My Comments:
http://nsubryan.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html - 1st post - 10/30 -
http://ekey31.blogspot.com/2011_09_01_archive.html - 1st post - 10/30 -
http://istayedforwakeforest.blogspot.com/ - 1st post - 10/30 -
In summation, my idea is a fashion oriented social network. I'm proud of the initial idea, but over the course of the project, I've made many improvements, particularly through comments. I've realized individuals may not be as comfortable as I am in sharing their information, even anonymously, and have decided to add the option of "hiding" their profile, allowing them access to unique and personal posts without having to share their beauty "problems" or beauty personality with the world.
Additionally, I've realized that with social networks there exists a risk of a loss of professionalism in allowing users to post. To rectify this, I'm separating professional posts, links, and user posts in the site design and layout.
Logistically, the technologies learned in class have helped me considerably in the logistically in the setup of my company. I've decided to set up the company with computers built from scratch, allowing each to be unique to its use and needs. Additionally, I've learned easy techniques to set up design and layouts - such as hex values.
Overall, this project has taught me one very important thing. That, despite my age and my status as a student, it is not unheard of to be able to start a company, especially on the web. My knowledge and age allows me to relate to my audience in ways a more experienced person would not. And the execution of this idea is not necessarily impossible.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week 8: TechCrunch- Blog Review
www.techcrunch.com - It's a must read blog for both the technically inclined and the entrepreneurial mind. Not only is it's content technology-based, but much of it revolves around successful silicon valley start up companies and tech companies on the rise.
TechCrunch itself was once a startup blog itself. Founded by J. Michael Arrington in 2005, the blog is "dedicated to obsessively profiling startups, reviewing new Internet products, and breaking tech news", according to the site. Since it's initial launching, the site has grown considerably, reaching over 10 million visitors from around the globe. It's staff has also grown, with over 30 members, headed by CEO Heather Harde.
Michael Arrington, although not the CEO, still is a blogger on the site. He began working asa lawyer for various tech companies, including Apple and Pixar. He also co-authored a book on IPOs. TechCrunch is not his first online launch. In 2000, five years before TechCrunch, he helped establish Achex, an online payment company later sold for $32 million.
For the purposes of my own entrepreneurial project, this blog is a great go-to. It is particularly useful because although my company is not about tech, it is a tech company in that it is a web start-up. Additionally, the site is particularly focused on start-ups, and as a start-up, my company can learn from other stories, both of success and failure. Many posts and stories on TechCrunch deal with the problem of overcoming large, established companies, such as I would have to do with already existing social networking sites and beauty sites.
TechCrunch itself was once a startup blog itself. Founded by J. Michael Arrington in 2005, the blog is "dedicated to obsessively profiling startups, reviewing new Internet products, and breaking tech news", according to the site. Since it's initial launching, the site has grown considerably, reaching over 10 million visitors from around the globe. It's staff has also grown, with over 30 members, headed by CEO Heather Harde.
Michael Arrington, although not the CEO, still is a blogger on the site. He began working asa lawyer for various tech companies, including Apple and Pixar. He also co-authored a book on IPOs. TechCrunch is not his first online launch. In 2000, five years before TechCrunch, he helped establish Achex, an online payment company later sold for $32 million.
For the purposes of my own entrepreneurial project, this blog is a great go-to. It is particularly useful because although my company is not about tech, it is a tech company in that it is a web start-up. Additionally, the site is particularly focused on start-ups, and as a start-up, my company can learn from other stories, both of success and failure. Many posts and stories on TechCrunch deal with the problem of overcoming large, established companies, such as I would have to do with already existing social networking sites and beauty sites.
Monday, October 24, 2011
WEEK 7 Dependability.
Because my new company is web-based, it is imperative we are dependable. Who would visit a site which a. functions incorrectly or b. is prone to safety issues? I wouldn't and therefor, will design my site in order to prevent issues and to make troubleshooting as easy as possible.
Firstly, to prevent copycats, we would begin with possession of a variety of domain names, all of which would redirect to the main site. For example, when one types "Facebook.org" into a browser, he or she is redirected to Facebook.com.
Additionally, we would maintain a small group of individuals to solely deal with troubleshooting issues. They would be trained in handling home networks (LANs) and well as larger, more complex networks. Most importantly, they would use techniques (on a more complex level) we applied in lab in order to track packages through the web, monitor issues-- such as a delay-- and solve problems that come up.
Overall, a small group of experienced technical support will ensure the site runs smoothly-- and dependably. Mainly by monitoring flow to catch possible issues and by solving issues as they rise. They than can make adjustments to prevent such issues from occuring again.
