It's that strange quiet time between Christmas and new year, and as I type, only my car is sitting in the car park. It's peaceful, and allowing me to get on with a tidy little list of things to do.
Several large projects need pushing on, and the Christmas/New Year gap is proving pretty handy! Luckily snow and ice didn't affect driving conditions this morning!
The time off has given me time to think, however, don't expect any BIG conclusions to all my thinking. I have merely been wondering about which area of web design/development to focus my efforts on.
Setting myself the target of a month from now, to have had a deep think, a practice, and a chat to a few people, as to what they think I should concentrate on. Its a tricky one, and something in which, I may, change my mind in a couple of months or years time.
The main thing I have realised so far, is that it's OK to not know exactly...but handy to have a good idea, to give yourself some structure, and style of work. I love design, but I also love the thrill of solving some code problem just as much.
I'm trying to find my niche..
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Snoooooooowwww!
Just a few days from Christmas, and the great British weather delivers a speed bump into the flow of the festive season.
Last week, I was suffering from a winter illness, and was hoping to come back this week, full throttle to get loads of work done!
The snow had other ideas, and has proven a worthy opponent for the past few days. With staff struggling to make it into the office Hogtronix HQ has spent a lot of time semi-closed.
The work however has kept going! The internet is not limited to one office, and has allowed us to partially continue work as normal (ish).
I have been learning the ropes of project management during the approaching Christmas downtime across the country. Finishing the projects we can, and preparing a list of work to get done as soon as the opportunity arrives.
Its safe to say, as soon as we return after Christmas, IT WILL BE HECTIC!
In a strange way, I'm quite looking forward to the challenge.
uhhhhh so i guess... (unless i get the chance to write again tommorrow)..
Merry Christmas!
Last week, I was suffering from a winter illness, and was hoping to come back this week, full throttle to get loads of work done!
The snow had other ideas, and has proven a worthy opponent for the past few days. With staff struggling to make it into the office Hogtronix HQ has spent a lot of time semi-closed.
The work however has kept going! The internet is not limited to one office, and has allowed us to partially continue work as normal (ish).
I have been learning the ropes of project management during the approaching Christmas downtime across the country. Finishing the projects we can, and preparing a list of work to get done as soon as the opportunity arrives.
Its safe to say, as soon as we return after Christmas, IT WILL BE HECTIC!
In a strange way, I'm quite looking forward to the challenge.
uhhhhh so i guess... (unless i get the chance to write again tommorrow)..
Merry Christmas!
Monday, 14 December 2009
Boring Blog Title
I just sat down to write a blog post, and couldn't think of an interesting title for the top. Turns out, I'm quite happy with this one.
This morning has been cold! It's taken a while, but the office is starting to warm up now!
This morning has been a quite productive start to the week, with several smaller tasks on my list, ticked and out the door already.
As it's a Monday, several items get ticked off, but a few hundred more get added! As it nearing Christmas, we are pushing to get projects finished, so our clients are all clear and ready for the new year!
With Hogtronix MD's holiday fast approaching, a new diary to document and keep organised has made an appearance, and has taken pride of place on my desk. An old school, yet to-be very useful tool for keeping my mind on the right tasks!
Today, we launched a new twitter background, something we're proud to say, we're good at! Everyone here is looking forward to doing more and more!
This morning has been cold! It's taken a while, but the office is starting to warm up now!
This morning has been a quite productive start to the week, with several smaller tasks on my list, ticked and out the door already.
As it's a Monday, several items get ticked off, but a few hundred more get added! As it nearing Christmas, we are pushing to get projects finished, so our clients are all clear and ready for the new year!
With Hogtronix MD's holiday fast approaching, a new diary to document and keep organised has made an appearance, and has taken pride of place on my desk. An old school, yet to-be very useful tool for keeping my mind on the right tasks!
Today, we launched a new twitter background, something we're proud to say, we're good at! Everyone here is looking forward to doing more and more!
