₦airaland Forum

and here's another happy customer, courtesy of omagames!

I had combed through the haystack (without evening finding the needle to pass through) for recent titles for ma 360 - until I decided to try omagames, and they delivered in 3days!

Now I have who to turn to for that gaming itch quickfix - I did say they're the best!

For the client contemplating a new web project, I have written an Ebook highlighting the[b] common pitfalls in the web development process [/b]and how to avoid them. I also give pointers on which solution is best suited to tackle most commonly discussed problems in this forum. Judging by the views from the  Web Project Client Series, I recommend this book to the client who appreciates that a web project, like any project, is one that works best when planned properly.

You can download it here

And lastly, There's a treat at the end of the book.

I hope you enjoy it.

I've been looking at the numbers, and it shows how seriously people take the issue discussed.

So in response to suggestions, I have written an ebook highlighting common pitfalls in the web developement process and how to avoid them. In addition, I give my opinion on the reason behind the sometimes erratic behavior of clients that can make a project sour, and how to avoid them. I also give pointers on what solution is best to tackle a problem.


You can download the ebook here

And lastly, There's a treat at the end of the book.

I hope you enjoy it.

@ ogzille - glad you got something out.
@DC:

Dual Core:
Webmonk, nice info and thanks for bringing this up as THE solution.

I believe i started my reply with "IF". I'm sure it should go without saying that there are many ways to tackle an issue.

_{PS(related or not): Some people still appreciate handcoding from scratch before using frameworks}

if you are using Jquery, this is a cinch.

just use the height() function. See the link below:

http://api.jquery.com/height/

Yes. I have several domains/web hosts with syskay and have no issues whatsoever. I personally recommend it to anyone who wants peace of mind.

I say go for it.

interesting points you have raised. Yes, collaboration has its benefits, but unless under specific conditions that are very scarce in our industry, I can't help but beg to differ

Reasons being thus:

1) I was self taught, and with that alone, was able to secure a job, to which i have excelled via self perserverance, though i was inspired in due part by certain person who developed threads in this manner. This thread is in tradition of that.

2) Part of the reason for me being self taught, was because those who knew the stuff in and out where too few and too far across the board. that was the situation back then, and while it has improved, the number of people contributing meaniningfully to this board says alot about how we ready we are to "collaborate".

drecute:
See, great softwares are not built by individuals. If anyone is interested, I suggest we form a group of web developers. We build a robust website for ourselves and we set the rules. With this, clients will respect our job. This is what developers in a country like US do. Running a one man show won't give us the much deserved respect and authority.

I strongly disagree. There are many people who have done "one-man-shows" that have been the success delight of the IT world,

Examples are:

- Tap Tap Revenge, a game for the iphone developed by Nate True, which July 31, 2008, 20 days after its initial release,approached 1 million downloads, compared to the installed iPhone OS 2.0 user base of 5-6 million at that same time.

- Twitter announced that it acquired Tweetie, the very popular and highly polished Twitter application for the iPhone, developed by developer Loren Brichter (who makes up the one-man startup Atebits). He also joins the Twitter mobile team, and will be involved in launching Twitter for the iPad

Amir Wald, a 29-year old Israeli entrepreneur with a vast experience in the IT industry, Won the 2009 European Web2.0 Startup Competition, Overcoming 160 Startups, without funding. His startup is colnect.com, which easily manage one's Personal Collection.

In summary, Truth be told, the industry is still young, and has to carve nails from diamonds to earn that level of respect from skeptical customers, who are:
- either bombared with web design for the price of a recharge card
- "conned" with websites that don't add value
- still think that "branding" is a buzz word, and enlightening the client about the project is sometimes seen as only a way to collect money
- is over saturated with people with only a DIY book, and people who STILL think that setting up an SMF counts as web developement


In such a situation, one has no choice but to be "a very good JACK of TRADES, and a MASTER at SOME". It is when the industry grows into something more tangible for the masses that one can afford seperate services such as the ones you so listed.

other than that, how you define a "successful developer" (I believe) is a matter of personal perspective.

lagerwhenindoubt:
permit me to compile this into an ebook to post on googledocs

No, but I do have an eBook in the works further iterating my thoughts on web practices. This I can share, and will make available within the week.

