StarKite

Importation Test

2012-01-18T09:43:00.001-08:00

I'm currently trying to import my blog into my joomla. This is a test.

Blogs - The New Website

2011-05-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've heard people say that blogging is dead, and I agree to a certain extent. The days of people writing blog articles to just to say stuff to the world has come to an end. Only the serious bloggers who write reviews, news stories, or the occasional ME have held on to blogging as a way of spreading facts and opinions.

However, with Wordpress and Blogger constantly working hard to give fluid design and functionality to their services, those blogs are looking more like traditional websites.

I believe blogs are great as websites. They are your update center, newsletter, billboard and now have static pages for detailed information that you always want available to the reader. In Wordpress you can even have a static page as the landing page - so any reader first see's that page when they come to your blog.

Being a hobbyist writer, I think blogs are great websites for authors. If you're not something as famous as Steven King, you could find yourself at home with one of these blogging services. Think you don't have enough static pages to display all your information? There are ways around that. Next post will cover those tricks.

Facebook - Just Say No

2011-02-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

I have no doubt that there are others who feel the way that I do about Facebook, but it seems there just aren't enough of us sounding our horns. Facebook continues to grow, suck in lives, and spit them out.

Yes, I will agree that its a great way to stay in touch with family and close friends but it never just stays there unless you want to be referred to as cold-hearted. What about that old high school buddy? What about that person you shared a seminar with? Before you know it, you have oodles of people bombarding you with their mundane lives, game stats, and they have too much access to you.

On top of it all, anyone else can find you at a whim and whatever you put up there about yourself might as well be permenant.

Someone, I read, once said it's like being in a cell. You sit around in your plain-jane page and write on the wall or occasionally annoucing some news.

And what's worse? People are addicted to it like crazy. All three of my co-workers seem to check it on one lunch break or another. I'm near positive that they don't have some severe addiction to it, but I know those people are out there.

Communities like Facebook are what's killing the Web. People don't go out into the Web to find something, they check to see if that person, company, group has a Facebook account. I'm starting to wonder if my days as a web designer are over before they even started because no one wants a website - they're happy with their Facebook page.

So, as a web designer and someone who likes to be in control of her domain to a reasonable degree, I refuse to use Facebook. If you want to see daily updates from me, I do use Twitter because it's a helluva a lot more simplier and straightforward.

The Web is Dead - EyeWitness View

2011-01-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, I guess the web is dead - along with blogging.

Not that I'm basing this off the fact that no one reads my blog anymore and hardly anyone finds my website. I know I'm not as interesting as some other media gurus or movie stars, but I use to have readers once. No, I'm basing this off of the fact that no one searches the web anymore. Many people just go on to facebook to look things up, or twitter, or some other community website. In fact, that seems to be the only way to get recognized in this new techie age - have a popular profile on a web community or make a community if you have what it takes.

These communities need to have tons of features or can easily be personalized. Personally, I have shunned Facebook from my life because it destroys lives, but because of this I can't seem to keep in touch with people who hardly know me, who might know me better if I write on their wall that I made a blog post so the can come read it. *pant* That was my faulkner moment.

Anyways, unless someone needs some information that they can't find on wikipedia.com there doesn't seem to be a chance that anyone will come looking for your awesome personal website that you took the time to craft and fill with tidbits about yourself and what you do - even if that's your store front for your web designing services.

Looks like I'm screwed.

Joomla Project

2010-12-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

I'm currently working on cracking Joomla and learning more about CMS websites.

Come check it out with me at http://www.starkite.net/joomla

Season Website Themes

2010-11-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

It looks like yet another website is being decked out for the holidays with a snowy header and new background (BN.com Decked for the Holidays).

This makes me wonder if it's considered tacky to change with the seasons. I can understand retailers doing so to get people in the 'shopping mood' for a particular holiday, but what if you're just a blogger or have a website displaying your work or services?

I'm going to be on the hunt for such websites and see if I can get them to comment on their seasonal spirit and the urge behind it.

As for my own Starkite.net, I doubt I'll change anything unless I find a very nice looking idea that doesn't drive me bonkers trying to implement it.

The New NOOKcolor

2010-10-27T10:55:00.001-07:00

NOOKcolor - The Ultimate Reading Experience - Barnes & Noble

We all know how beautiful the iPad has been rendering electronic magazines and newspapers. It's also been great with interactive books like children's books with characters the move when touched. Books on the iPad can read themselves to you and be accessible at the flick of a finger. THIS is why the Nookcolor was created - to combat the iPad on these e-reader functions.

Though the Nookcolor is a good contender with a more reasonable price, it has drawbacks that Barnes & Noble isn't highlighting - and for good reason.
- The battery life is shorter than the original Nook: 8 hours
- The battery is not replaceable
- No 3G and WiFi is not guaranteed free
- Not to mention, if you don't like reading on a iPad screen - then you won't like this one either

The Nookcolor is also slightly bigger than the original Nook. It also has intuitive add-ons like Twitter and Facebook apps that pop up as you need them. There is bookmarking, word look-ups, and room for more apps to be created.

There is a potential for this to turn into the android pad and be more than just an e-reader. But until that happens - whether it be by BN or a more tech-based company, I'll be sticking with my traditional Nook. I love the eInk screen and don't find the need to have apps when my cellphone is in my pocket. After all, how many ways do you need to contact people? I would rather stay in touch with my book and not be distracted by an overload of bells and whistles.

To each there own though. I'm sure BN will see sales jump; especially after demos start to fill their stores in the later half of November.

Barnes & Noble Website Update – More Nook Friendly

2010-10-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

Barnes & Noble - Books, Textbooks, eBooks, Toys, Games & More

Looks like Barnes & Noble is preparing for the release of it’s new Nook Color by revamping their website to be more Nook friendly.

The menu has been enlarged and now shows drop downs of additional links. It gives the viewer a better idea of all BN.com has to offer instead of hunting for those links down the earlier lefthand column.

Unfortunately, some links still don’t work right. Like under Newsstand there is a link for Nookmagazines that doesn’t seem to send you to the emagainzes. But under that Newsstand link you can see the dropdown offering more than what’s currently available. Nook Newsstand will soon be working; leading us to believe more magazines and newspapers will be available on the Nook or Nook Color.

Personally, I think the layout looks great, but I fear all these new Nook-geared links are only for the new Nook Color that has yet to be announced. I believe I am going to enjoy my first generation Nook far more because of the eInk screen. I don’t plan on upgrading if all they are going to offer is a LCD touchscreen that will bother my eyes to no end.

Still waiting on that press release though…

Nook Color – What are they thinking???

2010-10-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

Nook Color revealed by overzealous screen protector? -- Engadget

OK, you’re looking at me cross-eyed, let me explain.

Barnes and Noble are rumored to come out with this tablet-like full color e-reader, but why are they moving away from the eInk screen to compete with the iPad?

I have the first generation Nook and I will attest that it is not a do-all table that focuses on e-reading. It’s an e-reader with some nice bells and whistles, but don’t expect a shrunken iPad. I still love it for the fact that eInk screen makes the biggest difference. It makes reading e-books extremely comfortable on the eyes.

With the latest firmware update coming out in November, many avid readers will get the organization they want instead of just a timeline or alphabetical list of books. What more do you want? Color? Get an iPad and have fun straining your eyes.

I don’t believe the Color Nook will be able to compete with the iPad. True, I haven’t seen the specs, but I still seriously doubt it and I’m dismayed BN is leaving the eInk screen behind.

This is more an impulsive post – I know. Once they come out with the Color Nook I’ll post a more constructed opinion.

Back to Square One

2010-09-21T08:52:00.001-07:00

It recently dawned on me that throughout all of my past works, I’ve never stuck with a limited omniscient point of view through one single character. I never even paid any attention to it because normally there were only two main characters to bounce between and one very obvious villain.

Now, with my new novel, I’m realizing that I’m showing the reader too much by showing him everyone’s mind.

I started with Caden and drifted back and forth between him and Astor. Then I started revealing some of the minor villain’s thoughts as he addressed his master in another scene. As things go on, I realized that with Astor knowing so much – revealing his thoughts has possibly revealed too much about the story already.

Within the first chapter, readers already have a sense of the villain and the conspiracy that’s going on. They know Astor has been hardened, but that he is not a villain. I think it might be a bit too obvious. However, I fear a re-write after being on the 3rd chapter already.

Perhaps I need a few more opinions on the matter.

Why Do Ebooks Cost So Much?

2010-09-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

Burning Question: Why Do Ebooks Cost So Much? | Magazine

Wired Magazine took a stab at the Ebook price question. A Mr. Larry Doyle touched on something I’ve been concerned with, the lack of value in books.

What is the value of a book? Non-fiction is a little bit easier to gauge but what about fiction? What makes one piece of fiction worth more than another?

If someone self-publishes an ebook on BN.com and sells it for 1.99 – does that mean his or her work is less entertaining and engaging? Does that mean it is ripe with flow problems and typos, plot holes and mis-quotes?

I’d love to hear a conversation on this some day.

The Nook, Full E-Reader Review

2010-09-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I mentioned acquiring a Barnes and Noble Nook e-reader and how I enjoy it. But I know there are many out there still weighing in on the e-reader and whether or not it's worth the money, OR whether or not they should go for the Amazon Kindle3.

I will not be accurately comparing the Nook to the Kindle since I don't own both. Each has a habit of hiding cute little features until you have the thing in your hand. So without a Kindle to compare side by side, I can only mention the obvious features.

There is one main reason I picked the Nook over the Kindle (I'll get to the details afterwards). Amazon is a great business that does some good things, but Barnes and Noble IS a BOOKSTORE. Barnes and Noble is a bookstore and books are their main focus. You can come in to a store more features become available. There is a physical presense that comes with the Nook and you know that more of their focus is on this e-reader.

Now, besides that... this e-reader IS still in it's early stages, but what it does well is a good reason to pick it up.

What can I do with it?

Read easily with one hand in the font size I want
Download content instantly with a wifi connection (a 3G model is available which means you can download from anywhere)
Browse e-books and e-magazines
Subscribe to a e-magazine or e-newspaper
Archive books I've read
Upload pdf and epub documents from my computer
Change the screensaver and wallpaper to nearly anything I like
Browse the web in a basic way should I need to dig up a little simple information
Give reviews of books easily
Bookmark, highlight, add notes to any document or e-book
Play chess and sudoku
Get daily posts from BN Blogs
Get a daily free e-book
Get free samples of any e-book and read them fully while in-store
Get classic e-books for free
Get textbooks as well as e-books
Lend books electronically to any friend with a Nook for about 2 weeks or so
Receive coupons for other free items such as Godiva Chocolates

Not to mention feel like you're part of a special insider's club when you walk into any BN bookstore.

Now, this review wouldn't be a complete review without the downside.

What does it lack?

You can't read in the dark without a light due to the eInk screen - though I find it as comfortable as reading any paper book
You ought to get a cover for the thing since it can develop cracks - it's not made out of the same hard glass as an iPad
You can upload epubs and pdf documents, but Amazon's e-books are different - can't use the Nook to read them
Web browsing can be tricky - you're basically seeing the whole page on the upper eInk screen, but moving the lower screen around like a magnifier - the eInk display acting as a map but read-able
As you probably guessed, the eInk screen isn't touchable - the lower screen is like your control for the reading screen - like a remote clicker to a tv
You can't add any other apps like different games, weather checker, or Twitter app.
You can't catalog your books under the series they belong to
There's no journal or email app if you just wanted to take notes or write someone - however you could go the web browser and try Gmail or some note take like Simple Notes

Weighing it Out...

The upside is that BN can make a firmware update (that is automatically downloaded via Wifi only) and change software features - add things, tweak things, change it around. Another thing is that this thing was NOT meant to wholeheartedly compete with the iPad - it was meant to read BOOKS with some extras. For that purpose it does exceptionally well. Pages turn easily, the weight is great even with a cover, and you can hold thousands of books - read them without Wifi.

The battery life of this thing is pretty good. No, it won't last a month with someone to is actively reading and browsing, but you'll probably not be able to remember the day you charged it last when it's due again.

How does the Kindle compare?

I hear it doesn't have the web, but you do have an app for Twitter of Facebook. The thing is lighter and has a longer battery - it's also thinner (that thinness makes me worry it would feel too fragile and not feel like a book, but that's a preference).

The Kindle probably does a lot of the same reading features and uses a keyboard instead of touchscreen to control the eInk screen. It's eInk screen is the next generation as well, but I think a new Nook model will soon have that. The Kindle also sports side buttons for easy page flipping and I think the case itself is a little sturdier. The price is a tad better at approximately 10 dollars cheaper than BN's Nook.