Friday, 11 December 2009
Friday Feeling
After a week of mixed tasks and events, Friday has arrived!
The puppy is busy stealing all the office heat, curled up in front of the heater leaving us to suffer with the low temperatures!
Today, Hogtronix are in 'launch mode'. We're aiming to complete and launch several projects and....so far, so good!
Yesterday, FTP trouble made finishing certain tasks difficult, and the arrival of a BT van in the car park, was the icing on the cake! (BT Van = BAD)
The past few days, we have been researching new software and techniques other agencies use to produce their work. Plenty of competing products on the market is leaving us curious as to what to try, and what ignore.
The software you choose to design, develop and deliver projects, can help and hinder the workload. I am quickly learning, your choice is very important if you are to succeed and be productive, you need to experiment and find your own way with a selection of software. The next few weeks will be a time of testing!
By the new year, I should have a good idea of what I find suits me best...quite looking forward to trying something new!
The puppy is busy stealing all the office heat, curled up in front of the heater leaving us to suffer with the low temperatures!
Today, Hogtronix are in 'launch mode'. We're aiming to complete and launch several projects and....so far, so good!
Yesterday, FTP trouble made finishing certain tasks difficult, and the arrival of a BT van in the car park, was the icing on the cake! (BT Van = BAD)
The past few days, we have been researching new software and techniques other agencies use to produce their work. Plenty of competing products on the market is leaving us curious as to what to try, and what ignore.
The software you choose to design, develop and deliver projects, can help and hinder the workload. I am quickly learning, your choice is very important if you are to succeed and be productive, you need to experiment and find your own way with a selection of software. The next few weeks will be a time of testing!
By the new year, I should have a good idea of what I find suits me best...quite looking forward to trying something new!
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Christmas is just round the corner!
A noticeable increase in Christmas related tasks is turning the Hogtronix Hartfield office into a manic festive frenzy.
With looming deadlines for the new year, huge numbers of projects are nearing completion, and keeping us on our toes!
Since my last post, there is no denying, we’ve been non-stop. Included in that time, Hogtronix MD and myself even managed to fit in a visit to Kent University, to spread some wisdom of placements and web based employment to future placement students.
Sitting down and writing lists of what I had learnt, and what I did during the job application process made me realise, how much has changed, in so little time.
It also helped me see for myself, where I needed to improve, and where my weaknesses are within my work.
Next month, without a doubt, will be a test, as I take on more responsibility within the company, and manage clients even more directly. It’s becoming clear, communication within the company is something to keep a close eye on, so I can keep my head above the water.
This month has been a ‘business learning’ month, where I been expanding my range of business vocab! Many of which seems to be Barclays buzzwords!
Not long until Christmas now, so got to dig deep and get some stuff finished. in fact…I should be doing stuff now… gotta' run!
With looming deadlines for the new year, huge numbers of projects are nearing completion, and keeping us on our toes!
Since my last post, there is no denying, we’ve been non-stop. Included in that time, Hogtronix MD and myself even managed to fit in a visit to Kent University, to spread some wisdom of placements and web based employment to future placement students.
Sitting down and writing lists of what I had learnt, and what I did during the job application process made me realise, how much has changed, in so little time.
It also helped me see for myself, where I needed to improve, and where my weaknesses are within my work.
Next month, without a doubt, will be a test, as I take on more responsibility within the company, and manage clients even more directly. It’s becoming clear, communication within the company is something to keep a close eye on, so I can keep my head above the water.
This month has been a ‘business learning’ month, where I been expanding my range of business vocab! Many of which seems to be Barclays buzzwords!
Not long until Christmas now, so got to dig deep and get some stuff finished. in fact…I should be doing stuff now… gotta' run!
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
November Rain
Not the Guns N' Roses classic, REAL, WET, COLD, RAIN.
Luckily inside the office, it's just starting to get warmer! Needless to say, our work is getting hotter as well.