Its one of the most important aspects of having a website (if not the most important). Its the reason why people come to yahoo everyday and facebook has a pagerank of 9 (in lay man terms the higher the pagerank, the greater the reputation of the page). Its the reason why so many fail and few truly succeed in the web industry.

What is it? In a word - Value.

If your website has undeniable value, people will come to you. people will trust you. people will be willing to PAY for your services, and the good old word-of-mouth on the internet will take you places. Yes, pushing such a site still requires effort, but having a solid offer a visitor cannot refuse pays out in the long run.

So I ask you, before you ask for a website, to ask yourself "What value will my website bring to it's visitors?". This will vary for many people, ranging from an online presence (Branding), to specific information that can't be found elsewhere (like news information about a region that is scarce and knowledge about such a place is in demand). the possibilities are only limited by you are willing to offer.

Part of the problem (and, depending on the type of project, the worst mistake any client can make), is expecting the developer/designer to think this out for you. This is not only wrong, but counter-productive. If you didn't bother to properly brainstorm what value you intend to add your website, why should the developer? or the visitors coming to your site?

This, however, is not to be confused with professional consultation. For instance, if you need a website to highlight the benefits of a physical product you are pushing into the market, you need to establish a clear benefit for people to come to your site (an incentive). You could consult with a developer's on how best to translate these value adding incentives to a website, in the best experience for the user. And such a thing is by no means cheap.

In such a case, examples of such incentives for using the website follow below:

- get a significant discount
- free complementary goods (that work with the product)
- referring friends before the order is completed (word of mouth via multiple channels - email, phone numbers, companies, etc)

The following incentives combined with selling the product online (assuming good quality/value) potentially yield the following:

- Visitors save more online - more traffic.
- buyers refer people who might be interested (leading to more leads and consequently, more sales)
- adds more to the bottom line (sales/profit)
- more information on the buyer profile, and how to maximise your niche (for example, database stats indicate people in managerial positions are most likely buying customer)
- good feedback (good reviews, testimonials, site popularity, etc)

In summary, contrary to popular opinion, finding value adding incentives for a website should be the CLIENT's responsibility.

If you disagree, ask yourself this question(not just as a web designer, but as someone in a profession): who would you take seriously?

a) Somebody who has no clue about what he wants? (which leads to project creep, longer hours, unnecessary changes, exploitation, and delayed payment)

OR

b) Somebody who KNOWS exactly what he wants? (proper objectives, shorter work, minor changes, and in the event you CAN'T work on it, would refer him to someone else)

in the long run, it pays to be (a).

That concludes the Project Client Series Thread. Thanks for Reading this far!!
_{Web Project Client Series (read This Before You Ask For A Website) - Provided in part by Web Jade Solutions, 2010.}

@justwise - SHIIAAAAATT!!! that is not gangsta!! that's very not gangsta!!! Ewwww!! _{Nice one though}

The width of what? A div? A table? When the page loads, or when you resize the window? You have to be more specific. Depending on what, the solution (CSS/JS) might apply.

Adding Value your online presence - Webjade Solutions.

A Website is more or less an investment whose purpose is to bring in value. As with all investments, you need to be part of the process in delivering value to your visitors, ensuring recurring traffic, conversions, and brand presence.

At WebJade, we provide that personal and enabling process to bring value to your online presence, and we have happy customers to prove it.

For the first step towards a value adding website, visit www.webjadesolutions.com

@InesQor: I know all too well how clients can be.

For future projects (with adamant clients), try giving them more flavour (you do what they tell you first, then do your own version second, show them the 2 versions and let them decide)

More often than not, You get away with a better design. A client once insisted on his own logo which looked like something from the stone age. I ran with it, working on "everything else" with creativity (and another version with an updated logo). On presenting the 2, he changed his mind

And finally, web reviews are good, but its a two edged sword: Clients whose projects have been reviewed in forums might stumble upon such forums, and are easily swayed by negative comments(even though they are unfounded). Though you have taken caution to that effect, my best bet would be privately tag with the "who's who" for such reviews (and remove the url when the thread is old).

All in all - nice. Especially the markup and scripting. Kudos.

As others have said, just work on the navigation.

you can write CIW exams at 1st IntellIT Solutions. They're located at Plot7, Block77, CMD Road, Magodo, Shangisha, Ikeja, Lagos.

Wrote the first exam and will be writing the other soon.

In view of no further contributions, I guess I should try setting the ball rolling again.

