Wordpress 3.0

This week, the good folks at WordPress.org released the 13th iteration of their amazing open-source content management software entitled version 3.0: Thelonious.

Named after jazz legend Thelonious Monk, this version of WordPress comes with a number of neat new features beneficial to both overall organization and to customizable development.

A brief list of features I’m really excited about:

• New User Customizable Menu items (still needs work, but a great idea)
• Ability to associate an image thumbnail with a post or page (previously I had to write a hack in the theme to get this to work right). Users can even use existing images in their library.
• Ability to define background and header images so users can pick from a library of possibilities
• Developers now have the ability to create custom content types apart from the standard “page” or “post” common to existing WordPress versions. (Ex: I have a radio client who has content for their own business and separate content for radio shows. Now they can manage those entries in independent sections.)

In addition to the new features are the 1200+ updates and big fixes they’ve included in this update.

With great new features for both users and developers, WordPress continues to be my favourite framework for building classy, extensible websites that are mega-easy to use and update!

VectorDefector is now booked until August with projects from a number of new clients (and some existing)! We’re happy to add: eBroadcast Studios, a business oriented online talk radio producer,  GreenBookShare, a distributor of books oriented around “green” trends and lifestyles, and Blue Bird Strategies, and organization centered around developing quality marketing, contacts and leads and many more!

We also have a number of projects in queue getting ready for completion, so get ready for a slew of launch notices and case studies in the next few weeks. Whew- stay tuned!

Schrader Consult specializes in writing (both copy and articles), event planning (music and otherwise) and general marking consulting for small to medium businesses.

Check out the article here: http://www.examiner.com/x-37939-Denver-Small-Business-Examiner~y2010m4d14-Denver-Small-Business-Profile-Vector-Defector

So far this quarter has had rockstar success. I received an astounding (though tiny) return on my taxes, posted a record income this quarter, and am currently working with a record number of clients. With 11 full projects in the works, many to conclude at the end of this week and next, VectorDefector is in full swing!

Our current set of projects include: unique e-commerce solutions, SEO friendly sites and blogs, beautiful full Flash photo galleries and a suite of classy website layouts, marketing and branding.

While currently booked until the mid-to-end of April, I’ll be accepting new client work soon. So get on board while things are hot and share in the success of our former and current clientele! Email me today.

“Agile” and “Scrum” software development processes, in gist, are the idea of building short iterations that work to an overall goal rather than developing an entire piece of software specific to specification then refining it.

I find this whole notion rather amusing as I’ve always used a similar process which I’ve always thought was halfassed in comparison to a full-on development schema, often called Waterfall  that involves lots of specifications and documentation, and was often brought on by lack of planning.

That being said, I do find working in short iterations and keeping the positive outcomes in a repository the best way for an individual to program- it allows more flexibility and lots of other great creative ideas can come out of the process, though its inherent problem with the theory is without a clear set of specs, the outcome can be disastrous.

However, I do enjoy that the “halfassed” process I’ve embraced for years has melded into an industry-wide accepted practice.

That being said, I’m hoping 2010 is even bigger! VectorDefector will continue to offer its acclaimed customer service, attention to detail and quick and easy solutions to your web needs along with new additional services for Search Engine Optimization, Custom Content Management and E-Commerce toolsets, Newsletter / Subscriptions, and Credit Card & Security processing.

More updates about the first projects of this year will be forthcoming- thanks to all last years client’s for a great experience!

So far to the end of the year, I’ve booked: 5-6 website designs and layouts, 2-3 branding projects, 2-3 Flash-specific items and maybe a media player or two.  Yay, busy!

That being said if you’re looking to start a web initiative, book it soon! Contact me today for great home-spun company branding, affordable and easy to update websites, animated Flash pieces or any of my other services!

Please check out the web terminology sheet page.

Authorize.net Reseller

As a continuing effort to offer my customers the best value-added services money can buy, I’ve decided to become an official reseller/partner to Authorize.net- a leader in internet merchant / online credit card payment options. I’ve developed a number of excellent e-commerce solutions utilizing Authorize this year and must say they’re my favorite option for processing credit card payments online.

As an official reseller, integrating custom shopping carts and donation systems become even more seemless. Also as a bonus feature as going through me as your broker, there is no 3rd party customer service; you get direct access to Authorize.net staff as well as to me (an experienced developer and Authorize.net user).

Looking to take credit card orders online right now or need to add a store-front to an existing website?

Contact me today!

Website Management

After doing some work designing “template” concepts for use with data-driven websites for my associates at STF Enterprises, I decided to research some more of the top open-source (freebie) website management systems.

Recently I’ve been marketing a lot of sites built on the WordPress platform, which is great for the majority of my clients who really just want a simple “point and click” method to update their own sites.  I’ve become a huge fan and have come up with a lot of great “out-of-the-box” ideas using that platform, but this month I’m expanding into a broader scope: Joomla.

Joomla, while not as intuitive as WordPress, gives users greater ability to manage individual “modules” within their site, manage a wider spread of editable content and data, and have larger sets of individual users with a range of permissions to affect their info.

Interested in hearing more? Contact me today!