The beginning of this week has been busy and I'd be confident enough to say, successful and profitable.
I have been perfecting my developer skills, and plugging in new php scripts to enhance the products Hogtronix as a company can offer! This has really pushed me into trying new things, and working out what works for me, when it comes to slicing sites, and web building with certain aspects in mind. In fact, I am starting to feel like a true Tunbridge Wells Web Designer!
Giving myself a 'mental tick list' (as well as one I made in notebook) to work through when building sites means less mistakes, cleaner and more efficient work.
Its nice to stand back and notice what I have improved in since I started, and what I need to work on more.
NEWSFLASH* a Kent Uni Placement victory on the table football this morning helped kick start the day.*
Luckily inside the office, it's just starting to get warmer! Needless to say, our work is getting hotter as well.
The beginning of this week has been busy and I'd be confident enough to say, successful and profitable.
I have been perfecting my developer skills, and plugging in new php scripts to enhance the products Hogtronix as a company can offer! This has really pushed me into trying new things, and working out what works for me, when it comes to slicing sites, and web building with certain aspects in mind. In fact, I am starting to feel like a true Tunbridge Wells Web Designer!
Giving myself a 'mental tick list' (as well as one I made in notebook) to work through when building sites means less mistakes, cleaner and more efficient work.
Its nice to stand back and notice what I have improved in since I started, and what I need to work on more.
NEWSFLASH* a Kent Uni Placement victory on the table football this morning helped kick start the day.*
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Cold Cold Cold
All of a sudden, its dark and cold.
The winter months are closing in fast, and Christmas is just around the corner.
It's time to start the Christmas marketing, and an obvious increase in festive tasks for Hogtronix helps prove it. Various HTML newsletters have been going out, for clients, wisely eager, to get in the game early for the Christmas rush.
There's no denying, we're busy. The last few weeks have been quite testing, but we're coping, and producing some clean, sophisticated work!
I have noticed a new level in my web development ability. I am able to produce work with much less guidance. I may not be as quick as the pro's I'm learning from, but that will come with every new project we complete.
My Web 2.0 is on the rise, as I practice in some free time to get 'my style' figured out. It's become more obvious that each designer has a style, and finding your own can be a make-or-break.
I have been concentrating and learning more on the SEO side of the web stuff too. Using various websites (coupled with special web development tools) to understand how climb up the search engine ladder is an art, which I hope I'm beginning to get my head round.
Altogether glad to be learning from the best in the field.
The winter months are closing in fast, and Christmas is just around the corner.
It's time to start the Christmas marketing, and an obvious increase in festive tasks for Hogtronix helps prove it. Various HTML newsletters have been going out, for clients, wisely eager, to get in the game early for the Christmas rush.
There's no denying, we're busy. The last few weeks have been quite testing, but we're coping, and producing some clean, sophisticated work!
I have noticed a new level in my web development ability. I am able to produce work with much less guidance. I may not be as quick as the pro's I'm learning from, but that will come with every new project we complete.
My Web 2.0 is on the rise, as I practice in some free time to get 'my style' figured out. It's become more obvious that each designer has a style, and finding your own can be a make-or-break.
I have been concentrating and learning more on the SEO side of the web stuff too. Using various websites (coupled with special web development tools) to understand how climb up the search engine ladder is an art, which I hope I'm beginning to get my head round.
Altogether glad to be learning from the best in the field.
Thursday, 15 October 2009
A Good Week
We can safely say that this week hasn't been bad for us. Plenty of new work and loads of work completed.
Today we have bee re-arranging the office a little. New desks from one of our clients, new computer, and various other decorations have made the Tunbridge Wells pad even more hospitable!
All this new stuff is needed, as we continue to grow and take on more and more work. A nice mixture of work to be getting on with. One site, I even designed myself, which is nice to see it rapidly turning into a functioning website.
I have tried particularly hard this past week to improve on my checking and organising of workload. Despite a few lapses in checking, I am more confident now I am delivering work which is at a more professional standard. I don't want to blame it on being a trainee anymore, and is time to show significant steps onto the professional field.
