the Front End Development process.

Course culminates in full portfolio review and can be tailored as a 10 - 12 week course.

It is recommended that students have some Web Design knowledge, as covered in the Web Design Concepts Course

* Prepping images for Front End Development
* Learn HTML
* Learn HTML and CSS
* Learn how to work with JavaScript, jquery, Prototype and other JavaScript libraries
* Setting up a Front End Developer work environment
* Critiqing Work
* Dealing with Changes
* Saving organized files and file types

Front End Development Projects

Each project builds on the previous example.

* Preparing images for Development
* Creating HTML - Document Strucutre
* Creating CSS - Document Structure
* SEO - Coding for Search Engines
* Coding Emails - Using Table Code
* Tracking - Working with Tracking Code
* Developing a full scale website

Front End Development Project Details:

*
Preparing graphics for Development

Students will prepare graphics for Front End Web Development.
Coding HTML

Students will learn how to code HTML
Coding HTML using CSS

Students will learn how to code HTML and CSS.
SEO

Students will learn how to code for Search Engines.
Coding for older systems - Table Code

Students will build HTML and CSS code for legacy systems.
Tracking Code

Students will learn how to implement tracking code.
Full Site Front End Development

Students will complete Front End Development on a full scale website. PHP includes will be introduced.

Final Critique

All of the students work will be reviewed.

Design Structure

2009-09-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ian Scheller Web Course Detail

Course 1: Web Design Principles and Web Design Workflow
2-D Design Concepts, Photoshop, Wireframing, File Types, Designing for the Web

Read the outline below.

Required Tools for Each Student

Laptop or Desktop Computer capable of running a current version of Photoshop
Notebook for sketching and notetaking
Crayons or colored pencils or markers (or all of the above)
Internet Connection
Scanner

This course is designed to give the student an introduction to web design principles, concepts, patterns and workflow.
Students will complete web design projects to increase their understanding of the web design process.
Course culminates in full portfolio review and can be tailored as a 10 - 12 week course.

Learn Basic Design Principles
Learn Photoshop for the web
Learn the phases of design (and how they fit into the bigger production framework)
Critiqing Work
Dealing with Changes
Saving organized files and file types

Design Projects
Each project builds on the previous example.

Buttons and Banners
Animated Buttons and Banners
Wire-Framing
Splash Page (header body footer)
Mini-Site
Full Site

Design Project Details:

Buttons and Banners
Students will create button and banner sets.

Popular Button Sizes

120x90
120x60
88x31
125x125
Custom

Popular Banner Sizes

Horizontal
468x60
392x72
234x60
+++
Vertical
120x240
160x600
Custom

Animated Buttons and Banners
Students will learn how to animate the static banners they created.

Wire-Frames
Students will learn how to wireframe web layouts

Splash Page Design
Students will learn how to design a splash page using web 5.0 concepts.

Mini-Site Design
Students will build off of the Splash page project and turn it into a 3 page mini-site.

Full Site Design
Students will increase the size of their mini-site project into a full fledged website.

Final Critique
All of the students work will be reviewed.

Course Structures

2009-08-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Course I
Web Design Principles and Web Design Workflow

Course II
Front End Developing for the Web and Preparing Files for programming

Course III
Design, Front End Development and Back-End Concepts: Building a good website

Assistant Producers and Producers

2009-06-30T11:02:00.001-07:00

A few entries ago, I made the suggestion that Marketing workers should become assistant producers.

I mention this because the existing power struggle between Production and Marketing departments are the cause of a great rift within the web industry.

Some argue that titles do not effect the actual job performance of one's post, however I am suggesting more than a name change.

Typically, the Production department works with the hands on activation of the project.
The physical work of building a web project -- design, development, programming and publishing is a production responsibility.

For some reason, everything else that pertains to the project -- the clients whims, for example are watched over by a completely different department.

Immediately this is a problem.

The physical placement of the web team can have a direct effect on the outcome of the project. With ever changing client wishes, it is imperative to keep the team as close as possible.

Second, every marketing team I've come across is completely ignorant to the actual process and craft of building a website. Also, the production staff is usually ignorant to the actual process that a marketing person must attend to -- endless phone calls and meetings with the client.

Things get even more complicated when either marketing or production is excluded from important meetings on the project.

Because the marketing person is not aware of the web process, they will often make promises on a project they cannot keep.

This again creates problems when the Project Manager on the project is absent because they will miss vital information about the project.

Also, trusting someone that is ill equipped to make intelligent decisions will constantly hurt the creation of your projects.

Why marketing teams are allowed to remain ignorant is a peculiar fact. Most of the people who work in marketing are less computer savvy then their production counterparts. They should be learning about the web process, not excluding their production team.

The old style of Marketing - Production that has been used in traditional business structure does not work here, and as long as Marketing and Production stay opposed to one another, the craft of making successful interactive projects will be continued to be stymied by an outdated business structure and the very people that are charged with working in it.

