September 26, 2005
It should be required reading
I've just completed one of the most helpful, insightful, and fun books in a long time. And, I guess it just shows how much of a geek I've become..
...because it's a book on Web Design and Usability. The name of the book is "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug. His whole premise is that web design should not make him think about where to click or what is the site about. It should be self-evident, and not cause the customer to have to "think".
A lot of what he has to say is what you'd call "common sense", unfortunately that sometimes gets put lower on the priority list behind what the designers, programmers, and CEOs call the Really Cool Stuff. Steve points out you can have both, just make sure the Really Cool Stuff incorporates the Common Sense.
I wish I'd read this book several years ago, and believe it should be in EVERY webmaster's library. It came highly recommended to me, and I know I'll refer to it often! Check it out!!
Posted by Sherri at 08:31 PM | Comments (0) | Books
September 21, 2005
Job News!
Good News, Good News!! I've accepted a new position!!
For almost 3 years now, I've been a webmaster where I work. I've designed (or redesigned!) several websites, newsletters and various projects. And, created the majority of the graphics.
I had done some newsletter templates for a friend of my boss, Scott... who was in a different group. It was no problem... a fun project and the fellow was fun to work with. Over the course of several months, Scott continued to call with requests regarding the newsletters, and I always enjoyed talking with him
Then, just a few weeks ago, he sent me a job description for a webmaster in his group, with the subject line "Interested?". As I read the description, it sounded as if he'd written the job description for me. My only hesitance was that I loved what I was doing, loved the people I work with, and am not one who embraces change.
However, he piqued my interest. So, we met, I applied, and went through the formal interview process. Scott mentioned he had several excellent candidates and I figured the job would go to someone else. Boy was I surprised when he called to offer me the position!! I asked if I could discuss it with my husband, and he said of course, but he'd call me the next day.
Mike was excited for me, and I was getting really pretty excited about the possibilities myself. So, of course, I accepted the position!! There are several new (to me!) technologies I want to learn, and already getting a jump on the game by reading what I can on them. Fun stuff!!
So my last day in my current group is next Thursday (9/29/05). So many things have changed in the past 3 years, and I've come to count many of my co-workers as friends. For right now, I'll stay sitting at the same desk, until either side wants me to move. Which is terrific, as I still get to see friends, and I don't have to pack and move.
Like starting anything new, I'm a little nervous too... will I really like this change? Will I get in over my head?? But, I keep thinking of my favorite quote: "I am not afraid of storms as I am learnig to sail my own ship."
Yep, this is gonna be cool!
Posted by Sherri at 08:16 PM | Comments (0) | General
September 14, 2005
Acrylics, and other art-related meanderings
A couple of art classes later, and maybe acrylics aren't so bad. I've discovered some stuff you can add to the paint that help slow down the drying.
Plus, the most recent assignment is to do a painting all in gray-scale, and then try glazing color over that. Well, I'm almost done with the gray-scale stuff, we'll see how I like the glazing. Sounds very interesting, almost similar to doing a colored-pencil piece... you're always layering colors on top of colors to achieve the look you want. Hmm...
Tuesday I met with a counselor at FLC to find out about pursuing a degree in art. What would it take, where should I go, and even if it's a good idea or not. She seemed very positive, and has given me a lot to think about. I've requested copies of my transcript from WSU, hopefully some of my classes will transfer over.
And, I finally have some of my art up on the web. They're all older pieces, but at least it's up there! Finally!! Now I have to photograph my more current pieces and get them up there too. Take a look...
Posted by Sherri at 11:18 AM | Comments (0) | Art