I have noticed my CSS has dramatically improved in the past week, where I have tried hard to beat errors and problems before I ask for help, pushing myself to find where I am going wrong and correct it, all by myself. That said, sometimes it is nice to observe a pro fix that one bit of style that has been driving you mad all day, in five minutes flat.
After a long but successful week, there’s no denying how nice it is to sit here, typing a blog, admiring the gorgeous new computer screen on the desk next to me, listening to some good quality house with the sun shining through the window. Awesome.
Today we have bee re-arranging the office a little. New desks from one of our clients, new computer, and various other decorations have made the Tunbridge Wells pad even more hospitable!
All this new stuff is needed, as we continue to grow and take on more and more work. A nice mixture of work to be getting on with. One site, I even designed myself, which is nice to see it rapidly turning into a functioning website.
I have tried particularly hard this past week to improve on my checking and organising of workload. Despite a few lapses in checking, I am more confident now I am delivering work which is at a more professional standard. I don't want to blame it on being a trainee anymore, and is time to show significant steps onto the professional field.
I have noticed my CSS has dramatically improved in the past week, where I have tried hard to beat errors and problems before I ask for help, pushing myself to find where I am going wrong and correct it, all by myself. That said, sometimes it is nice to observe a pro fix that one bit of style that has been driving you mad all day, in five minutes flat.
After a long but successful week, there’s no denying how nice it is to sit here, typing a blog, admiring the gorgeous new computer screen on the desk next to me, listening to some good quality house with the sun shining through the window. Awesome.
Monday, 5 October 2009
October already!
The rain outside the office says it all. The summer is very clearly gone and the rain and lack of daylight is getting ever more noticeable.
I have been embarking on some new projects, bigger and more exciting than most of the stuff I've ever done. Mostly taking on a designer AND developer role which is nice to get to try both sides of my own work.
After several long essays on Web 2.0 and learning all the phrases and theory behind it at university, I have been trying to go further with it here at Hogtronix, and push for much more Web 2.0 style design, for websites.
For the month ahead I am now setting myself clear targets that I need to improve on, mostly basic checking skills and task prioritising, something I have neglected when trying to concentrate on other things too much.
Since my last post, we have hosted a table football competition amongst the best of web design in Tunbridge Wells. Luckily teamwork was our advantage and we didn't lose a game. Crowning us: Hogtronix Tunbridge Wells Web Design Champions!
I have been embarking on some new projects, bigger and more exciting than most of the stuff I've ever done. Mostly taking on a designer AND developer role which is nice to get to try both sides of my own work.
After several long essays on Web 2.0 and learning all the phrases and theory behind it at university, I have been trying to go further with it here at Hogtronix, and push for much more Web 2.0 style design, for websites.
For the month ahead I am now setting myself clear targets that I need to improve on, mostly basic checking skills and task prioritising, something I have neglected when trying to concentrate on other things too much.
Since my last post, we have hosted a table football competition amongst the best of web design in Tunbridge Wells. Luckily teamwork was our advantage and we didn't lose a game. Crowning us: Hogtronix Tunbridge Wells Web Design Champions!
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Flash - the best looking piece of software on the market?
This week has been full up with a healthy mix of different tasks!
It started with some Flash work on Monday. After quite some time without even opening Flash, I quickly picked up where I'd left off, and was soon back in the right flash 'frame' of mind (you see what i did there?). Flash has to be one of the best looking pieces of software out there, when compared to the 'clunky' Dreamweaver and Illustrator. This however, has made me wonder...how geeky is it to be commenting on "how pretty the program is"? a little too geeky I think!
I have also been writing several articles for SEO links. I feel like I understand the way search engines work so much better than when I started, and can confidently write articles for the right purposes, within better time frames.