Firstly, to prevent copycats, we would begin with possession of a variety of domain names, all of which would redirect to the main site. For example, when one types "Facebook.org" into a browser, he or she is redirected to Facebook.com.
Additionally, we would maintain a small group of individuals to solely deal with troubleshooting issues. They would be trained in handling home networks (LANs) and well as larger, more complex networks. Most importantly, they would use techniques (on a more complex level) we applied in lab in order to track packages through the web, monitor issues-- such as a delay-- and solve problems that come up.
Overall, a small group of experienced technical support will ensure the site runs smoothly-- and dependably. Mainly by monitoring flow to catch possible issues and by solving issues as they rise. They than can make adjustments to prevent such issues from occuring again.
Monday, October 17, 2011
WEEK 6 Color Scheme
Color scheme very important to a developing website. Although my site is about beauty, I want it to have a sleek, modern look without being impersonal. I'd rather avoid colors that may seem "feminine" or "flowery" and stick predominantly to basic colors that a wide array of individuals will find appealing.
Adobe Kuler is a great online resource for playing around with color palettes. It allows me to browse pre-made palettes or create my own. I can even edit preexisting palettes for my specific needs. Additionally each palette provides me with each colors own unique hexadecimal code. In this way, I can have the artistic freedom to develop my own palette and have the technical information for the programming of the site.
Adobe Kuler is a great online resource for playing around with color palettes. It allows me to browse pre-made palettes or create my own. I can even edit preexisting palettes for my specific needs. Additionally each palette provides me with each colors own unique hexadecimal code. In this way, I can have the artistic freedom to develop my own palette and have the technical information for the programming of the site.
Monday, October 10, 2011
WEEK 5 Artistry
In designing a website, there's one key thing you cannot skip or overlook: the layout and design. As far as the planning process goes, I've probably thought the least about design. Why, if it is so important? Because I wanted to know exactly what I was putting in my site before beginning mu design plans, or even any branding plans.
First off, my site needs a name. I want it to be simple, easily remembered. Also, I fear the site will be seen as either a. a "magazine" style site or b. a "self-help" site, of which it is neither. So, for now, my working title is "YourBeauty". Ideally, I would be able to attain the rights to "YourBeauty.com"
Because of my comfort level with the software, I'd like to create my initial designs using Adobe Photoshop. I've been using it actively for over a year and have become very familiar with small tricks and shortcuts. I'd design templates-- i.e., the homepage template (unique to each individual), profile templates, article templates-- and then use a software designed specifically for web development to post it live online.
First off, my site needs a name. I want it to be simple, easily remembered. Also, I fear the site will be seen as either a. a "magazine" style site or b. a "self-help" site, of which it is neither. So, for now, my working title is "YourBeauty". Ideally, I would be able to attain the rights to "YourBeauty.com"
Because of my comfort level with the software, I'd like to create my initial designs using Adobe Photoshop. I've been using it actively for over a year and have become very familiar with small tricks and shortcuts. I'd design templates-- i.e., the homepage template (unique to each individual), profile templates, article templates-- and then use a software designed specifically for web development to post it live online.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
WEEK 4 Adaptability
There are several ways to access the internet. Whether it be through a standard desktop, a laptop, a smartphone, or even a more basic mobile device. For this reason, my site must be one word: ADAPTABLE.
Behind us are the days where websites are designed solely for one medium. Therefor, I propose a solution. Two separate, yet corresponding, designs to my site, one of which would be specifically engineered toward mobile use. All information changes-- pictures, new posts, news, etc., would be made to both sites, or both layouts, simultaneously. The layout would be the only differing factor. In this manner, mobile user can navigate the site easily without the size of the info, data, etc, becoming too much for a user's cell to process.
One way to enable smartphone users easy access to the site is through a phone app. The phone app itself would merely be another way users can access the site, upload data, comments, etc. and check up on what other users are doing. By creating such an app, users will not only have access to the site, they will be able to make their own additions through their profile, or anonymously.
I would also allow users not using smartphones to send updates via text and picture messages.
Behind us are the days where websites are designed solely for one medium. Therefor, I propose a solution. Two separate, yet corresponding, designs to my site, one of which would be specifically engineered toward mobile use. All information changes-- pictures, new posts, news, etc., would be made to both sites, or both layouts, simultaneously. The layout would be the only differing factor. In this manner, mobile user can navigate the site easily without the size of the info, data, etc, becoming too much for a user's cell to process.
One way to enable smartphone users easy access to the site is through a phone app. The phone app itself would merely be another way users can access the site, upload data, comments, etc. and check up on what other users are doing. By creating such an app, users will not only have access to the site, they will be able to make their own additions through their profile, or anonymously.
I would also allow users not using smartphones to send updates via text and picture messages.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)