The big difference is the company it's hooked up to. If you pick up the Kindle then you're hooked up to Amazon and what they have to offer. If you're cool with that then go for the Kindle. I'm sure the device itself works fine and at least does the core functions an e-reader should.

Personally, I love BN. Someday I hope they hire me. I'm an awesome office/projects manager aside from my writing, web design, and overall super-geekness.

E-Book Fever

2010-09-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

With Amazon and Barnes and Nobles both trying to out-do each other with the #1 ebook reader, it makes me wonder what the future of books is going to be. I've already read articles in Wired Magazine about how ebooks will become the norm and physical books will be quaint antiques.

If that's the case, then what about all the features that went along with physical books? The cover page, the copywrite page, but more than just those; what about indentation?

I've seen more and more e-books or at least e-reading that has no indentation. Am I the only one who has noticed this? Anyways, I thought I would put the question out there for you who have been wondering the same thing.

I think changes are going to happen. I believe the cover page and like will be slimmed down and pretty things like indention will slowly vanish if not be replaced by extra line breaks. I'm not so sure if that's a good thing. Personally, it gives the reading a completely different flow with tons of line breaks.

Also, I'd like to add to this post that I did pick up a BN Nook and I love it. I did have one hang-up: the only book I really paid for and currently reading is the only one that would not download properly. But after spending 40 minutes on their 1-800 help line a solution was figured and my faith was put back into the device, which otherwise functions perfectly and is a joy to read.

By the way...

2010-06-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

... I don't plan on using the new template designer on this particular blog since it matches the style of my webite. Try http://www.themeaning.blogspot.com/ to see what I've done using the new template designer.

**REVISED**
Yes, I did find a way to keep pretty darn close to my original design and still update the template. Apparently, if you have a image uploaded as your header, the new template designs will hold on to it. You will not be forced into a solid colored text block with description.

New Blogger Templates

2010-06-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

It seems Blogger.com just rolled out with a new template designer and I have to say that it's fairly fun and easy to use. For the first time they are allowing for static pages as Wordpress does. That is a big boost.

Also, for the first time you can easily edit every facet of the page from colors, to font, to sidebars and even the widths of said sidebar.

With all that done, it dawned on me that through so many free storage sites, web albums, widgets, you could have your own website for free with no ads. Blogger could be at it's core with other useful services supplying you with photos, document links, and online media connections.

I don't know if I would actually give up my website. The idea is tempting in a geeky way, but if I ever want to show off my designing skills then I need the website. BUT that doesn't stop me from having multiple websites built purely with free online resourses.

If anyone out there wants an idea on how to complete it easily, just drop me a line.

Sci Fi Novels and Plot Holes

2010-06-17T11:31:00.001-07:00

I felt I need to talk about this a little as I struggle with my own theorectical science for my novel. What I have been fearing is that in my attempt to produce a great story, I will be using science that is completely unfounded if not wrong and it will be a complete turn off to my readers. As I struggle with this, I’ve tried to use other Sci Fi works as references. Looking at them, just about each has something wrong yet they still have a huge following.

Star Wars is an especially good illustration of that. For example, in A New Hope, Han Solo refers to parsecs as a unit of time when it’s actually a unit of distance. In Revenge of the Sith, a tilting star destroyer with artifical gravity sends the heros falling down a hallway when they should have remained on their feet even if the ship turned upside down.

I’m sure Star Trek has also made a number of scientific boo-boos, though I’m not as familiar with them. One I am fairly certain of is in the most recent movie simply titled “Star Trek” when a black hole engulfs a planet and then seems to magically disappear. As I understand it, black holes do not simply disappear though there is little known of them. What’s know is that it’s a exponentally growing gravity well; pulling in anything and everything in it’s reach. If it ate a planet in a balanced solar system, it would surely continue to pull on remaining planets until they come in range to be eaten. If it could not manage to pull in a planet close enough to eat it would certainly throw other planets out of their normal orbit.

Funny how this is one of the tender sticky theories I’m going to have to turn a blind eye to when I’m working with my own novel. Frankly I hope my information is incorrect or that my readers will not look too far into the story to understand why I had a black hole that simply started and stopped. But maybe, just maybe, I can come up with some theory as to why it happened in such a way.

Wish me luck and next time you’re watching or reading a Sci Fi, try not to let these little things wear on you. Afterall, it’s the story that’s at the heart of the work, not always the science.

MS Office Live 2010

2010-06-08T11:18:00.001-07:00

As much as I’m loving MS Office 2010 free beta, I know it’s going to come to an end and we’re probably not going to fork out the 150 to get the student addition. KNOWING THAT, I’ve been hunting around to see is Microsoft has our backs for those of us who don’t have deep pockets and won’t be getting a new pc come October (when the stripped down ad-version of MS Word and Excel will be available for free on new PCs).

SO, should you have a hotmail, msn, or live account, I have found that you can go to www.office.live.com and make new, upload, edit and download documents. So far, here’s the breakdown.

Pros:

· You can upload any size – regular files or –x files (i.e. docx)

· You can edit any Word, Excel, OneNote, or PP file

· You can download those files individually or your ‘My Documents’ folder as Zip file

· You get 25GB which is HUGE for free online storage

· It’s FREE and easily accessible

Cons:

· You can format a document with indentation and such, but chances are you will lose that formatting when you upload a document – you might even lose it in a download, but I still have to check that.

· You cannot upload folder trees as of right now – which is a pain if you want to transfer a lot over – if you have a bundle that you just want to store online you can upload it as a Zip file.

· I’m sure it’s going to be lacking the super powerful features.

· If you create a new document or spreadsheet, it’s going to be a docx or xlsx and you can’t change that.

So far it looks promising. The loss of formatting really bugs the snot out of me since I’m a writer, but I might go through the painstaking editing once if it means I will never be without a MS Doc editor again. I hope they improve on it.

I Live @ Barnes & Noble

2010-05-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

The more I enjoy books and writing, the more I love Barnes & Noble. Shame I can’t figure out a way to work there without being shelf-stocker at my local store. That actually wouldn’t be so bad but I couldn’t make a living out of that.

Makes me wonder that if I publish my book, could I keep that as my full time job and stock some books on the side while basking in the inkpress smell of colorfully bound paperbacks and jacket wrapped hardbounds? Sounds like a lovely thought, especially if it means I can keep up with having health insurance for me and my little boy.

I doubt I will be so lucky though.

NOOK, eReader, eBook reader - Barnes & Noble

2010-05-19T06:18:00.001-07:00

I have to say I’m impressed with this one. I’ve been checking out the ebook scene for a long time considering it might be the only way to reign in my massive and ever growing collection of books.

Up until Amazon’s Kindle came on the scene, if you wanted to read an ebook, you did it on your not-so-elegant computer screen. And lets face it, who really forks out a lot of money for a top quality monitor?

However, times have changed and not only do with have this marvelous monochrome screen technology that makes both the Kindle and the Nook look like you’re reading an actually page, but computer and laptop screens have come up in quality.

Looks like Barnes and Noble struck while the iron was hot. People are looking to de-clutter, save money, and of course everyone wants the next big gadget. BOOM we have the Nook.

The Nook beats the Kindle over one important aspect: you can try it out in the store. I’m sure the differences between them are slight, the next biggest one being the collection associated with it. But the Nook is trying to pull away fast by making more applications available such as very basic web browsing and being able to read any ebook, front to back, while in-store.

Personally, I’m using their software but not the Nook. I have a netbook with a great touch screen that can act as a tablet pc. The eReader software works exceptionally well and I’m impressed wit the collection available at BN.com. Also, they have free ebooks available if you look hard enough. Apparently, they’re also starting to give away free ebooks when you’re in-store as well. Don’t expect some big name title though. It seems more free ebooks are the first in a series of books by the given author. Still, could be some good reading. Some have great reviews.

So, if you’re bored and don’t want to reorganize that bookshelf again, download the software on your pc and check out some free ebooks. Who knows, you might just get hooked and find yourself heading for the store.

NOOK, eReader, eBook reader - Barnes & Noble

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta – LIMIT UPDATE

2010-04-22T10:04:00.001-07:00

Yes folks, there is a limit. Also, that free version with ads that’s been rumored – it sounds like it’s only going to be on NEW machines. So, yes beta is still free for 6 more months. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Office 2010 Beta will be available until October of 2010. At
that point you can download the full trial or purchase Office 2010.
Tell us
what you think about Office 2010 Beta at http://www.facebook.com/office
Cheers,
Andy
MSFT Office Outreach Team

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta - Free Download

2010-04-21T08:15:00.001-07:00

Am I the only one who didn’t know this was available?

Yes, Office 2010 is available for download to all those out there fussing and complaining that their netbook never came with an office suite.

Because I was part of that group, I was hunting about the web looking for at least one free fully-functional word processor application. But again, my standards are pretty high being both a writer and IT person. It needed to hand .doc files without converting. It needed standard indentation and quotation marks. And of course there wasn’t much out there. Startforce (which I mentioned before) was the only place where I had access to a Microsoft-clone like application.

Unit now…

But there is a catch to this free download. There could be a limit to it at some point.

According to an article on PC World.com this beta version has been available since early November of 2009 and there was no plan on limiting it or cancelling the availability, but that could always change.

My advice right now: go get it! However, be aware of converting any documents to docx format. Office 2003 still cannot handle it and I have noticed that the software patch you can download to convert docx to doc can be buggy.

Office 2010 is extremely powerful and useful. I am still not a fan of the ribbon menu which is on every program, but I deeply appreciate all it’s features. MS Word is definitely something I cannot live without.

Microsoft Office 2010 Beta - Free Download

Balancing Work Demands

2010-01-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

These trying economical times are teasing me something terrible.

As many of you know, I am not a full time writer/ website designer. I hold a day job where both those skills come in handy. Like many, I have dreamed about going full-time with my own business in order to be my own boss and enjoy my work. And also like many, I don’t because I can not endure the instability that brings. I could not live without health insurance nor the worry that next week I might not have a paycheck.

How ironic that at this time when it’s so hard to maintain a job, I am getting multiple professional requests for building websites. Its hard to say ‘no’ despite my hectic schedule these days and even harder not to contemplate doing 24/7.

The demands of a small business are pretty high; even for one that’s working out of a home office. Even with the internet for marketing your skill, it can still be difficult to find clients and harder still to keep their business. You not only have to be competitive but impress them by convincing them you have the style and expertise they need. That can be a tall order for a spouse and parent who is depended upon to bring in an average income and provide health insurance. You might be able to do all that and love your job, but then you might be sacrificing your time at home with the family.

Luckily for me, I’m very good at the straightforward functional websites that I’m known for. It doesn’t take much for me to get someone’s website up and running. In fact, provided a client isn’t too demanding, I could have their entire website up in one full day of work. Now if I had a client every day, that would work out great.

Startforce - My Prayers Answered

2010-01-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

After trying out so many other web desktops I have to say Startforce is by far the best. I finally found a web desktop that offers all the features I need in a mobile. It has a word processor that ACTS like a word processor and storage features that allow me to move files easily.

Here's some of my favorite features:

- Word, Spreadsheet, and Presentation applications that are VERY identical looking to Microsoft (they're by Kingsoft unless you buy the professional account - then it IS Microsoft)
- Bulk uploader that allows you to upload file trees
- Bulk download by zip file
- 5GB of free storage (professional account is10GB for 29.99 per month)
- Messenger program that allows you a stripped down version of msn, yahoo, icq, and aol.

There are some drawbacks, but considering the features available, they're minor.

- You can not download and install this on your own server. You must log in to
your account on their website. That presents security issues if you start using
the messenger and email client.
- Being on a shared service means things could run slow when 'everybody' is online.
- I have yet to try and install a foreign application but I doubt it would work (still going to try and install HTML-kit)
- Moving icons around can get annoying - not to mention remembering to click on the ICON and not the name below (because that does nothing).

So, what do we have after all of this is considered? A reasonably adjustable, very Microsoft-like desktop with all the basic tools you could want, exactly as you'd want them to perform. I only wish the professional account gave you more storage for the money. At 30 bucks a month, I would expect something like 35GB - a real back-up size so that someone could back up a real amount of photos and large size documents/presentations.

I highly recommend you try it out for yourself. Just be warned, the demo version has the Microsoft applications, BUT the Kingsoft are extremely similar to the traditional style word processor we're all familiar with. Check out Startforce.

Back in Business

2009-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Despite a tumultuous personal life, StarKite Works (as it’s now called) is back in business again.

It’s true that I did pick a very inadequate time to take on the responsibility of finishing a professional job, but thankfully the client is laid back and we both agreed on relaxed terms. I’m looking forward to finishing it without having a high impact on what few hours I have to myself these days.