It also occurred to me whilst article writing. All of the information and subjects I'm writing about, surely makes me pretty handy to have around, in a pub quiz. Therefore never having to buy myself a drink in a pub, ever again (perhaps the highlight of my week? i think so..)
This week I have been noticing a significant difference in myself, that I'm picking up things I've learnt from my colleagues, and applying them within projects. From simple checking my work over more thoroughly, to just knowing how to prioritise my workload.
I wish I could state the same improvement with my table football ability. I believe the current score is 100,000,000 to Russell, 4 (perhaps less) to me. Its important to mention, that its' not that I'm bad, Russell is just really good.
It started with some Flash work on Monday. After quite some time without even opening Flash, I quickly picked up where I'd left off, and was soon back in the right flash 'frame' of mind (you see what i did there?). Flash has to be one of the best looking pieces of software out there, when compared to the 'clunky' Dreamweaver and Illustrator. This however, has made me wonder...how geeky is it to be commenting on "how pretty the program is"? a little too geeky I think!
I have also been writing several articles for SEO links. I feel like I understand the way search engines work so much better than when I started, and can confidently write articles for the right purposes, within better time frames.
It also occurred to me whilst article writing. All of the information and subjects I'm writing about, surely makes me pretty handy to have around, in a pub quiz. Therefore never having to buy myself a drink in a pub, ever again (perhaps the highlight of my week? i think so..)
This week I have been noticing a significant difference in myself, that I'm picking up things I've learnt from my colleagues, and applying them within projects. From simple checking my work over more thoroughly, to just knowing how to prioritise my workload.
I wish I could state the same improvement with my table football ability. I believe the current score is 100,000,000 to Russell, 4 (perhaps less) to me. Its important to mention, that its' not that I'm bad, Russell is just really good.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
September...already?
The summer has quickly slid away..the days are getting noticeably shorter and the weather is deteriorating every day! (apart from today, its nice and sunny)
The past few weeks have been extremely busy. The launch of several websites and constant new projects coming in has kept us on our toes.
After spending some time learning the ropes with new code techniques and project management, I am beginning to get assigned more design-based work. Design, is something that has always been an interest of mine, but never a route that I have been given real responsibility in. Luckily, I am learning from the best, and is quite exciting to see my work lined up alongside professional design. Theres plenty to learn yet!
My website development skills are improving with every landing page and site update. Its something that I'm glad to be helpful and time saving with, and therefore commercially more useful. These things take time, but I'm sure I'll get there in the near future.
Our office has settled into a routine. Its efficient and clean (thanks to the latest Hogtronix recruit). We were recently, very kindly given a framed boxing autograph from one of our clients, of Joe Bugner and Henry Cooper's fight. As keen boxing fans, it will be taking up pride of place in the middle of the office wall!
With the new academic term just beginning, its feels strange, not to be packing my life into the boot of car, and moving back into a grubby student house. Then it hits me. I'll be doing that this time next year. Hopefully, by then, I'll be able to go back with a better table football score than what it currently is (its not even worth telling you how bad I'm doing, trust me)
The past few weeks have been extremely busy. The launch of several websites and constant new projects coming in has kept us on our toes.
After spending some time learning the ropes with new code techniques and project management, I am beginning to get assigned more design-based work. Design, is something that has always been an interest of mine, but never a route that I have been given real responsibility in. Luckily, I am learning from the best, and is quite exciting to see my work lined up alongside professional design. Theres plenty to learn yet!
My website development skills are improving with every landing page and site update. Its something that I'm glad to be helpful and time saving with, and therefore commercially more useful. These things take time, but I'm sure I'll get there in the near future.
Our office has settled into a routine. Its efficient and clean (thanks to the latest Hogtronix recruit). We were recently, very kindly given a framed boxing autograph from one of our clients, of Joe Bugner and Henry Cooper's fight. As keen boxing fans, it will be taking up pride of place in the middle of the office wall!
