I’m surfing around a bit looking for social networks to join and a common theme is really bugging me. Many of these sites hide their content.

What I mean by “hide” is that you have to be a member to get to the actual content.

Because I can’t see the content I don’t know if I want to be a member. I do know I won’t sign up for anything unless you show me the goods first… or at least a sample.

Holding viewers hostage to your membership policy is bad form. It frustrates the viewer. And that violates the first rule of usability: never frustrate the viewer. Why? Because they leave with a bitter taste and hold a resentment to how your site wasted their time. People that get really upset may write a blog post about it. (more…)

Posted in Website Design

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I find myself recommending WordPress more and more these days. My clients always ask two things when I bring it up:

1. What is WordPress?
2. Why is it right for me?

WordPress is enhanced blogging software that lets you - yes you - manage your own website content.

Many of my clients find this useful because as their business changes their website content needs to be adjusted. Often this is basic surface stuff like an address or policy change. Sometimes though, clients want a more robust content management system (CMS) and WordPress fits the bill. (more…)

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14th Colony built and launched the website for Darryl McGuire Media back in November of 2005. Darryl is a professional media buyer working with radio, television and print services. We recently made a couple small adjustments to the content but I wanted to bring this site to your attention for two reasons:

1. Darryl is a great person that goes the extra mile for his customers. If you need media planning or buying, talk to him.
2. The other reason is an opportunity for me to brag about my services. Actually, I’m not going to brag, I’ll let Darryl do the bragging for me:

(more…)

Posted in Sacramento, Website Design

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Fabrication Unlimited has been offering Sacramento custom metal fabrication for a couple years. I’m pleased to be a small part of this company. You see, I designed it.

John Christensen is the owner of Fabrication Unlimited and he started his business with just one product, a “satellite antenna under eave mount”. This product helps satellite installers do their job faster and reduces the sway from wind that causes signal loss.

Fabrication Unlimited also started with a website that had just one page.

Over the last year, I have met with John several times to discuss his marketing. Out of these meetings a tighter brand was assembled including a new logo, slogan and website.

John was certain he wanted a monogram for the logo and to tell you the truth… I was doubtful. I mean, what can you do with the initials “FU”? After some thought I came up with this: (more…)

Posted in Branding and Identity, Sacramento, Website Design

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