Other current projects, such as my novel, are put off for the time being. Time management means that chat time has also got to be cut short. Sadly, even without a project like this, I have been spending less and less time at deviantArt.com. I miss perusing the delicious art community, but it feels like I honestly miss perusing with friends. Commenting doesn’t hold as much fun without a friend with which to banter back and forth.

One friend in particular stands out and I must reconnect. She is not only an amazing artist but I envy her writing skills as well. Hopefully I can snag a phone conversation before the holidays when she has a break from college.

Personal Pitstop

2009-11-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit quiet these days due to some medical problems I've been having lately.

Not only is my world being turned around by the prospect of buying a new house, but it also happens to be the time when I'm haunted by the c-word. Cancer.

Apparently, I have a swollen thyroid with a large solid mass nodule. Biopsies came back inconclusive and I am considering going straight to surgery.

Nodules are a common growth on thyroids and are usualy benign. It's like a bubble but not hollow. It still functions as thyroid tissue but usually continues to grow. I have nodules on the left and right side of this butterfly shaped organ that straddles my vocal cords and windpipe. However, the right side is one gigantic nodule.

Biopsies were taken of both sides. I went through 4 fine needle biopsies with no anesthetic - 3 to the right side and 1 for the left (but the doctor poked it in and out a few times using an ultrasound to draw from the couple of nodules I have there). Needless to say I was very sore and bruised. I had a splash of black and blue down my neck for well over a week.

The left side came back benign but that's not a 100% confirmation of no cancer. The right side came back inconclusive due to a lack of cells.

The doctor gave me a couple of options...
1. Take out the whole thing since the right side needs to come out anyways.
2. Take out the right and have it examined. If cancer is found then the left side will need to come out as well.
3. Let the surgeon decide how much to remove.
4. Have more biopsies.

Good news is that I recently read that while on the operating table, the right side or a small portion of it may be able to be analyzed under a microscope looking for cancer. So if cancer is found, the left side can be removed before the end of the surgery.

It's that possible second surgery that's worrying me the most. My husband also feels I shouldn't just give up all of the organ.

The thyroid is a vital organ that creates a needed hormone T4. Even with the right side removed I will not have enough thyroid left to produce the needed amount of hormone. I'm going to be on hormone medications for the rest of my life. Good news is that it's very manageable.

Cancer will me a complete removal of my thyroid followed up by radiation therapy using iodine. No chemotherapy needed.

So, it sounds like I have a pretty safe situation cancer-wise. Thyroid cancer is one of the easiest cancers to deal with, treat, and has a high survival rate.

It's still be a lot on my mind.

Timeless Theme Done to Death: Vampires

2009-10-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

I’m sure someone is going to look at this and say: Isn’t there enough out there about this cliché theme? True, there will always be vampire books, series, movies, and graphic novels. Why does it never end?

With Halloween around the corner I thought it might be a little fun to examine why we never truly get sick of bloodsuckers.

So why is a night-dwelling, blood slurping old fart with fangs so attractive? Vampires really do run the entire gambit. Stories about them can be set in the past, the present, and the future. They can be ancient, ugly, good, bad, sexy, powerful, villains and even victims. Are usually human enough in form and action for us to relate to them but foreign enough to lure us with attractive unknowns.

Commonly portrayed as the seductive villain, vampires have the same lure that all “bad boys” and “bad girls” have – they’re confident, seemingly powerful, and direct about what they want. There’s hardly a wishy-washy sensitive type among their ranks. Even if one does have deep seated feeling, it’s hidden behind a stone facade protecting that tender center where his or her heart once was. Vampires can be at home in any story. Sometimes they even change form from a blood drinker to one that simply leeches life force energy from a victim.

Writers are always trying to put a new twist to avoid the annoyed ‘bleh’s from the general public and yet still attract those who will never be tired of this humanoid predator hiding among men. All I have to say to those writers is god speed and good luck.

Personally, I’m on the fence. I can’t help but be attracted to the vampire world, but I limit myself to more unique interpretations. My favs? I am a fan of TrueBlood on HBO, but I’m also drawn to the original comic by Vermillion Works.

Frames Vs. Open

2009-10-09T10:48:00.001-07:00

No, I’m not talking <frameset> frames – no one really uses those ancient things anymore. I’m talking about websites that are framed like a picture on a background (like this blog) versus websites that use up the whole browser window - like http://www.designtaxi.com/ - a superbly designed website I might add.

I haven’t been able to find much discussion on this in the design world. Framing looks neat and organized, but limits the size of content - forcing a reader to scroll to see more. Open websites can seem not as clean or streamlined. However, it really depends on the designer. I only say these things because I know my design limitations.

Why did I choose to frame?

I frame because I always did like the blog format. I thought it looked nicely structured, clean and easy to understand. Plus, when I would try to use up the whole page, I would feel odd having it all aligned left even if it had a margin. I shouldn’t be afraid of such things and as I check out more professional websites I see how people have made open websites look clean and organized. Now, I get a little upset with myself as I try to emulate blog templates. And yet on the other hand, many professionals who keep a personal/business website have it centered around a blog!

It’s enough to make your head spin.

I guess the best way to make your blog-look-a-like website stand out is all the little touches. It’s the masterful CSS that alternates with night and day, all the individual icons or the interesting way you included things like your Twitter account. The Web Designer Wall blog reminded me of how the mix of textures and allowing certain things to break out of the framed line up can add more dimension to a website.

Am I thinking too much on this? Maybe so, but I’m just amazed and confused at the huge variety of visually appealing and functional websites as I sit there and wonder: “what’s right for mine?”.

Ever asked yourself the same question? Or did you know right off the bat?

Wordpress and the Professional Website

2009-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

The more I check out other web designers’ websites, the more I see that it’s actually a combo of Wordpress and a hosted website. The website with portfolio, personal, and contact information is revolving around the recent posts made by the designer covering both business and personal topics.

It’s a nice format and I want to have that myself, but I’m still a blogger. Wordpress is available and I’ve tried it a few times, but it’s always been so oddly restrictive. Not to mention all of the template HTML/CSS files are fragmented. Meaning that you adjust the header here, you adjust the body on that one, oh and the sidebar is this file over here.

It’s hard to keep everything working together smoothly when you can only open and edit one HTML file at a time.

However, seeing what bigger and better web designers can do with hosting Wordpress on their websites. It makes me want to try it all again. Especially since I’m having difficulty getting blogger piped into my website. Right now I’m experimenting with a highly refined feed but that’s it.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

iGoogle

2009-09-16T09:36:00.001-07:00

As I continue my constant quest to find the online desktop of my dreams, I have found myself leaning on Google's iGoogle page.

iGoogle is basically a personalized form of the main search page. The page is personalized with organized gadgets that can be grouped by tabs. Personalization can be taken a step further with header pictures and color themes.

Though the structure of these pages and gadgets is pretty firm, the number of gadgets make the pages very useful. I not only have a gadget for such things as Twitter, Gmail, and my Google Calendar, but I also have gadgets for my Google Docs, Box.net Account, Zoho Account, my Blogs, Deviantart, and there are tons more available.

However, unlike Blogger where you can have a HTML gadget which you can turn into anything you want, all gadgets are uniform and public. Meaning that if you make a gadget to suit yourself, everyone else will be able to use it. Oh and don't try using one with a basic password lock-out. It just doesn't work. There are gadgets where you have to "sign in" but I take it that requires some specific code.

iGoogle has made me take another look at Google Docs, and though I still appreciate the speed and ease of use, I still don't like how few features it has. I can't even upload more than one document at a time. It has a clean look and the spreadsheet application is very nicely done, but until I can upload a folder tree AND dynamic quotes are the norm, I will only be a casual user.

Still... many people might find this very useful and I highly recommend it.

Revisiting Icloud

2009-09-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Based on the comment by the Icloud Team, I revisited Icloud and found that though you can have a direct link to a MS Word Document, it’s what you think.

Yes, you can convert an XML Document (Primary format) to a MS Word Document, but you loose all formatting. I.E. All my indentation was lost and weird spaces between sentences were added.
Even though #1 breaks the deal altogether, I want to also explain that you don’t get a link directly to that Word Document. Instead of http://www.blahblah.doc, you get a link directly to a download mechanism. It ACTS just like a direct link to a Word Doc unless you’re using a viewer like Ipaper (WHICH I DO). The viewer does not pick it up as a document to convert and view in the viewer rendering the link useless for people like me.

I give Icloud a D+ in my book. Yes, it has a great looking online desktop but there is no reason for loosing formatting when converting a document to such a standard as MS Word. The fact that their link doesn’t work for me and that this service can not be installed on my own website server would alone bring their grade down to a B. If the formatting problem was fixed I would at least be able to use it to write documents, but now it’s completely useless for me.

Cloud Technology/Web OS/Online Desktop

2009-06-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

Whatever you call it, you’re basically talking about a remote desktop that’s living on the web either house in the developer’s server or on your own website server.

Either way it’s a great idea for all of us on the move in this fast paced world; it just needs some more refinement.

I decided to check out all the mainstream developers and their products but I approached it from a unique angle: I’m a fiction writer with specific demands.

1. Has to have a Word/Document application that’s similar to MS Word in the way you can format your document with indentation, quotations for dialog, and etc..

2. When a document is saved it’s a “.doc” file that I can link to using a browser.

3. Preferably this is a service I can download and install on my own website server.

So, let’s see how they stack up.

EyeOS is the first one I tried out. It stood out because (so far) it’s the only one that offers a version that I can download and install on my own web server. I think that’s very impressive.

The desktop isn’t as 100% similar to a Windows desktop but its close enough to be understood as a desktop.

However, once it came to the document application everything went wrong. First, the document editor is extremely cumbersome with, as far as I can tell, no way to indent the beginning of a paragraph. Secondly, you could tweak a setting to get it to save a document as a .doc file but it’s so far buried in the folder system that you can’t link to it.

So, I have yet to uninstall this, but it falls short of my needs. EyeOS is an open source project so people are welcome to make applications to run on it. I pray that someone develops a better document application. Currently there is a handful of other applications but be wary; many don’t work right.

Icloud is the second one on my list and this is purely a service provided by the developer. Regardless, I thought I might be able to deal with the ‘account’ so long as it provided me with the other two specifics I needed.

The desktop itself is very much like windows. In fact it attempts to be identical. However, I run into all the same problems with the document application. Even though this service has a great file tree and there’s a way to treat it as if it were a USB flash drive, it has the same poor application and no way to link to the files.

Cloudo is third and it’s a mirror of Icloud. There are minor differences in the desktop and applications. Icloud is 100% like Windows and Cloudo is 90% like Windows. They seem to be big competitors.

I plan to try more, but if you’re like me and looking for a geek version to edit your stories from any computer then so far it looks like you’re going to be disappointed.

My current solution? Box.net. They are a provider, but they give you 1GB and you can use a REAL version of the Zoho Document Editor to edit your works. It’s very easy to work with files and if you share a document, you can see that shared version in a great program I use called Ipaper and THAT link can be put on your website. However, I have run into glitches. Be careful copying and pasting from MS Word and take your time when saving your work.

Open/Editing/Saving Documents to a Server/Website

2009-06-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

Yes, I have tried to tackle this mindboggling problem of how to open, edit and then save documents to and from my website server.

First off, if you know the ins and outs of PHP or ASP then you’ve probably already solved this problem. But for the millions of us programming amateurs, we’ve been hunting for some kind of API or third party program we can install and configure to do the same thing. I’ve decided to publish my findings so that others might be able to benefit. If someone happens to use my information and finally bridge the gap I HOPE they clue me in on the solution.

Here we go…

There are a lot of online MS Word-like document editors out there, but not many are equipped to do the dance we’re talking about. Google Docs will bring in a hosted document but won’t save it back to that location. Thinkfree did a lot of the same things and looked impressive despite having personal java problems with it; it even had the API option though you had to buy it. Zoho Online Office was the only option that sprung out at me because everything was free, they had an API that looked tweakable, and they had made improvements on their editor.

What are you using it for?

I am a fiction writer and a geek so I have a high demand when it comes to an online document editor. I need it to keep indentation and formatting. My goal using this was to keep documents on my server viewable using Scribd’s Ipaper Viewer yet edit them from an office application on the web or my server, which would open and save documents to my server. This would solve the question of, how do I continue to edit my documents using the same editor all the time no matter where I am. You, however, might not care as much as I do about formatting but still enjoy the fact that all you need is a computer and the internet in order to work on your papers.

Here’s the story…

Zoho has an API and it looks quite malleable. I was able to create two form submits – one that opens up document from my local C Drive and one that will open up A DESIGNATED web document. Both opened up the Zoho Editor and allowed me to edit. Saving is where I came to a problem – I could not for the life of me get it to save the document to my server… I couldn’t get it to save to anything and I will continue to work on this. Should I succeed I will post about it.