Problem: Clueless Clients

A major reason behind this thread(but a problem nonetheless), is the large number of people who need websites but are clueless as to how to go about it. The following is a non-exhaustive list of what could happen(and has happened) as a result of this:

1) Exploitation:
A clueless client will take anything he/she is given at first glance, provided it is appealing enough. the focus then is on the design instead of the goal/functions/purpose of the project. The developer/designer can take advantage of this scenario, but the drawbacks outweigh any short term gains.

- Exploitation goes both ways. for the sake of this arguement, lets say there's no agreement. A client can/will subject the project to numerous revisions if the project doesn't acheive the intended goals. the result is wasted time, project creep, demoralization, and bad blood.

2) No Expectations: Similar to (1) above, this refers to properly defined/measurable goals. No expectations means a client can just have a site with content and not make anything out of it. The result is a project that just shows everyone you have a website. that's it. experience as shown that this outcome tends to repeat itself - "we need a new website".

Solution (to 1 and 2):

a)DO YOUR HOMEWORK: Browse sites that appeal to you. ask yourself why. find out the functions that they have that are relevant to your business, and strip them down the most important/necessary. For instance, If you want an online store that delivers Tshirts, there's a high chance you won't need all the functions of a site like e-bay or argos. having your own list of functions not only helps the developer/designer produce a design that is based on your needs, but also forces you to keep your business logic in mind during the initial phases of the project.

b) BE PART OF THE PROJECT:
it always pays to be part of the project. Brainstorm the process flow of your website with your designer/developer, and you'll not only correct time-wasting errors/misconceptions/assumptions, but streamline the project developement and increase overall quality.

c) MEASURE: have a timeline that both you and the designer/developer are comfortable with the duration of the project. Also have a list of clearly defined/realistic objectives the project must achieve. For example, you might want 1000 people to use your site every month, but if you want to achieve that immediately the site launches, that might not be realistic. While some objectives might take time (like search engine optimization, and social branding), there has to be a realistic time metric by which it is achieved.

d) communication,communication,COMMUNICATION!!

"doubt grows by the day". If a client is in doubt for any reason, it will double everyday typical human behaviour. So within what is reasonable/professional, If a client has to try more than once to reach you, that's a minus. if you at the very least send an SMS stating you are currently not available, and will(if you can) get back to them at a specified time, that's a double plus. Nothing says peace of mind than always keeping your client informed.

Another reason to move to better browsers for "IE6 die hard" clients

w(x3) dot uk dot news dot yahoo dot com /5/20100119/tbs-warning-as-hacker-email-code-leaked-327c223_1 dot html

Security experts are warning computer users throughout the world to be highly vigilant after the code was published on the internet.

The hack involves Internet Explorer 6, the browser that powers millions of business and home computers.

The security flaw was used to access Google mail accounts in China last week and led to Google threatening to abandon its Chinese search engine.

@pc guru, allow me to stress on what yawatide has said: drawing the line. Sometimes you just have to take the time out to explicitly explain what it is that you & how you do it. In my instance, my employer didn't initially appreciate/understand my skillset initially, beyond the scope of just designing and slicing. But holding your ground on best practices, showing them new ways/elements of web design that add Value (as well as explaining why the old ways cost more and the resulting benefit), and enforcing your skillsets in their minds will over time not only earn your respect, but start thinking in new ways to add value services. This took almost a year for me, and raises the bar for anyone who comes after in that position. Of course, if you don't see that as being feasible, best you learn more skills and move on as yawa has stated.

Wow - the same topic crossed my mind yesterday. Yes, the leave is important(official leave, from a web company? You're luxurious!), the prob is how to manage it.
Call this carreer suicide, but there's something a friend I know does that's unthinkable: I see him taking the whole of december off - not a care in the world. heck, anyone who can pull that off is seriously crazy in my book. The way he sees it, if you can't take one month outta the year to rest, you're not doing something right. Guess that includes me.
Having said that, I would do anything for a month of 'half day work'. like yawa said, a working vacation

As for what social activities, depending on where you are i'm sure there lots of things you could to do meet with people( like salsa & swimming). Just have a jotter with you when the next big idea hits you and you need to scribble,

Dual Core:
I don't see this as a good start. GLO is  a big company and it is expected they should pay the right people the right amount of money to get it done the right way.