Bring Marketing and Production together. Make Project Managers Producers, and Marketing Producers Assistant producers.

With a solid team in place, a team that shares knowledge of the web process transparently, greater projects can be more efficiently created.

Own your Name, back up your Files

2009-05-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

Own your name and back up your files. These are two very important items to remember even if you have someone else helping your with your website.

You want to be the Administrative Contact on your domain name. If you are not, that usually means someone else is. Several issues arise when someone other then you controls your domain name.

First, if you do not control the name, you might be left sitting on the sideline while someone else does whatever they want with your name. This is problematic for obvious reasons, as your brand and business (and domain name) go hand in hand.

Second, if you are no longer on good terms with your web person, getting your name back can be a very frustrating process.

When you are ordering a new name, make sure to tell your web person to list you as the Administrative Contact for that name. Also have them provide you with the user name and password for the domain registrar's account so that at any time you can have access to the information that is directly related to your name.

If you have control of your domain name, you can have it hosted anywhere you like, and this leaves you open to explore the most cost effective plans for you and your business.

Often is the case that ex-employees, girlfriends, family members and/or weirdos gain control over a domain that is not theirs. To prevent trouble down the road at the very least, be the Administrative Contact on the name. At the very most, own the name, order it yourself, and rest assured you can move that name wherever you want.

Second, ask your web person to provide you with your Hosting user name and password. These are essential items to gain access to your web site as it appears on the web. To take it a step further, you can ask your designer and web person to send you a back-up of the original design files and web files once the project is completed.

Some designers will charge extra when handing over the original build files, so you'll have to work this out. Either way, having a copy of your site backed-up is always a good safety measure in the event you cannot reach your web person, or if you have to switch web people down the road.

Next time, we return to the inside mechanics of the web house.

The Goals of a Web Team

2009-04-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

From New York to LA I've had the pleasure of working at a varied group of web companies. Some stuck around, some went the way of the dinosaur, but one thing was constant with all companies. Marketing teams and Production teams did not function hand in hand.

At all companies, Marketing professionals had little or no technical knowledge of how interactive products were built, yet they were the direct line to the client who was ordering the job. Production professionals had all technical knowledge and were put in charge of actually building the project, and delivering it on time.

With these roles in place, an interesting pattern of behavior was identified throughout -- there was real friction between Marketing and Production teams. Communication and the balance of power were (are) unbalanced.

Typically, Production gets easily bothered by Marketing because the Marketing team is speaking to the client with no thought of the technical process. (simply because they don't know what goes into a project) With no thought of the technical process, it is very easy to make empty promises that make the client instantly happy. (on the phone) Unfortunately, when the client is misinformed, the client is rarely called back and explained that the conversation they just had is not completely accurate in regard to the project they are paying good money for. What usually happens is that Production is then put under the gun to deliver under unfair conditions.

It does not have to be unfair, and more importantly friction that is allowed to fester creates bad morale. Bad morale does not help the production of product, and if unchecked will create a high turnover of employees. With high turnover, a solid production style is very difficult to be created and carried out -- especially if a general education or learning process for new hires is not in place. (which it usually isn't)

Before we get too far down a slippery slope of if/then -- it must be noted that any friction between any parties on a project slows -- and sometimes completely halts -- the actual production of a project. Here is my full list of things that stop production:

Things that stop production, in no particular order

1. Arguing
2. Explaining
3. Talking (about something other then the project at hand)
4. Poor Scheduling
5. Non-teamwork/co-worker misunderstanding (uninformed team members)
6. Rush Orders (unless someone is dying, it is not a rush)
7. Non-Emergencies (presented as emergencies)
8. Worry
9. Poor Tools (bad monitor, software, monitor, etc)

Can you identify these items in your chain of production? If so, it is time to eliminate the climate and cause that allows these threats to exist.

The goals of a Web Team should always be creating the best project -- but not at the cost of the company or any members of the company's team -- no matter what part of the team you are on.

Next time -- working out the kinks.

Functioning as a Cohesive Unit

2009-03-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Another simpler term for this is "working together."

Knowing one's role is the only way to excel in one's position within a bigger matrix of production. In order for one to know their role, it is usually a good thing if the larger formalities and structure have a clear role within the larger structures they occupy.

Diagram 1a.

Diagram 1a.

Many web houses or web businesses have no internal teaching for their employees, therefore power struggles will often break out in between departments over non-issues. Each time an internal power struggle breaks out, production of the product is effected.

One of the first items that needs to be addressed with internal web teams is the ego. Most ego problems come from Marketing teams who use second hand knowledge to communicate with the client in regard to their project. Second, most marketing teams sit with marketing teams, where production teams sit with themselves as well.