Here’s the Solution…

Box.net is a useful little storage website I have been using for a long time. They have incorporated many other web applications from other services including Zoho. You can open, edit, save, preview, share documents. Box.net is also where I learned of Ipaper since they used it as a preview program. Why I had not used this service to edit and save my documents to their storage site is because the Zoho Editor was unrefined at the time. It constantly lost formatting, took away indenting, and basically made a mess of my work. But… the times, they have been a-changing! Now the editor keeps my format and though the indenting is slightly different from MS Word, it will keep whatever you choose. Sharing the documents seemed like it might be a hassle because sharing produces a link to be downloaded or previewed. BUT if you choose preview, you get an Ipaper view of that document and a LINK. If you were to incorporate that link on your website and set the target as New then you would get a pop up view of your document in Ipaper.

True, I am giving something up by not using MY server but this seems to be the best solution at the moment.

I will write another post on the Zoho Editor API if I figure out it’s saving problem.

Departures from a Character's Nature

2009-04-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Now here’s the biggest problem in fanfiction… taking a character who is already defined and having him or her depart from their normal nature or characteristics to fit into the author’s idea. This is normally accompanied by an original character (or “OC”) that the author created to interact with this established character.

This is not always the death of a good story. It is possible to keep an established character IN character yet have a sudden departure. This departure needs to have a trigger – I would say a highly emotional one that hits a chord deep in their being. You don’t need to research the EC for ever in order to find this chord, but it needs to be something believable. A sudden realization followed by an unsure and slow to adapt response is best – after all, people don’t change over night.

Taking a Break

2009-03-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hopefully without sounding too overly emotional, I have decided to take a break from many things. I haven’t been feeling like myself and I think I need to reorganize myself and that requires time to myself. Thank you for your understanding. I will still be checking my email: kite@starkite.net.

Character Journals

2009-03-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

One thing I find helpful is Character Journal Entries. You can take a day, your day or a day that takes place in your story and write from one of your characters’ point of view. This makes for a great writing prompt as well. I currently have a journal entry for a tentative character called Jonathan Astor on my deviantart page. I am also keeping a written journal of one of my fanfiction characters. Perhaps someday I will give it as a gift to someone as a memento of all we’ve done together.

Books Do NOT Write Themselves

2009-03-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

Books do not write themselves so sitting around thinking about your would-be novel and imagining the characters will not suddenly make the manuscript appear. Don’t think! Write! I know that sounds so cliché and forced. You’re going to look at me and say “I need to be inspired”. But honestly, if you wait around for lightening to hit your noggin you’re never going to finish anything in good time. Sometimes the muse must be forced… prodded if you will. Don’t let it sleep around and watch TV.

Also, it’s true that the average 15 yr old has experienced enough of the world in order to write something worthwhile so don’t park your butt in front of a screen thinking you need to see something particular first. You have it already! Just dig inside your head a bit with only paper and a pencil in front of you. Still can’t find anything? Pick an object in the room and describe your main character using it. That’s it! You might not use the piece but it was good practice.

Tip for the Week

2009-03-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

If you or your proof-reader finds that you end up searching for the action in a sentence, then you’re using way too many adjectives and descriptive elements.

You might need to lighten the load and take for granted that your reader has a good imagination and can picture the scene well without so much description. Keep the juicy ones and let the reader imagine the rest.

More Poetry

2009-03-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

My guiding star is the 7th one, though she claims it's 8. Such a glittering shining distant world I aspire to but can never reach. How I miss you. I see you when clouds part and time slows down. I still look to your guidance though you'll have nothing to do with me. Are you happy? Have you inspired others? I see a new gazer following your trail.

No, I will not sink into your silence. I will bear my soul this once and risk my naked vulnerable body before you. I love you. I always have. To loose you that day was to loose my will to fight. Without your harsh unyeilding mind my heart fails. I want more than your pity but I doubt I will get that. I am too weak for you and I know it. So here... here is my strength... I love you. Damn the consequences.

Consolidating Blogs

2009-03-05T07:18:00.001-08:00

It looks like Blogger.com has rigged up an Export/Import blog function. As soon as I figure out why it’s not working for me, I plan to consolidate my blogs under one heading. I will be consolidating this blog with my ‘Pagination’ blog, which I have had since 2003. I plan to keep Kite’s Aerie separate since it’s really a just a place for blurbs of fiction based on Kite or Storm Hawks (of which I am still hopelessly obsessed).

I will try desperately to make this blog a little more professional and keep my obsession to Kite’s Aerie.

Wish me luck.

Sinking into Poetic Sadness

2009-02-18T12:33:00.001-08:00

Prose Poetry

My lonely friend, why have you left me? I stood around all day trying to conjure your devilish features but an angel stood in my way. He sat giggling, firmly demanding my heart. The cherub of my life is more than welcome but no equal. I am lower than him, depraved and cruel. Ascending and descending my ladder in a mad pace; I find it hard to keep up with our joined life. It’s always in a distance do I see someone who might join me on more levels. God how I wish to fold the world like paper to bring us all closer. But for now… I will pine for you and be alone.

The Temptation of Money

2008-10-20T09:55:00.001-07:00

Though I said to myself that I was going to focus on getting publish by finishing one of my works, I can’t help but be tempted by a job building a website for a company that could obviously use it.

They look like they could particularly do well with my style of work since they have an existing website that just needs a little fleshing out along with a menu system and request form. Their website lacks in visibility and utility for their potential clients and current customers.

However, to save myself the heartache and remind myself of how cumbersome this process can be, I’ve started a new index page for them and I plan to build it properly with a css style page and javascript menu. If I finish it in good time and feel proud of my product, I’ll pitch it to with a price offering to build a few more pages with forms and content.

If it works I make a little extra money and gain a new client. If it doesn’t… I’ve gotten a good work-out on my html and css writing skills.

The Addictive Art of Roleplaying

2008-10-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

You might hear the term: RPG and only think of Dungeons and Dragons, but the term can relate to any scenario where one or more people take on the character of another. It can be in relation to an established fiction, movie, genre, or even real life.

What’s so interesting and addictive is that you could be anyone you want to be, shed your own struggles and triumphs for theirs if only for a few hours. What’s so engaging is that you are building a story through dialog. A truly interesting RPG is one with master story creators who know just how to propel themselves into a new situation after situation.

It’s an exercise really.

And this post reminds me that SOMEONE owes me a peek at what might be her first attempt at writing a story albeit fanfiction.

Speed bumps galore

2008-10-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Problem #1

I can’t move posts and comments. Blogger has yet to come up with a way to do this. If I want to move my posts I would have to do them all by hand and comments would be lost.

I could move them in HUGE groups since I did download all of them by hand once. That might be the only way to hold onto my old posts without holding onto the entire old blog but the move would take some time.

Problem #2

I’m still having a hard time bringing this blog under my domain. My website’s control panel is NOT very helpful.

POV and Language

2008-10-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

As I work on my novel idea, I have been debating the idea of writing it not only in the rare First Person POV, but also using a particular dialect or old world terminology.

The First Person can be a refreshing change, but you’re limited to what that person knows. However, you can expand on that knowledge by making the First Person past tense. It’s easily done with phrases like “Little did I know…” or “Later it would be known…”.

As for the language and dialect, that is a much trickier style to employ without loosing your reader’s attention. You must consider the audience you are trying to entertain and whether or not they will pick up or put down.

If you want to add a little ‘color’ through language, then it seems best to add a few words here and there without deviating from common speech too much.

Some Sci-Fi novels employ usually always have new slang, titles, and terminology, but for those that use it frequently another good tool is the glossary.

Sci-Fi Thoughts

2008-10-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sci-fi novels are harder than you think.

At first glance, you think: “I can do this…it’s easy enough to put people on a space ship and imagine purple worlds”, but there’s so much more to consider when creating an engaging story.

You might want to start off on a crystal image of something or throw the reader right into some action, but with alien worlds and creatures – how do you do it without loosing the reader?

Secondly, to make a really engaging story, you’re going to want more than just a handful of people from your own time and culture talking and interacting. You’ll want alien people, alien cultures, and futuristic problems. Yet, you still need to add something that’s familiar enough so the reader can relate to the story.

A friend of mine has written short stories in a sci-fi universe in the form of epic poems. In her stories she makes no attempt to fully describe people and situations other than a brief description. What makes the story engaging is the basic human emotions so vividly described. She has great descriptive powers that create a wonderful vision without bogging the story down. So it’s as if watching an intriguing movie from the middle onward and though a few might find it annoying, there are many who would be fascinated and enjoy the rest of the movie. I find that this is the more successful type of sci-fi story.

The second type is when the writer decides to describe workings, history, and other such information in chunky bits scattered throughout the story. In my opinion, it does tend to slow the story down, but there are some stories that border on complete misunderstanding and need a moment to clarify.

Both work, which would you choose?

Moving

2008-10-06T09:41:00.001-07:00

So… Despite having a perfectly able Wordpress weblog active on my own ftp server… I have chosen to stay with Blogger.

Why?...

Blogger has a design that I already know how to manipulate. It’s true that they are lacking in templates, but Wordpress has too many that require downloading, adding, and then manipulating each requires touching more than one file. Widgets have the same problem with Wordpress.

I must thank Wordpress though. It is through a particular blog template that I found this gorgeous banner picture that spawned a whole design theme that works great with my logo.

To complete the move I will try to consolidate all my blog posts under this one blog. Although, I’m not quite sure what to do with my first blog, which I still love: Jill’s Pagination.

I’ll figure it out with a little time.

You Guessed It

2008-10-01T04:51:00.000-07:00

As you might have been able to guess... I seem to prefer Blogger.com to Wordpress even though I have my own website and can host my wordpress account.

Now I just need to finalize the visual details and move this thing to be under my domain.

Crisis of Focus

2008-08-31T07:42:00.001-07:00

It's been ages since I posted here.

At first, I thought my problem was choosing between working solely as a copywriter/web designer or going back to being an aspiring fiction writer.

They both are enjoyable to a certain extent, but I've learned that it wasn't my direction... it was my focus.

I simply don't give enough of my time to the business of being a copywriter or to the art of crafting a story & characters. My skills at both are "ok" but that level won't me successful in either arena.

So I have come to the point where I not only need to pick a direction but I also need to discover if I can commit myself to completing one of those dreams.

But one thing is certain: I don't need anyone's help. This is my own little struggle and I intend to keep it that way.

Crisis of Focus

2008-08-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

Publishing Work

2008-03-13T03:48:00.001-07:00

I have decided to publish some of my finished and in-progress work. In the process, I plan to move a lot of my work to my online writing desk with Zoho Writer.

You'll soon see links appearing along the side directing you to particular pieces of fanfiction cataloged by fandom. I don't plan to publish any scraps or notes (except for the random writings that are posted directly to Kite's Aerie).

A more updated version of my second Guardian Angel story will appear here.

I am considering whether or not to take down the Storm Hawks Fan Wiki.

Beginning Notes

2008-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

Beginning Notes: (reference random writings on Kite’s Aerie)

Haven –

Neutral terra located between the Northern and Southern skies. Founded on the premises of free trade and a hope for peace. It has no Sky Knight squadron because it is considered neutral and has usually been a place of treaties and truces.

Haven was once the home of the Aurora Stone, which protected it from the violent border storms. However, the once ruler of Cyclonia understood the power of this rare crystal and sent his entire fleet after Haven to raise it to the ground and capture the crystal.

The Sky Knights caught wind of this and tried to fend off the force, but they underestimated the Cyclonians and were easily overwhelmed. After sustaining heavy damage they were forced to retreat after a brief struggle over the Aurora Stone itself, in which a shard was lost. They left many of the inhabitants of Haven to their fate except what small children were thrust upon them as they escaped.

One of those small children was Kite and another was a dark haired boy with great flying skill. Only 10 years old at the time, Kite put up a struggle as she was torn from her family and friends. A knock to the head threw all memory of Haven into the dark depths of her mind. The only thing she could barely recall was the dark haired boy who helped her when they both realized they were on board the Storm Hawks Condor – the last carrier to leave Haven.

Sky Knight squadrons from both the Northern and Southern skies came to the rescue of Haven. Few were lost in the struggle, but many were injured. Cyclonia had struck a powerful blow and the Sky Knights were aware that it shook Atmos’ faith in their ability to defend the terras. In a hotly debated argument before the Sky Knight council on Atmosia, the squadrons agreed to keep the true loss of Haven a secret. Following through, they separated the surviving children among the terras.