What I am trying to say is "it could have been much worse"

We have seen redesigns of websites that made us cringe more than the first version. If anything, what is "expected" & what actually happens are still two very different things in this country. So on that note, I maintain that its a good start, though as you have rightfully said, it can be much better.

Dual Core:
I'm saying this from a Software Engineer's point of view.
I don't think any Quality tests were done on this site and its very unprofessional to come up with a site for a company such as GLO that has one of its pages looking like this
http://www.gloworld.com/Nigeria/Content/Details/110
http://www.gloworld.com/Nigeria/Content/Details/111
http://www.gloworld.com/Nigeria/Content/Details/112

Its a complete turn off for me to continue checking the site out.
How in the world was that cleared for public access if quality analysis and testing was carried out?

If the problem you're talking about is that it doesn't load the targeted page, then I'm sure they could have thrown an alert on failing, stating that the page doesn't exist, or to put it more softly, "The content can't be loaded at this time". Seeing that they used jQuery on the site, I suppose there's no excuse for not having this (software engineer wise of course).

All in all, its a good starting point overall.

Regular peeps at NL would remember when globalcom had a job vacancy for a web designer/developer, and our responses (search the forum for the thread)

And now, check out [gloworld dot com] and see for yourself.

My opinion? seeing how they have redesigned their site, I'm impressed. More importantly, I believe it sends a stronger message (from a major nigerian company) to the entire Naija web community on the importance of stepping your game up in quality work. Every site like this (or aspiring) is a nail in the coffin for "chop & clean mouth" websites that still plague our industry.

So, what do you think? Comments are welcome

@Dual Core:
I'm afraid that is up to us to do - considering the kind of mindset we'are dealing with. Clients hardly appreciate what we do - only God knows if they will even spare time on an enlightenment program.

Which is why I opened the "Web Project Client Series" thread. at least peeps that are looking for designers/developers might read that and be better informed.

@mavenbox : again, AYE!

Aye-Aye-Aye-Aye!!!

Problem - Domain Name & Hosting:
Registering a domain name with hosting will always be a tricky affair if not done properly. The typical scenario is for a designer to register a domain  hosting on behalf of the client. while this might be normal/expected, it has more drawbacks than benefits:

1) Unless informed (which happens rarely), beyond having a domain name, you're in the dark about your site. Most clients barely have an idea of  which hosting company is storing their files, or handling their domain.

2)  As a result of this ignorance, the client can be exploited. You can type your domain name and your site shows today, but what about tomorrow?And what if your files/database are packed along with hundreds of other sites that reside in a dusty server in someone's backyard, so a certain designer could "cut corners"? (The cheaper the designer/developer is paid, the higher this tendency - assuming they touch even your project)

3) Consider the consequences of having your site down/inaccessible [/b]because of (1) & (2). [b]You lose your files, your domain, your emails/correspondences, records (imagine if you're a big company that offers web-based value services). You can only lose so much. which brings me to:

4) Yes - Denial. [/b]If you're at (3), chances are you have seen the light and want someone else to design your site. [b]You then make the rational (but ill-fated) request of demanding access details to your site. Any quak designer on the street knows the gig is up at this point, and will most definitely refuse to release these details. [/b]The only option at this point is to create a new domain. I've seen this happen countless times. As if that's not enough, imagine [b]a searching visitor finds 2 URLs to the same company - what will they think?

Solution:

1) Starting hunting for a good Webhost. Fire them with any questions you might have, concerning what features best suit your needs. Let them explain everything for you - any good host will do this.

1B) If your domain has been hijacked, explain this to the current webhost, with relevant documentation if necessary. Explain that the developer registered it on your behalf, and seek counsel on how this issue can be resolved. If you don't know who's the host, search google for 'whois tool'. there are many free tools you can use to find out.

2) Register your domain yourself. No exceptions. Not only are you in charge of your intellectual property (which could be worth millions in the future), but you get notified before it expires - or anyone buying it from you. you get "right of first refusal".

3) In the event you were unlucky to have your domain "locked down" by some quak - either[b] have an order on it after the expiry date[/b] - or go the legal path. Its your online property!

pc guru:
You telling me i had to read css positioning for weeks after been dealt by dreamweaver.I think dreamweaver uses your resolution automatically for default width and height unless specified also i kinda noticed the workpanel if not maximized fully it can give wrong placement esp with absolute elements.Yes thank God for Css. What's spry i keep seeing it.Never touched it.

