January 5th, 2009 new business - novice developer

  • After being in chemical sales for many years my position was 'downsized' a few weeks ago. I decided to try my hand at developing a local web-based advertising business and try to get local merchants to buy an advertisement page on my site.

    I used FP2000 to develop the site and PhotoStudio (came with a digital camera) for the graphics. Every other tool I used was freeware like FP2000. For the 'fudge' page I incorporated Mal's free (and wonderful to use) shopping cart.

    I tried to focus on simplicity to keep the code as small and as fast-loading as possible.

    I would appreciate any and all comments and critiques, especially related to the speed (or lack of speed) in loading images.

    Any ideas on promoting this concept would be greatly appreciated. Website is:

    www.zacharysbest.com

    Let me also add kudos to the folks who give away Front Page 2000. As a relative newcomer to this area, I can't believe such a powerful tool is available for free! It has also been a tremendous teaching tool for learning the basics of coding. Thanks!


  • I did not realize until later that this was not the area for a 'showcase' post but I really appreciate the input.

    I have made the changes you guys recommended. I am still working on css issues and I think I'll have everything converted in a couple days.

    The shopping cart is in the 'fudge' page.

    Thanks for the help!


  • Very Nice site. I too like the simplicity.
    I know where you're coming from. Though I've not been the victim of "Downsizing" in quite some time, I have family of 6 and I've been looking to make a little money on the side. I've done some Free-Lance web work in the past and am looking to get more into it. This year I went "Legal", got rid of all my pirated web design programs, and am using as much free stuff as possible.
    1stpage is an ideal program and the next version promises to be even better. I found a free graphics editor at Serif.com (http://www.serif.com) . It's OK for simple stuff. I upgraded it for a whopping $8.95. Again it's good for basics. The latest and greatest (version 8) can be had for under $50. There's plenty of other free programs out there also.
    And I might add that this forum has some really good info. Someone is always able to answer any questions you might have.
    Again, good luck!

    HEY!!... just noticed you where in Zachary LA.
    I'm right down the road in New Iberia!


  • Mmmmmm . . .

    I want da fudge, I want da fudge . . .

    Site has a fairly crisp look to it. I am presuming that this is "live" but still under development. I would suggest that you soon consider sub-menuing. As you get more subscribers, you will have to categorize:

    Health
    --chiropractic
    --massage
    --?plastic surgery?
    Music
    --piano
    --guitar
    . . .

    It is probably best to work out the mechanics now.

    A few of the pages have glitches with missing or misplaced images.


  • I like the fact you didn't try to clutter the site with graphics everywhere, sounds, marquees and the like. Too many first time developers seem to think this makes a site more "jazzy".

    A few little glitches that a proof-read would clear up... Do your Chiropractors adjust overhead doors as well??

    I would also consider changing the font.. Maybe Verdana or Arial seems to read better. Notice how easy the postings on this site read.

    When this site grows, you will find that Cascading Style Sheets will be invaluable. There are many good tutorials based from the Ref section of F2000 on style sheets. Easy to pick up the basics.


  • :p I was going to recomend CSS as well so I will. It makes life a lot easier.

    Oh and where is the site for the shoping cart you mentioned.

    PLease and Thankyou







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