The Storm Hawks took interest in the dark haired boy who had helped save their carrier in a time of need and would have taken Kite as well while she clung to her new friend. However, the council had spoken and they were to be separated. The little injured Kite was left crying and it caught the eye of young Corsair of the North Star squadron. About 17 at the time, he reached out as an older brother would and asked that Kite be taken in by the squad.

Random Writings

2008-02-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Instead of moving my fanfiction blog to a new address, I have simply decided to call it a Random Writings home.

You see, I am not only writing my fanfiction but also partaking in an online RPG, in which my original character has evolved in a different direction. That in itself has spawned a whole new avenue of writing that has branched off from the main fanfic. I have decided to house that writing on the blog.

For all RPG players who might see this: please note that the wiki still has my primary journal and all writings on the blog "Kite's Aerie" shouldn't be considered 'official happenings' unless I move them to the journal. I'm just writing for the sake of writing and won't bring it into the virtual reality unless I get some feed back from parties I've included in the writing.

Thinking of moving...

2008-02-15T06:22:00.001-08:00

As you might have noticed... this blog uses my weird acronym name and not the handle I love so much.

I have been considering moving the contents of this blog to another under that handle so I can keep this sub-domain for other purposes that have more to do with my real name.

In truth, I have so many free blogs and free websites that I should just consolidate them all someday a manage them properly.

Bear with me.

Some Poll...

2008-01-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

What a helpful poll... it's dead even.

Anyhoo, I took down the second story again because I am completely ashamed of my typos and I wrote the last few pages too fast. I didn't let the scene sink in enough to really flesh it out proper.

I'm very happy that I didn't post it to Deviantart yet because I keep going back and revising earlier sections to lead up better. Because I have it up SOMEWHERE - I am actually getting a little feed back that is helping me a LOT with how this story turns out.

I still fear disappointing those who like the first story so much. I'm starting to wonder how I can top it... I can only pray and work my butt off.

I hope to have it really revised and back up by the end of the weekend.

My Work

2007-12-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

My work can currently be found at DeviantArt.com and also on my wiki - listed above as "Storm Hawks Fan Home". Just like this pleasure blog, that is my pleasure wiki. It's quite possible that both of these will change in time as my interests change... but not for the forseeable future.

My current work includes: Guardian Angel - Fanfiction for Storm Hawks.
I am currently working on a sequel to this story, which has the working title Guardian Angel 2 - The Last Stand. But that sounds so overdone so I hope I come up with something better.

Both stories are centered around my OC - Kite. A bio of her can be found on the wiki. Though I have tried to draw her, my first concept sketch was poor at best. A deviant by the handle of Silkyfuzz was the one who really designed her. I feel forever in debted to her for the talented work she did just out of joy for my fanfic. It is her original design that I use when I try to sketch my character.

This fanfic has really engrossed me from the beginning and I am happy with how it has turned out. This is one of the few fanfics I have written that actually make sense, incorporates many literary devices, and has an ending that ties many things together into a beautiful package. Coming up with a sequel is difficult because I don't think I could out do my original story.

Why a sequel? Because not everything was tied together... and the ending left room for a continuation. However, as I plod forward, I am starting to wonder if I can really pull off a second story. There are good parts, but there has to be a STORY - not just a bunch of scenes.

What's really weird is I already have an ending... but then I read another fanfic by Timberwolf229 called Aerials and I got inspiration for a NEW ending based on her beginning. That catapulted me into a 3rd story and I just HAD to start writing it... just to get it out of my head. Looking back... it could be great, but I would need to knuckle down and finish the 2nd story... hopefully before I loose what readers I had in the first place.

Bear with me guys. I'm nuts but I'm dedicated.

Those LJ guys

2007-12-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I'm a little jealous of all those guys who have been partying Storm Hawks style on Livejournal. I don't have an account, and through DeviantArt, I am just learning about what I am missing. So, for everyone's enjoyment, I placed a link here to their Storm Hawks fan group.

TheDarkAce - also known as Darksmokinaces is a very talented artist who frequents both... same for Viistar - who is such a kindred spirit for me.

They can be a little crazy with all the shipping going on, but if you can have an open mind, you'll find yourself laughing and having a great time.

The Dark Ace

2007-12-23T14:46:00.000-08:00

So why do I love that tall, dark, deadly, devious, evil, cunning, pilot known as the Dark Ace?

He's just wonderful. Not only is he the best, but he knows it. He has a devilishly sexy voice with an ego that knows how to use it.

Everytime I see him smirk, sneer, scowl, or curl his thin lips in any way - I can't help but smile myself. Of course he has the standard evil laugh that's coupled with a gorgeous shout of rage when he looses.

How could you not love that face?

Yet Another One

2007-12-23T12:57:00.001-08:00

This is one of three blogs I keep under my arm... One for business, One for Passion, and Now - One for Pleasure.

Must keep them all separate, because if any of you saw all of them at once - you'd have a horrible fractured view of who I am, and I'm not prepared to share that much of myself all at once. It could be shocking. Takes a special person to be able to see so much and under how the pieces all fit together.

2007-09-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Looking for some super web savvy writer who can make your website informative, interesting, and inexpensive?

Green Light Copy offers the complete package:

Web Design
Copy-writing
Research
Marketing

This is a great deal for small businesses looking to have their first website. For those of you unfamiliar with uploading, hosting, and domain names - Green Light can help you turn a free blog into your website. That means that you can get a space on the Web for only the cost of labor. Once it's up and running, you can learn the simple steps to change content.

Everyone is different, and being adaptive is one of Green Light's hallmarks. Your business becomes THE business. Don't be afraid that you'll be squeezed into some website mold. Solving the problem of your unique needs is what it’s all about.

Give Green Light a try. Green means go.

The Deciding Factor

2007-09-12T05:02:00.001-07:00

Why I chose not to move to Wordpress: Blogger.com is owned by Google.

The most obvious meaning of that answer is that Google has the power and ability to continually promote Blogger.com and add features to it. The second part is that Google supplies Blogger.com with all of its well-maintained servers, which allows for quick responses from the dashboard while working with your blog. Lastly, Google’s philosophy of freedom and community better suit me, i.e. I like being able to tweak all of my html and css code for my blog, and I like the slim navigational bar that comes will all blogs unless you hack the code.

Wordpress is pretty and just as if not a little more functional these days, but I won’t throw my chips in with them.

Wordpress

2007-08-25T21:49:00.001-07:00

After blogging for years at Blogger.com, I am considering Wordpress.

My test blog: www.jillspagination.wordpress.com

Writing Versus Copywriting

2007-07-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Success at copywriting depends dearly on being understood when writing. Many creative writers who turn to copywriting in order to feed their starving career have a tendency to find that their artistic flurish is quite undesirable.

Look back at the sentence I just wrote; how could be more direct?

First, take out the unnecessary words:
'Creative' -> the noun 'writer' already brings a sense of creativity.
'in order to feed their starving career' -> is too descriptive, better to say 'who temporarily turn to copwriting' and delete the whole phrase.
'have a tendency' -> 'have a habit'
'to find that their artistic flurish is quite undesirable' -> 'of being undesirably artistic'

New sentence: Many writers who temporarily turn to copywriting have a habit of being undesirably artistic.

So a sentence that was once 26 words long has now been shortened to 14. That's almost half the size, yet it still carries the same meaning. Both were great sentences (even if I do say so myself), but one was from a writer, the other was from a copywriter. So Hemingway would make a decent copywriter, whereas Faulkner would be turned away repeatedly.

A great exercise is to sit down with one of your favorite works and just purge. Make it as short as possible and use the active voice. Test yourself by having a friend read both the original and the strip down version. Ask which one was easier to read, which one was more clear, did both of them carry the same message? Once you get the hang of it, try it with your preferred genre and see if it makes a difference in how your voice is projected off the page.

Technorati Post

2007-07-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Technorati Profile

Breaks, Interruptions, & Distractions

2007-07-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

Time management is the key to all success. How you spend your time on something is a big decision, because you’ll never get that time back. Many don’t realize this until the moment has already passed.

While this concept can be applied to every aspect of life, I’m going to take a moment to apply it to the freelance copy/creative professional life.

Many of the copywriters in the world today started as people who simply loved the art of writing: writers. Whether they were fiction writers or reporters, they appreciated well written work and strived to create it themselves. As they strive in their copywriting careers, it’s quite easy to slip back into old passions. Sometimes it’s useful and sometimes it’s just a waste.

My passion is fiction. When I get an idea, it’s hard to resist the urge to write it out even if I have project in my hands. I need to remember to classify these instances as distractions. One way I’m getting through them is by jotting down the idea briefly and then pushing it away.

A distraction is when something comes up that doesn’t need your attention even though you want to be consumed with it. If you fail in your project due to distractions, then you only have yourself to blame because you made the choice on which was more important to you.

An interruption is something completely different. It NEEDS your attention. Like one of your clients calling for pricing. Interruptions can be personal or technical; they can relate to your current project or not. Interruptions are a part of life. If too many unforeseen interruptions arise while you are trying to finish a project, you need to decide if you can finish the project on time. If you can’t make the deadline then you need to contact your client.

Taking breaks is another easy way to mismanage your time. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have breaks, but having breaks can often be a slippery slope. Remember: take a break when you are REALLY out of energy or ideas. Don’t take ‘pat on the back’ breaks. Just because you did something good doesn’t mean you should stop. Once the project is complete you can then celebrate and get back to all those ideas that were tempting you earlier.

Be strict with yourself and your time. Even an informal schedule can help you manage your time better.
i.e.
- Work at least 2 hours everyday
- No more than 5 minutes spent subduing a distraction
- If interruptions take up 1/10 the time available for the project then I need to call the client
- I shouldn’t need any breaks

Keep your CSS Separate

2007-07-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

You can upload all your CSS code as a separate page (i.e. "style.css"). You can then have a link to this page on every one of your HTML pages (i.e. "link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css" type="text/css"").

CSS is great for creating uniformity in a website. With all your code on this one page, one change to the style is reflected on all of your HTML pages. That can be a tremendous time saver. All you need is to familarize yourself with listing all the CSS code at once.

Example:

h1 {
margin:0;
font:200% times;
text-transform: none;
line-height:1em;
letter-spacing:.01em;
color:#000; }

Remember, when you list all the CSS code on a separate page, you no longer need to use the STYLE tags.

Coffee Cup DHTML Menu

2007-07-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

For all of you who are unfamiliar with the term, please check it out on wikipedia: DHTML

Though I didn't know it, I have been looking for a DHTML drop-down menu for most of my web designing career. With the advances in browser technology, DHTML has become a lifesaver for simple web designers working with few if not none of the high cost website building applications.

However, building a DHTML menu is a whole different story since it incorporates javascript and other concepts I'm not familiar with. Imagine my amazement when I found a DHTML menu generator. This software was free to download from an interesting company called Coffee Cup.

Their motto is that they make great web designers. They offer packages of tools that allow someone with beginner-level knowledge to create exceptional websites that seem well beyond their skill. These tools are available individually and Coffee Cup has a few freebies in order to show off their application-building abilities.

This menu generator most likely has a premium version that can be downloaded for a cost, but the freebie version is just great. It provides you with all the basic tools you need to make a drop-down menu in the color, size, & position that you need to fit your website. Amazing you have as many root, sibling, & sub-links as you need.

Reviewing some of their other tools, I found their applications to be well organized, easy to use, and full of useful features. I'm considering to buy their flash font application, provided that I confirm that they have the particular font I need. I already love the way this application was designed.

Deal Breakers

2007-07-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Just as many writers dream of the day their novel is not rejected, many copywriters dream of a successful project. This means that the copywriter is not only accepted, but their work is submitted and the client is satisfied.

During that precious time between the agreed upon deal and the completion of the project there is a delicate balance. In this time you're working with your client in order to bring about their idea, and there are lots of things that can get in the way.

Lack of Communication:
Just because you know how to communicate doesn't mean you know when. You might be aware that a particular topic requires calling up the client and asking them more detailed questions. Perhaps you concerned about bugging them too much over all the little details. If you're calling them everyday, they could get the impression that you don't know what you're doing.

From recent experience, I would have to say that anytime something makes your work go slower and the solution is in the hands of the client - call. You may think they are slowing you down, but in fact you're the one not following up when you need to. They can't think of everything, that's why they hired you. If they get annoyed, just do your best to make it easy for them to answer you.

Lack of Finality:
Ok, so you agreed upon a deal over the course of a phone conversation. Now, put it in writing. Just because you're both being really friendly is no excuse not to be professional. This way there is no worries about expectations that could ruin your budding friendship.

Say your friend suddenly decides on a deadline that you don't remember him mentioning earlier. Or what if the project starts going in a different direction than what you had expected? If you had just had it in writing you could have renegoiated the terms... sounds professional doesn't it? Having a deal in writing forces great communication anyways.

