Do you pull images from Google and post them on your website?  If so, did you know you may be violating copyright laws?  With applications such as Google, finding information has never been easier.  We can simply do a search for a keyword and POW!  Now we have access to hundreds of thousands of results.  With content management systems and search engines, it is extremely easy to violate copyright laws.  When pulling content from a website, you must always make sure that website grants free access and use of that content.  Some websites want you to pay to re-use their content.  Others are not concerned about their content being copied.  Either way, always make sure you are following in accordance with content copyrights.

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In many situations, I have asked my clients certain questions.  They mention they have never thought of the answers before.  Previous companies failed to ask the questions needed to provide the client with a product that will benefit their business.  By not asking questions, you risk upsetting your clientele.  Do not just ask “What are you looking to purchase?”  Get specific.  Ask questions that will help determine if your product is right for them.  If the product is not right for them, tell them.  Then offer other alternatives that may fit their needs.  Never sell a product to someone you do not think will benefit from it.  If they do not benefit, the sale will look bad on you, as you were the one to sell a “faulty” website to the client.  Here are a few questions I ask to help me determine if the product is for the client or what I am going to develop to solve their needs.

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I was stumbling around on one of my preferred development sites and ran across this interesting bit of information.  Craig Buckler posted Firefox 3.5 is the World’s Most Popular Browser on Sitepoint.  New statistics have been released by StatCounter that show Firefox 3.5 becoming the World’s most popular internet browser.  It was only a matter of time.  Firefox is much more standards compliant, extensible, customizable, and more user friendly than Internet Explorer.  I always reaffirm the fact that browser compatibility is a top priority when consulting my customers.  This again goes to prove that affirmation.

Here are a few of the interesting figures that were present in the blog post:

• Internet Explorer still holds 55% of the global market and that number is shared between versions 6,7, and 8.
• In the USA, Internet Explorer holds 25% of the market.  Help us drop that number by converting to Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.  Can you tell I am not fan of Microsoft’s proprietary standards?  I believe any knowledgeable web developer or designer will agree browsers that adhere to the W3c standards are going to put Internet Explorer out of business sooner or later.  That is, if Microsoft does not start adhering to standards.
• In the USA, Firefox holds 22% of the market.  This is sure to change as developers and designers continue to push their clients towards the light that is non-IE browsers.
• Antartica is ruled by Firefox.  I’m curious how the scientist’s internet connection is down on the icy poles.  ET phone home.

It will be interesting to see what happens now that Google Chrome is gaining popularity.  Will Chrome rise above Firefox?  We can only wait and see.

I work on a lot of website redevelopment jobs.  A client has no knowledge of web development, goes to just about anyone without researching the seller, and purchases the website.  A few months later, I get a call asking if I can help them fix their site in some way.  Here are ten mistakes I run into on a common basis.

1. Color Association
2. Dynamic Vs. Static
3. Static Images
4. Browser Compatibility
5. Relevant Information
6. Contracts
7. Security
8. Administrator Handbooks
9. Service Response
10. Testimonials.

Read the full entry for tips on each topic.

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Thank you for stopping by at Mimir’s Well.  In Norse mythology, Odin sacrificed an eye to drink from the well of knowledge and gain it’s wisdom.  What would you sacrifice for knowledge?

Here you will find commentaries on web development, business ethics, customer service, and more.  Please be patient as we fill the well.