LMAO!!! Your post is the most candid. I almost blew a fuse when I was struggling with CSS in dreamweaver - especially from Fireworks HTML and no knowledge of Cross Browser issues (go figure). Having said that, its best if someone just jumps into css directly in dreamweaver (get a book, trial and error is so life wasting)

webpest:
To be sincere, nigerians developer ve messed the web design/development profession this was the same thing wit software development, i developed and hotel software, imagine someone pricing my software for N200, since that day i had to stop software development and move to web, now the same thing is happening to web, imagine someone charging N5000 for web development, is dat not an insult on the profession. pls guys u need to stop dis. N5000 can not even recharge your phone a week and consider after sale service.

Happens like that for every industry people haven't fully appreciated. Most people go into such a profession for the money ("Its the in-thing" rather than the professionalism that comes from years of honing your skills. Though People will use excuses like the economy and that "Do it yourself" mentality makes them "paper experts", its no different than someone reading a textbook in your presence for 30mins and then saying "Ok, I can take your kidney out with no problems - you're gonna be fine"

Eventually, they will leave/quit (saturation), clients will be smarter, and a new wave of quality arrives - who hasn't noticed the change of websites in the banking industry? The Redesign era is here for now, its not for "hit and run 30days in HTML" designer/developer

the key is working on yourself to a level you're well packaged in an area of high demand.

@Afam.

Good point. But everyone is not the same. Having said that, it wouldn't be bad to plan ahead an have such articles in print, in the event of a first "Face to face" meeting.

Another Issue/Problem: Login URL on homepage
This has been a common issue. A client insists that a direct URL to the site's webmail be placed on the homepage. Of course, this is purely from a convenience point of view. After strongly advising against this, I sought the advice of a colleague and found there are more dangers to this practice. Displaying the direct URL from the homepage exposes the webmail to hacking attempts like brute-force and phishing. Not the mention having unauthorized access to confidential data.

Solution: Enlighten the Client
Sit the client and explain the dangers of such a desired but bad practice. Explain that minimizing the knowledge of where the webmail resides minimizes the risk of exposure. Ask him to weigh the convenience in one hand vs the security by hiding the webmail from normal visitors

Note:
Sometimes, some clients might site examples like yahoo (or school portals), that they DO have the webmail URL on the homepage. Explain that these are services that require some form of registration, which is why they can afford to do that, as opposed to say a company website. this is the core difference

@mavenbox:

Satire can be good, but must be used in a professional and enlightening manner.

The summary of that article would be to guide the client each step of the way - just as an architect would.

NOTE Maybe I didn't stress it enough, but this thread's target reader is a [size=14pt]prospective client[/size]. That means a client should come in and walk out thinking "Oh, I didn't know that", which should lead to appreciation and respect for what we do. So for all future posts, please keep the potential client in mind.

peejay:
hahahahahahah dat poor boy was crying like he didnt get sweet today

GBAM! You beat me to it! LMAO!!

smartsoft:
Good structure in the web industry is the answer to all this bullshit.
Most of this guys feel webby is just what you learn by the roadside, it's really weird if people thinks that's how it is, because there is more to web than just designing.

Yes. But that structure won't come anytime soon if we don't handle our craft with an increasing level of professionalism. That's what this thread (hopefully eventually) is all about.

Future replies are best in the format of a problem/issue and how to solve it

@ruudie, 2 things:
First,
Agreeing on content means that for all material for the scrope of the project is agreed on. For instance, for a site of 4 links (Home, Services, About Us, Contact Us, etc), both parties would have argeed on what will go in those pages. Now for this example, it seems pretty straightfoward, but taking the time to go through it (either together, or via a 'Content Guide' will explain further) not only saves time in the long run, but more likely removes any extreneous materials that would have entered the project if the client just dumped it on the designer/developer - this is what I'm stressing. Now, how you can enforce this is another matter entirely, and at your discretion.

Secondly,

RuuDie:
Don't u think this would be delving into "two" jobs. . . . . i don't see reasons why i have to double as proof-reader for the client.[/b]

There no hard and fast rules, but I'm sure everyone can agree how "eyesore inspiring" a grammatical/spelling error is on a website. On the other hand, if a client hands you a 1000pagebrochure, I'm sure charging for proof reading isn't out of the question