Not Meeting Expectations:
Sometimes, you can't help not meeting someone's expectations. Othertimes, there are things you could have done in order not to lead your client down the wrong path. It's true that you should sell your abilities, but no one can see the future.

What if your schedule changes, or some technical problem occurs. It would be better if the client understood that you're not perfect. You can do that by being more conservative with your confidense. Be confident, but don't shrug tasks saying they're a cake-walk... even if they are.

I hope all this wisdom helps someone in the future. I believe I could have used it earlier instead of having to learn it the hardway.

Thanks for reading.

Marketing with Text Messages

2007-06-20T14:52:00.001-07:00

While drivers are beging ticketed for text messaging while driving, companies that use commercial text messages are being exulted for advertising on the cutting edge.

Urban Outfitters is testing their new program now. I wonder what how they can make an impact with such a short message? Now there's an accomplishment for some lucky copywriter.

CSS Play

2007-06-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

As much as I am proud of my web desigining skills, I have to admit that I am not as professional as some would believe.

Unlike other web designers, I try to couple my html/css skills with my marketing knowledge, but also unlike other web designers - my skills are limited. One way around my own limitations is utilizing websites like CSS Play.

Stu Nicholls IS a talented CSS writer who has developed web elements for the common amateur CSS user available on his website: CSS Play. Stu has developed drop-down menus, artistic menus, interesting website layouts and more. All he asks in return is recognition and perhaps a donation to keep his website going.

Without Stu, I would have never been able to develop a fashionable, highly-usable web menu without running into concepts unknown to me like javascript. It keeps people like me from having to split myself up. Instead of having to learn something new, I can just use this leg-up and get back to refining my current marketing skills.

Time is a very important thing in this world and I am not ashamed to say that I use a shortcut that's available to everyone. It doesn't make me an inapt designer; it actually makes me a better one.

What do you think?

Main Characters

2007-05-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been thinking about the relationship between the author and his or her main character. For me this has always been something very personal. The character has always been very close to me if not a slight representation of me. This makes me wonder if this situation is true for some of the great writers. It makes me wonder if all main characters are just parts of us that we expand and elaborate on in some subconscious attempt to recreate ourselves in an alternate universe.

This idea gets it's origins in the concept that writing is a form of therapy for those of us born with this disease that keeps us up at all hours of the night tap-tapping away on a keyboard. Some have argued that it's not just self-awareness that we gain from writing, but also self-satisfaction in the way that we look back over our writing and find contentment.

That last saying is true for me. Yes, there is a story inside me that just needs to be written out – something for the world, but reading my own work is the greatest joy. Reading the story aids my own inner vision that's been fuzzy. I feel that a fully finished story shows you a clear picture of not only the soul, but also all the strange personal desires a writer might be harboring.

I don't know if this is true for others, but I would love to know.

Overloading Your Super Hero

2007-04-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

There are few Super Heros in the work place. These are people who not only work hard, but also have great creativity, innovation, responsibility, organization, and all those other wonderful traits in a neat little package.

These super people also have a habit of being work-a-holics, because they are perfectionists and need to do everything themselves in order to feel satisfied with the work.

Most companies love these people... you can rest anything in their hands and they'll take care of it one way or another. But overload their shoulders and you'll drive them nuts.

Overloading one of these people will make them work extra hard spreading themselves thin over the projects, but they still won't pass the torch. Once you give them something, they will expect it to always be their responsibility. Stretching them thin causes mistakes or forgetfulness to happen. When it comes time to give the project to someone else these heros feel like they've failed.

Some also get really angry at being taken for granted. They feel like they were forced into a position where they are doomed to fail.

It can easily make someone very depressed.

Sadly, just because I can say all this as if I'm some HR professional - I can't seem to say it at my day-job. Why? Because I am a super person caught up in the vicious cycle and no matter how I understand the end that's approaching me, I can't stand to ask that things be taken away from me.

A few of my supervisors understand my blight, but many of us have our hands tied. I hope things change before the busy season starts.

What's in a Name?

2007-04-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

If I have any readers, they will notice that I've changed the name of my freelance company. So I wanted to talk about the change and company names in general.

I chose to have a company name so that if my business ever took off, I could incorporate other freelancers who wouldn't have to work under my name. Having a company name makes it easier for others to take over the business should I choose to sell it or hand it over to family or co-workers.

There is also the fact that a company name is more catchy than a person name. Green Light Copy will stick in your head while 'Paula Zahn' might be hard to remember and even more difficult to spell correctly.

A company name can also speak of your qualities in one swoop. 'Green Light' is associated with Go, Good to Go, Moving Forward, Accelerate - it says that I am a copywriter with the potential to go places, that I can take you where you want to be, that you will be good to go with what I produce. Green briefly speaks of my 'Greenhorn' status, but vaguely. The color also has personal significance to me.

A company name like this also leads me to a new world of promotion items, icons, etc.

So my opinion is that a company name is worth it, which is why I felt the need to change mine. My original company name was "DaisyWheel Writing Services". Though it had endearing qualities, which I will not extrapolate on, to me it started meaning old fashioned and too cute. I think it made me look a little unprofessional or too novice. Though I am still considered new to the business it doesn't mean I am at all inapt.

If you still don't believe me. Look at them side by side and tell me, which one you would check out first if they were different companies competing for your business.

Green Light Copy

DaisyWheel Writing Services

Thanks for reading.

Answer to the Dilemma

2007-03-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Recently, I posted about a little dilemma I had about using certain contacts to further my freelance business. See March post: Dilemma

After thinking about it a little more and discussing it with my partner in crime, my husband, I've come to an answer.

If you use your day job contacts to further your freelance moonlighting it will be impossible to keep those contacts from mentioning the freelance project to your co-workers or superiors at the day job. Especially praise since people think there is nothing wrong with giving compliments. You might think it's all the better, but once that day-job finds out that you're moonlighting often with real clients like THEIR clients there will be one sure response... they're going to wonder about your focus.

Your day job is paying you to focus and work hard on the work they give you. Distraction in the form of lucrative freelance projects are going to make them scrutinize your daily progress. They may even address the problem and ask you if you want to pursue this other job on a full-time bases. That is if they don't fire you on the spot for straining customer relationships. Yes, if you do a bad job or don't fulfill the customer's demands these people could complain to your employer.

All of this is too much risk.

The only way one can successfully use day job contacts to further their freelance business is if they keep the two completely separate. Which means that you can't talk to 'Mike' - the guy who always calls your day job. Instead you need to hunt down the marketing manager and sell your abilities to that person - the guy who never calls your day job. You would need to make sure 'Mike' isn't aware so he doesn't slip up and cost you your day job.

Does anyone else have an opinion on this answer? Let me know.

Thanks for reading.

2007-03-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

Client Name:	Robert Bly
Business:	Copywriter & Author
Date of last project:	July 2005
Project:	Reports on Weblogs

Client Name:	Artex Knitting Mills, Inc.
Business:	Manufacturer
Date of last project:	Jan 2006 & On-going
Project:	www.artexknit.com

Client Name:	Starleen Studios
Business:	Artist
Date of last project:	June 2007
Project:	Marketing

Dilemma

2007-03-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a big question for any of you business people out there...

If you work full-time and have a freelance business on the side that does not compete with you daytime job, can you use your daytime business contacts in order to further your freelance business?

I work for a factory. I make their website, but I still offer my services freelance. I did freelance work before I started working for the factory.

Now I know a bunch of my company's customers personally and I am aware that they want to be on the web but haven't been able to find someone to take care of it.

Do I offer my services?

My biggest fear is that the customer will hold my factory responsible if I fail them as a freelance agent. Of course I have no intention to fail, but sometimes there is no way to meet someone's expectations... especially in this area where my expertise is limited and not a part of my formal training.

Is it bad business to do this or bad business to let such opportunities slip by? I bet I could get fired over something like this if something bad happens. Otherwise I might be able to slide by.

Right now, I fear it's not worth the risk to try this idea.

What do you think?

Beyond Google

2007-03-10T19:45:00.000-08:00

Still hoping to solve my Web-based word processor problems, I came across an article about Google Docs & Spreadsheet. At the end of the article the author listed his references including similar websites, which he had compared to Google. He listed Thinkfree & Zoho. I was instantly taken aback because I had never heard of these websites at all. I had to go check it out.

Thinkfree
http://www.thinkfree.com/

Is very similar to Google Docs & Spreadsheets, but it also includes a presentation application similar to Microsoft Powerpoint. Thinkfree offers 1 GB storage and makes things easier by offering a desktop widget that allows you to drag and drop files, which then immediately open through the website's application.

Thinkfree wasn't my cup of tea because it took a long time to open a document. Granted, they might have more professional tools, but I want something more friendly. Not only did it take too long to open, but it was also slow moving when it came to copy/pasting and editing.

Zoho
http://www.zoho.com/

Has many more features that I deeply appreciate. It has now become my new favorite and I'll tell you why:

First, it has a pretty fast working word processor that has few hiccups and more of the features I need, like a symbol menu that includes smart quotations and hangs around on the screen while you are typing (you don't have to re-open the feature). The word processor talks easily with blogs, email, and easily shares items or flat-out publishes them. The Zoho word processor also has a Microsoft Word plugin that allows you to use Word as the editor for your Zoho docs. That allows you to open, edit, save, and ADD Zoho docs with just your Microsoft Word application and a connection to the Web.

Zoho has sparked my interest not only because of it's wonderful word processor. It also has other great features like a worksheet application, presentation application, wiki service, project planning application, CRM services, planner application, virtual office, and my personal favorite... Creator. The Creator application lets you create forms/database applications that can be embedded into your website.

Zoho has also hooked up with the 'store-anything' storage website www.box.net. If you open a free 1 GB account and store some documents, you'll find that one of the available options on the drop-down box is to 'edit' that document. Click on that and a temporary Zoho editor pops up in a new window. Clicking 'Save' saves the document directly to your box.net account. Zoho has this same deal with Omnidrive. Currently, there is no limit on the amount of storage someone can have using a direct Zoho account, but their FAQ's say it could get limited to 1 GB in the future.

Zoho just offers more for the average versatile user. Heck, I'm writing this post using the Zoho word processor!

If any of you take my tip, I'd love to hear back from you.

Thanks for reading.

Quotation Marks

2007-02-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

Besides tripping over ill-copied indentation when moving MS Word documents over to Google Docs or to a able wiki, my biggest pain is the complete inability to use smart quotation marks. You can only use dumb quotation marks.

No, I'm not being opinionated. Those are actual terms. See below:

Smart Quotes
by Ilene Strizver
One of the most irritating typographic faux pas is the use of straight quotation marks (also called “dumb” quotes) instead of true typographic quotation marks (“smart” or “curly” quotes). How did this dumb-versus-smart muddle begin? Blame the engineers: the standard keyboard layout (which was not created by typographers!) has straight quotes in place of real quotes. As designers, it’s our job to use our “smarts” to work around this all-too-common problem.

Get smart!
What’s the difference between smart and dumb? Smart quotes are usually curved in shape and have different opening and closing versions for use at the beginning and end of quoted material, respectively.Dumb (or straight) quotes are usually simple tapered vertical or angled marks . These are also referred to as “primes,” and should be used in numerical measurements to indicate inches (a double prime) and feet (a single prime).

Source: http://www.fonts.com/AboutFonts/Articles/fyti/Smartquotes.htm

By default, MS Word uses smart quotation marks automatically. Meaning that the quotation marks change when they detect the usage. So any fictional work of mine that contains dialog has those smart quotation marks.

Copy and pasting brings them all over to the google doc page or the wiki, but when it comes to editing that page any new quotation mark will be dumb. It's just dumb!

But as I have been reading up on a way to solve this problem, I noticed gossip whispering about how smart quotation marks might disappear all together since dumb quotations are standard on keyboards and in website language.

I think that's a little scary. I think we need smart quotes. What do you think?

Mobile blogging

2007-02-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

Is mobile blogging really worth it?

Could someone really have that much to say while away from any computer station?

I'm debating that right now as I blog with my husband's Treo. I could have this device but would I feel comfortable using it when I could use any random computer. I guess the only advantage is that I don't have to worry about leaving my login hanging around. On this little machine everything is safe.

What do you think?

What's hot is what's published

2007-02-24T14:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a lesson from the New Fiction bookshelf... Drum-up a news story about the main theme of your book before you submit it to a publisher. Why? Because today's New Fiction seems to be consumed with the topics that bounce around the news room.

I'm sure this fact has been true since the dawn of publishing but as a literary writer I feel caged or used.

Thankfully, not all writers have to put up with this. Fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery writers can escape the trap because their novels are truly meant as an escape. Literary writers not only want to produce a great story, but one that has a message - whether it's social, political, or timeless.