As with table code, many solutions were created when the web first started because it seemed like the right thing to do. There are many practices that were adopted that serve no purpose in the Line of Production, and actually cause a detriment to the communication within web departments across the board.

If marketing and production teams do not work side by side with the common goal of creating successful projects, then just about all hope will be lost in creating a smooth process.

For Marketing and Production to work side by side requires both teams to humble themselves and work as a true team.

I see production working with the actual craft of the medium and project. Marketing is sometimes a useless step in the process. In diagram 1a. above, the Marketing team becomes assistant producers.

The benefits of this are many, and will be discussed next time.

Production Speaks -- Confidently Effecting Positive Change in your Web Department

2009-02-25T23:53:00.000-08:00

In the current corporate environment, a person without managerial or executive authority has little or no control over an entire department.

The web as a commodity is usually a loosing proposition for many corporations, and they struggle to adjust to the medium – or more importantly adjust the medium to themselves.

Usually people don’t listen until someone with authority over them (their paycheck or status within the company) tells them they have to listen.

For those of you that are struggling with setting up an organized web shop, I urge you to list out the list of items that you have direct control over.

This would include tracking work hours, keeping records of project timelines, and doing everything possible to clean up your small corner of the universe. (later we can talk about these specifics)

The items within your control, once controlled, will create a domino effect on other departments when the other departments realize that they too must get organized to keep up.

In reality, peripheral departments outside of the production environment (marketing and clients) cannot keep up – and this is exactly the place Production should be if the web is going to take any steps further as a business medium.

Production must be one step ahead of Marketing and the Client – who in this process are typically the groups that rely on Production to move forward.

I sometimes wonder why this technique has not been championed sooner, but after seeing first hand the fear of web production leads, I have come to understand that ignorant people with power positions rule over this beautiful new medium, and unfortunately are making decisions for departments that are already more then capable of making decisions for the medium they are experts in.

The traditional make-up of corporate business allows for ignorant people to make important decisions. Until this changes, Interactive Production departments will always be looked upon as geek magicians who have no craft.

A knee-jerk reaction to the problem of internal disorganization is to purchase new software as if the new software will actually create and motivate morale amongst workers that are in full realization that they are working in a haphazard manner.

While a standard project-organizing software is very important for any business, the hopes that the software will be learned and used immediately by employees is a trap. If software was the answer to our problems then why would we have to hire different people to be designers and developers? There is a line between knowing software and knowing a craft.

Real change must come from the leads of the department, or those who are charged to lead the specific task of change. The department (or departments) should be notified of the change agent, and also be notified that there is an honest Team Effort that is required to make change for the better.

Besides Team Effort, personal ego must be removed. The goals of the change should be clearly defined by action items that the Team will be able to involve themselves in. Some of these actions could be working with new software, but the presentation and open information sharing (the web) must be a daily routine.

Getting organized and making positive change can be extremely fun. If you are not sure where to start, get out that pencil and make out the list – and all those items which you can control – control them and mold them into your vision.

Those who are baffled will have to learn and follow.

*I realize that in the realm of entertainment it is sometimes impossible to rationalize with clients that demand un-reality. I implore members of the Interactive realm to take the role of a good doctor – bring these people down to reality. If you are afraid to do this, practice it – with your team. Admitting there is a problem is the first way to solving it. If it seems as if the over-riding structure of your business is inhibiting your own internal web department, do your best to cheerfully ignore it. A proper environment must be made for there to be positive change.

The Web as a Medium

2009-02-18T00:39:00.001-08:00

Before the medium of the web was brought into the mainstream, people's phones always stayed at home, and to meet new people you'd have to leave the house.

Now this is not the case, and the web is an expected format. Individuals and businesses (pretty much everyone) are feeling pressure to get on the web at any cost, and at any speed.

Obviously some were not around for the first .com crash, but as the size of the web increases, so does the amount of people that are taken advantage of by unfair business practices.

While it is not my general want to police best-business practices in regard to web and internet policy, it is my general passion to educate, inform and inspire when it comes to the medium of the web.

The medium can be used in a positive way for nearly every type of business or individual by nearly every type of business or individual. The web is just plain brilliant when it comes to sharing information.

Now we arrive at this point. I work for some very interesting clients, and I enjoy helping them one-on-one. Besides building and teaching for clients, I feel a larger audience can be reached and educated.

As a web professional that learned the creativity of the world wide web before it became available for general public consumption, it is easy for me to break down the web process so that it may be digested by people of all walks of life.

In addition to breaking down the individual steps of the web process, and what each piece details, more importantly is describing how individuals can become their own personal content producers for their web projects.

Because the web is a medium made up of various mediums, the learning curve for learning how and what to do on the web is incredibly steep.

Someone told me the other day that creating a process and structure is an uphill battle.

I don't see it as a battle. I see it as a small play, but played seriously.