Lately, those messages seem to be politically motivation by various groups with agendas. Some of them might think they have very noble agendas, and they could be right, but I don't like these fictional advertisements.

There was even a story about advertising through fiction. You'll find a link to it on my Google Reader.

Let me know what you think about messages in fiction.

Good Help is Hard to Find

2007-02-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

The search for good help at my office continues as Month 3 begins to come around the corner.

Discussing it with my boss, the owner, I learned how the phrase "fitting-in" really has a meaning when it's about a new employee. I use to think that phrase was just a meaningless string of words that sounded better than "We don't like you".

Someone could actually be a good, intelligent employee and expected to do well, but their personality plays a big role. If some one's personality doesn't jive well with supervisors or mix naturally with co-workers the friction could be enough to let that person go. Also, if that new employee isn't inspired to strive and care about his or her work, then the lack of enthusiasm could make that person look poorly suited.

I was a good employee for my previous office, but I am now a great employee because I feel so much better about the company and people I work for.

So, next time you get that phrase - "You're just not fitting in around here", before you start feeling completely destroyed or angry, just think about how well you were mixing in. Did you feel thrilled about the job? Did you have mis-communications? If it wasn't you then it was them and you shouldn't feel upset about not working there.

Thanks for reading.

What was it like?

2007-02-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

That's the question I keep hearing now that I'm back from my vacation. It really makes me think about the prosperity of being a travel writer.

There are always people looking for information on foreign places. They want to know what it was like, what you did, and what you thought of the place. I could hand it out for free, or I could put together an article and sell it to a travel magazine or website.

Travel writing can be a lucrative business if you have the free time to travel and gain some credibility on your writing. However, I have learned that fewer than half of travel assignments are given to freelance writers. Just like any newspaper, freelance articles require more editing and are less consistent. Since staff writers have more training and knowledge they can be dependable for quality content.

What about my opportunity? I'm going to pitch my story to a few of the local travel magazines, but if none of them bite, then I plan to sell it to the hotel chain itself as content for their website.

My only regret is that I didn't take the time to review all the features and services of the hotel. It truly was a vacation for me, so I only did what I felt like doing at the time.

Thanks for reading.

Vacation Time

2007-02-02T16:23:00.001-08:00

Please note that I will be on vacation from Feb 3rd thru Feb 10th.

I will be vacationing in beautiful Punta Cana - just as 20 degree weather moves into the North East.

What is a good technological investment?

2007-01-30T16:48:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my company's IT support today - an external company that manages our accounting software, and I kept hearing the word "Investment".

What is a good technological investment?

The topic of the conversation was upgrading from a DOS-text version of the software to the new windows-looking version. Besides looking pretty, I didn't really hear any advantageous reasons why we should fork out all this money for the upgrade. Of course you could add more bells and whistles to this version, but did we need more? What was is price on that more?

If something works, should you try to fix it?

But an even bigger question is whether or not this is a good investment. Investment hinge on the future and the future of technology is always changing. It seems to keep turning more complicated in it's construction, but more easy to use in it's application.

However, this upgrade will not make the application any easier... it's the same software... just prettier.

I'm sure that the upgrade is better than the DOS version in certain ways only my husband could understand. (I do plan to ask him about this) However, I don't see a reason to fork out money for something that is not going to make life any easier at work.

Feel free to punch holes in my theory.

Where do newspapers go?

2007-01-29T16:49:00.000-08:00

Where do all the newspapers go when you're done reading them?

My husband has had the Wall Street Journal delivered every day since attending business classes at college, but he only reads one or two a week. They start piling up like dirty clothes in the hallway near the front door. They feel more like strays, unnoticed or unwanted even though they could be more than a bundle of paper. Being environmentally conscious, he's already on a guilt trip for never cancelling the subscription. But if had tried calling it in he would find a brick wall of opposition.

Newspapers are desperate for circulation. Unions of printers are suffering from the downsizes and pay cuts. Soon the industry will be completely replaced by data feeds of electronically written news articles and columns streamed to your smart device. Even Google is trying to come up with a new 'smart paper' that can be opened up and changes when you tell it to update and download new news.

But what if all the paper stops? Everyone will feel better about the trees and all, but this would mean that if you don't have a computer, smart device, TV, or radio - you'll be left out of the news loop.

You might ask... Who wouldn't have one of those things! Well, quite a few people still live below the poverty line. Another segment of the population live in rural areas. Can they afford the revolution if we can't make it accessible to them?

Personally, I will miss the paper. Reading off of a screen can really bug me. I have to read from a screen while I'm writing fiction, articles, or copy - I don't want to stress my eyes more than I need to. I'm the type of person who prints out everything with no margins so I get it as close to one page as possible. Yeah, I'm weird.

Anyways, I'd love to hear what other people think about this technological revolution to a world without paper - at least in the journalism arena.

Thanks for reading.

Review: Google Docs & Spreadsheets (beta)

2007-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

Google Docs & Spreadsheets is a new free service offered by the fine people at Google that allows account holders to create and save documents and spreadsheets to their Google account. The application is still in it's beta testing phase, but it's already worth reviewing. I'll mention it's current bugs and drawbacks at the end of this review.

Docs & Spreadsheets allows you to create a document or spreadsheet from scratch that works with both Microsoft office programs.

Documents are easily created with the New Document link. That link opens up a new window (or tab depending on what browser you have) that looks similar to your Microsoft Word application. All the basic tools are available, plus some new ones. The new tools consist of editing html, collaborating with other users, or tracking changes in a document. You can also publish your documents to a simple web page or to your blog.

There is no folder system to accompany these documents. Instead there is the Google original system of Labels. Labels are categories and search words. By creating a specific label and then applying it to certain documents you can group and search through your documents. The beauty of this system is that you can add more than one label to a specific document. The advantage is that you do not need to think so linear but have documents labeled by their type, subject, or state (i.e. Essay, Copywriting, Unfinished).

The Spreadsheet function is less like it's Microsoft counterpart. It does allow you to create spreadsheets with similar basic tools. Even formulas are available. It's a little awkward because you don't have the field above the sheet showing you what's in the cell you have highlighted, instead once you highlight a cell the cell temporarily expands to show you whats in that cell. Again, spreadsheets can also be published, shared, and the history/revisions can be tracked.

The only short-comings I have noticed is the fact that you can only upload one document at a time. Also, when you upload a document with indents and multiple fonts the program has a tendency to loose that information or distort it. Until THAT bug gets worked out, you won't find me using this application exclusively.

Thanks for reading.

DaisyWheel Writing Services

2007-01-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

Why did I bring my freelance service over here to my blog? Three simple reasons.

Money
Time
Focus

Money:

Blogs are free. That means the hosting is free, the domain name is free, and the access is free.

Time:

Blogs are web-based and can be accessed from anywhere at just about any time. In addition to Blogger.com's ease of use, the web service has also employeed a new layout technology that allows me to easily change elements on my blog without typing out html/css code.

With a website, I would need to build it from scratch and use html/css code to change anything from text to elements.

Focus:

Why I started a blog in the first place is because it's centered on writing. My focus should be on writing as well. If I am always messing with html/css code I am not practicing writing. Because it's centered on content, my blog has attracted more readers than my website.

Conclusion:

Blogs can house all the same information at websites except that there is always something new to read in the main body of the page. I think the blog is a more attractive lure for possible clients than a stale website.

New Ideas

2007-01-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

As you've noticed, I have been posting basic information about my freelance writing business. I plan to use my blog as my main base of operations.

I have an urge to change the title of the blog and the subject as well, but I don't know if I will change the web address again.

2007-01-28T00:01:00.001-08:00

I'm a writer and web designer who specializes in affordable solutions. I pride myself on staying on top of new web media and how it's being used to market products and services. Being highly adaptive and creative, I like to think I can suit any business model or client.

My work history is short but intense. Though I am well-suited to industry and science, I've also been a very active student outside of the office. Not only do I have my Associates Degree in English, but I am someone who enjoys learning. Though my hobby might be fiction, you'll constantly find me reading a documentary or non-fiction work. If you need an affordable sponge that can ring-out juicy ideas, you've found one.

Below is a copy of my formal resume for your convenience.

Education

Camden Community College
Degree: Associates of Arts - English

Triton Regional High School
Honors: Spanish Language Honors, Invited to Annual Writing Lab (all 4 years)

Work History - Intensive Experience in Industry & Science

I have worked for industrial manufacturers as well as externally employed offices. I have also worked with different areas of the local natural science community.

I am extremely familiar with marketing a product line and presenting complex scientific concepts to a general audience.

Artex Knitting Mills, Inc
(USA Manufacturer of knitted hats & accessories since 1926)

Job title: Office Manager & Webmaster

Managed billing, shipping, & assisted National Sales Manager
Managed order entry and production orders
Answered phones - performing customer service
Developed and maintained the company website, wiki, & weblog
Worked in producing marketing materials
Handled general office duties such as filing, mail, etc
Managed production for a million-dollar account
Headed all IT projects
Trained all new office personel

For this job I had to create:

Professional web pages
Quality product photos
Marketing materials such as sales letters and displays
Detailed databases & reports for operation and sales departments
Engaging posts for the company's weblog

American Falcon International Inc.
(Export Management Company specializing in representing domestic manufacturers of electrical and construction equipment to distributors in the Middle East.)

Job title: Operations Assistant (additionally performing the duties of Receptionist and Sales Assistant).

Processed all orders from entry to billing & shipping.
Handled all customer service requests
Created exportation documentation & worked with international forwarders
Assisted the branch office overseas, and principles with marketing materials

For this job I had to create:

Customer Service E-mail Responses
Professional Business Letters
Company Memos
Basic reports
Presentations

Academy of Natural Sciences
Volunteered for 3 years in the paleontological department.

Made public presentations on theoretical topics
Explained complex scientific procedures
Worked with the staff to improve presentations

Delaware Geological Survey
Worked in the domestic & industrial well department.

Personal History - Volunteer & Counselor

Not only have I volunteered at the Academy of Science, but I have also had close to a decade of experience in social environments such as community recreational centers and the Girl Scouts of America.

Leading community projects, assisting in community events, and overall community service has sculpted my understanding of people and the environment. This has afforded me a high level of social awareness.

Girl Scouts
For 9 years I participated as a scout & counselor in the Girl Scouts of America.

Participated in many outreach programs focused on younger girls
Organized activities for younger girls
Gained experience in instructing & educating adolescents
Planned and orchestrated community service projects

As a Girl Scout I achieved:

Cadette & Senior Leadership Awards
Cadette & Senior Challenge Awards
Senior Level Counselor
Silver Award

2007-01-27T23:54:00.001-08:00

1. All projects are quoted. Quotes vary because projects vary in their complexity.
2. Quotes are for the work only. I will absorb all other expenses such time spent for meetings, long distance phone calls, gas, stamps within reason. Any unnecessary costs will be at the client's out-of-pocket expense such as courier shipments.
3. Quotes are per project and not hourly unless the project will be processed in-house with the client working "Over The Shoulder". Then the quote will be per hour.
4. All projects are to be authorized by a company purchase order form or a letter of confirmation that includes the contract details. The form or document must be signed.
5. One revision is included with the standard project contract at no extra charge provided that the rough draft is noted and returned with 48 hours left before the due date. If the due date is less than 48 hours away from the time of authorization then there will be no revision unless the deadline is re-negotiated. There are unlimited revisions when processing the project in-house with the client. For multi-page projects with time available, an outline will be created for the client's review and approval at no extra charge.
6. All standard project contracts require that 1/3 the cost of the project be paid upfront as a retainer. The rest of the payment is due upon receipt of the final draft. If contract is by hour then full payment for the hours worked will be made at the end of the day or week.
7. Should the project be cancelled, half of the retainer fee will be returned. The rest is considered a "Termination Fee" for the time spent with the project before it's cancellation. There is no termination fee for hourly contracts. After hourly payments are made they will not be returned if the project is cancelled.

Writers Digest

2007-01-20T23:48:00.000-08:00

Writers Digest has cut their publication in half.

What does this mean for writers?
Is the audience shrinking or is the subject? The magazine can always interview new writers about their quirks but perhaps they have hit a brick wall on articles about writing. Afterall, the best writers steal. Which means the best ideas are just the same ones being recirculated with a slightly different spin. Recirculating those same ideas as how-to articles won't make readers happy.

I think Writers Digest might be facing up to that fact.

What do you think?

More on Webcentric Living

2007-01-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

It's coming to the point where you need very little to get along with technology.

You don't even need a computer of your own to have a "My Documents" full of docs, spreadsheets, web pages, music, pictures and more.

But there's a downside to having your world on the web. Password protected or not, data can be lost, stolen, or corrupted on purpose or by accident.

A great example happened to me a couple months ago when my free pbwiki went down. The providers were having a problem with their servers and it locked me out of my wiki for a day. Luckily, my wiki is just a simple tool. If I lost it altogether I would only be upset but not lost. However, it would be a different story if I uploaded all of my personal items to an online storage facility and THAT was lost.

We have to face the fact that all machines breakdown and we can't depend on them to be running 24/7. How do we combat this if we still want to keep our lives on the web? Backing up to some kind of media is the only option.

Personally, I have many of my 'must not loose' docs and spreadsheets on a 1 Gig flash drive. It's like a little wallet in itself. I keep it with me all the time, and it's compatible with just about every computer.

Taking a side step for a moment... with so many services on the web, I think it would benefit any of the high profile computer companies if they made a tablet PC with very few bells and whistles. It would need just enough to get onto the web - do work there, plus facilitating USB media. Coupled with free wireless Internet access, the same tablet PC would be a staple of life in the 21st century.

Thanks for reading.

Working for Great Guys

2006-12-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Recently, I realized that working for a great person can be very rewarding even if the job doesn't look that appetizing.

When I came the interview (for my current job) I was a little depressed at the state of things. The office looked like a dungeon, the pay wasn't much more then what I was making then, and the job would consist of a lot of mindless office duties.

However, the manager who was interviewing me was very encouraging. He warned that the owners might be threatening, but they were also very warm, logical besides being in their 70's. All seemed to understand my worth even though I was applying for a simple clerical job.

I was determined to showing my dedication, hardwork, and general skill at mastering anything. And though my personality never impressed my previous employeers, these people could see that I was ripe to grow into a real manager. They ended up basically paying me back for being such a great member of the business by giving me a promotion.

I am now moving out of my clerical duties and into more managerial concerns because they see I can tackle it. Frankly, I think they made the right choice. Not just for me, but for them. If they hired another educated, experienced professional they would have to wait a few months to know if that person was really going to work out. Whereas, they know me well. They can predict my reactions to learning new work, working overtime, openness to critizim, and all my preferences & quirkiness.

It's a classic case of 1 bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. And it's just good business sense to encourage a good worker to be more and recongize their potential.

It makes me feel that if I can make my worth and ability known to good business professionals, I can look forward to them trusting in me versus trying other freelancers. Or is it wrong to apply such an idea to the service industry?

Take for instance, at my day job we use UPS as our main courier. But we also use FedEx at the request of our customers and DHL is knocking on our door wanting our business. As we have been sending samples overseas working with various suppliers we have been looking for the best international rates. UPS has been coming out on top, but we would have no loyalty to them if FedEx or DHL were able to trump them. All are capable couriers so it doesn't matter as much - what does matter is the all powerful buck.

Feel free to agree or disagree.

Emotions in Online Copy

2006-11-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

While hunting around for some good online copywriting techniques that didn't require me making another person rich, I ran into this interesting article by Karen Thackston.

http://www.selfstartersweeklytips.com/articles/online-copywriting.htm

She advocates putting more emotion into sales copy since a supposed "80% of all buying decisions are emotional".

Her example is a travel company website for which she revised their main page copy. The company specializes in low cost cruises. Karen points out that their original main page gave all the information, but didn't inspire any emotions from the readers. Revising it she added the sensual feelings and experiences of being on a luxurious cruise and highlighted how the website was great for regular cruise goers with instant booking software.

I feel that I don't share her opinion on this. I could be the 'odd man out' which means I will have a harder time selling sales-focused copy, but I feel people want information and not dramatics. When I started reading the new version of the website I found my eyes just glancing over her descriptions of a cruise and zeroing in on the booking features, reviews, and links available. I am a researcher. I like to find the best well-rounded company, with great reviews, that's offers what I want to purchase. A blurb about standing on the deck of a luxury cruise liner is not going to make me choose one website over another. It's going to come down to the facts and the numbers.

I can't assume that everyone shops like me. But I can't believe that other people who are conscious of their finances aren't interested in the best purchase, period... not the best emotional purchase.

Am I never going to be able to sell sales-orientated copy? What do you think?

Time vs. Knowledge

2006-10-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

We are always learning something new, but time is also a valuable commodity. In the world of freelance writing, writers are dependant upon their ability to adapt to each client’s business and particular needs. Clients tend to pick writers who already have experience with their business type.

This prompts the question: how much information should you soak up in an effort to be more marketable?

For example:

By my own desire to have a blog, I have learned HTML and CSS web languages. However, they are not the only languages/methods for creating websites. Tools such as JavaScript and Flash are beyond my understanding.

If I take the time to learn about those web technologies I could make myself more marketable to clients looking for a complete professional web designer, or make myself look more knowledgeable to a web focused magazine. But would my time be spent better by just pushing my current skills out into the public and pouring more time into my current marketing scheme?

Websites are in demand, but I’m just hobbyist who was able to pick up the basics very easily. I don’t believe learning more complicated web tools and languages would benefit my freelance career since I have no classes, certificates, or degrees to back up my knowledge.

What about other subjects? Like the medical arena? Medical writers are in demand, but I have never had any medical experience. Would it be worth it to volunteer at a hospital to soak up the basics of that environment? Maybe I would have to sit and read medical journals or take a course. How much time can I give up and what fruits will come from my labor?

My conclusion:

I believe experience should come naturally. Hunting it down only distracts you from your real goal. Blogging came my way as a method of self-expression self-publishing and web knowledge came with it. If a client of mine wants a more complicated website, then I will learn the tools I need. In the meantime, I will continue to highlight my current abilities with zest.

Thanks for reading.
PS. I plan to keep posting on Mondays in an effort to be more disiplined and aware.

Desperation

2006-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that many of the freelance writing jobs posted on craigslist.com are very low paying opportunities.

I don't know who is more desperate... the author or the intended reader.

I am trying to attract new clients but not those who think I can crank out 200 articles a week for only $200.00.

These employers seem to be looking for website content articles. They want their website to start bringing in money by attracting readers. However, they don't seem to care about the quality of the readers - so that means they are looking for "clicks". They want people to stop in to look for something and then click on something else.

Not to mention that some of these employers ARE other copywriters trying to pass off your work as their own. They probably landed a large project that they can't handle... like putting up a fully functional and readable website for retailing items or giving reviews.

Frankly, I am starting to wonder if craigslist is even worth reading anymore.

Out-Sourcing Copy

2006-09-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

My first copywriting experience was creating reports for a copywriter who was writing a non-fiction book on blogging.

In essence, he was using me to collect information from my experience with blogging so he didn't have as much researching to do himself - he could just focus on the book construction.

This has it's advantages:
- It's work, plain and simple - and there may be more assigments.
- This other professional can be a part of your network.
- The prestige of this professional may rub off onto you.

However, I feel there are some important disadvantages to be considered when a budding copywriter takes on this secondary type of assigment.
- You don't have any relationship with the true client.
- You may have limits on what you can keep as a sample in your own portfolio.
- Your work is being passed off as someone elses.

I had a good experience with my first assignment, but it could have gone bad if I was working for someone else who was looking to exploit me.

Now, I have the opportunity to work for another copywriting company as a freelance writer, but there is a lot I don't know about this company. Like why do they need more writers working on this particular assignment when they already claim to have an e-book on a very similar topic?

It is most likely on the up and up, but amateur writers are a desperate bunch of self-concious people who will leap at the chance to be published/recongnized/utilized. They are also starving and will be quick to respond to something that seems to pay well.

Be warned. Investigate before hand. Do as you're asked, but don't jump through suspicious hoops... intelligent requests for information will be answered if there is nothing to hide.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks Guys

2006-09-06T17:05:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone, for making yourselves known over this change.

Frankly, I didn't think I had readers anymore. I know I can google my blog easily, so I thought it only served as a destination for people looking up information on writing, marketing, and web doo-hickies.

I really appreciate it that you all took the time to say a little something. There's nothing like readers to make a writer conscious of her medium.

Since you all might still be hanging around, I have a question for you...

What is your favorite type of opening scene?

I have a tricky opening for this new novel idea. As much as it bothers me, I feel I have to push forward with this one because I have this very stunning visual of the climax in my mind. When I can see things like that there is always a great story inside me that's gotta come out.

My problem with the opening is that it would make the most sense for it to be a dream sequence, but I know that is sooooo cliche.

But it's the dream and what happens in it that starts the whole chain of events. It's not wholely a dream - it's where the two main characters meet and the one effects the other. After that "dream" the two are linked. Thing is, only one knows about the "linking" until he reveals it to her... so start with the revealing? That sounds like too much... Foreshadow the revealing by having her tell someone about the dream? A little boring I think.

The dream itself is very primal and I think it would do great but I fear someone closing the book when they read that she wakes up...

What I am currently tooling for the beginning is a kind of haunting. She knows something is wrong, that this weird sensation is following her and keeping her awake ALL the time. She's starting to loose it. However, I'm not quite sure how to introduce the other since there is no mentioning of the dream.

I hope you find this problem intriguing. Gotta love this writers-block puzzles where you know what it's supposed to look like on the other side... but how to get there?

Thanks for reading!

The Gig is Up

2006-09-03T18:55:00.001-07:00

Someone finally noticed that I have been miss-using the word "paginate" in my title. I had known about it's true meaning (verb: to number pages). However, eariler on I didn't think that was the only true definition. I thought it also meant small pages thanks to some random webpage.

I had thought about leaving it alone. 'Paginate' was such a rare word. But being a writer, it really doesn't serve me to used a word incorrectly in the title of my blog.

So, I will try to move my blog to http://jillspagination.blogspot.com
And rename my blog accordingly.

Pagination
pag‧i‧na‧tion - [paj-uh-ney-shuhn]
–noun
1.
Bibliography. the number of pages or leaves of a book, manuscript, etc., identified in bibliographical description or cataloging.
2.
the figures by which pages are marked to indicate their sequence.
3.
the act of paginating.
4.
Printing.
a.
Also called computer-assisted makeup. a method of computerized page makeup in which copy and graphic elements are manipulated with the aid of a video display terminal.
b.
composition (def. 17).

Wish me luck.

Being Web-centric

2006-09-02T16:31:00.001-07:00

Microsoft still has the leading software for office applications. However, many defenders of freedom on the web have been trying to come up with low-cost & free services that perform the same functions and work seamlessly with Microsoft.

Imagine, you could pay 100-200 dollars for Microsoft office applications or you could simply use Google Spreadsheets or Writely.com for free. All you need to use these web applications is a computer, a browser, and the internet, which are all common features on work computers, internet cafe computers, and college lab computers. What's even better is that these web applications can store your documents or spreadsheets under your account making them portable to the next computer you use.

Want to take it a step further? Store the other things you have in a free box.net 1GB online storage application.

Another step? Keep a 1GB free yahoo mail account that comes with a calendar and address book.

Need to collaborate? Get a wiki from pbwiki.com for free with unlimited pages protected by login able to be published or turned into a PDF.

I've discussed these things before, but now I feel I have explored them all and found a solution for just about every function I would need from my computer. Wanting to use these web applications like a computer - I made a fake desktop on my pbwiki frontpage with icons for each of the applications I mentioned. I am working with this web-centric desktop exclusively to see if there are any draw backs to using these free services.

I'll keep you informed as I go.

Thanks for reading.

Review - The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith Jr.

2006-08-25T16:17:00.001-07:00

There are millions of books on how to write. Sometimes I feel the writing community is in the business of exploiting itself. I don't know if that's a vicious circle or a positive return. However, I do know that every now and then there are a few really good books that just offer how-to's.

I don't like to think that I have something against other published writers discussing the 'writer mind' or 'writer persona' or long drawn out descriptions of great writing atmospheres. But I guess I do get annoyed when I feel I'm not getting what I need.

How wonderful it felt to pick up The Writer's Little Helper. It's full of straight tips with diagrams and examples. Mr. Smith skips all the blah and gets right into the meat. I found a lot of his tips extremely helpful in understanding the mechanics of storytelling. The book reads like a fact-filled textbook, but is arranged in an almost random order so to promote inspiration.

Each tip is only a few pages long and they aren't grouped in chapters. The tips cover all types of subjects from grammar, to plot development, to query letters. It doesn't leave you wanting for another book.

The design of the book is absolutely gorgeous. I love the hard cover, and the timeless techno design. The pages are strong and glossy like a real middleschool textbook. A cute part of the design is the billboards that break up the tips occasionally by going across two pages at once reading a few important words of advice or inspiration.

I can never seem to put this one down. I love flipping though it and trying out the diagrams and forms the author has developed.

My hat goes off to James V. Smith, Jr.