With the new academic term just beginning, its feels strange, not to be packing my life into the boot of car, and moving back into a grubby student house. Then it hits me. I'll be doing that this time next year. Hopefully, by then, I'll be able to go back with a better table football score than what it currently is (its not even worth telling you how bad I'm doing, trust me)
Thursday, 20 August 2009
FTP - 'Failed Tranfer Protocol'
FTP and John are very nearly, not talking. A long list of 'Failed to upload' is dragging the day out!
Apart from minor technical problems, this week has been fairly productive! Several good projects finished, and various others nearing completion.
Project management is the biggest improvement for this week. Handling time, project stages and the going 'live' of sites.
I'm beginning to master creating photo galleries, producing two complicated and very fluid galleries in a day and a half. Its my new found specialty!
CMS skills are plus 20 points.
CSS is plus 10.
Table football? minus one thousand. 9:3 to the MD is the current league score, quite embarrassing really!
Apart from minor technical problems, this week has been fairly productive! Several good projects finished, and various others nearing completion.
Project management is the biggest improvement for this week. Handling time, project stages and the going 'live' of sites.
I'm beginning to master creating photo galleries, producing two complicated and very fluid galleries in a day and a half. Its my new found specialty!
CMS skills are plus 20 points.
CSS is plus 10.
Table football? minus one thousand. 9:3 to the MD is the current league score, quite embarrassing really!
Monday, 10 August 2009
The Start Of Month Two
Plenty of new projects, and plenty of table football almost sums up August so far. No wait. It Does.
Its been hectic with plenty of different types of work to do. I'm learning the art of validation and starting to get much better at it.
My php, HTML and css is improving with every HTML newsletter, and every landing page(I've done a fair few now)
My table football...isn't improving as much as I would like. Today, I got annihilated. I'm still getting used to the 'puppy' distraction.
Lola, the new Hogtronix recruit, is settled and a week into her guard dog training. Sure, she's not very big, but she can sure rip up a newspaper!
Its been hectic with plenty of different types of work to do. I'm learning the art of validation and starting to get much better at it.
My php, HTML and css is improving with every HTML newsletter, and every landing page(I've done a fair few now)
My table football...isn't improving as much as I would like. Today, I got annihilated. I'm still getting used to the 'puppy' distraction.
Lola, the new Hogtronix recruit, is settled and a week into her guard dog training. Sure, she's not very big, but she can sure rip up a newspaper!
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Lost..again.
My table football technique is, if I'm honest, taking a battering. This will only be for a little while. I like to think of it as 'quiet before the storm'
This week has started with a busy couple of days. Plenty to keep me occupied.
Over one hundred web pages made within two days cant be bad going, all fairly simple, but has helped me appreciate preparing projects before starting the work, which has made life much easier, especially today. New ways of using php includes is my big advance. Luckily, guidance from Spain means that I've learnt more than I have struggled.
I've created a small ad for a website, 'attempted' to submit more articles (certain websites having a 'slow day', and making some minor changes of websites.
Spelling and text formatting is my new battle. I've just got to beat my habit of
leaving gaps like this.I'll get there soon!
This week has started with a busy couple of days. Plenty to keep me occupied.
Over one hundred web pages made within two days cant be bad going, all fairly simple, but has helped me appreciate preparing projects before starting the work, which has made life much easier, especially today. New ways of using php includes is my big advance. Luckily, guidance from Spain means that I've learnt more than I have struggled.
I've created a small ad for a website, 'attempted' to submit more articles (certain websites having a 'slow day', and making some minor changes of websites.
Spelling and text formatting is my new battle. I've just got to beat my habit of
leaving gaps like this.I'll get there soon!
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Nearly One Month
Its getting very close to my first whole month at Hogtronix, and what a month its been. Packed full of new things for me to learn. Some of the largest being more php and SEO writing and learning how pay per click works.
This past week I have written ten large articles for an online printing company. It's been a lot to take in, I've realised new ways of writing take time to get used to, and can be simple for some subjects and much harder for others. I've picked up extremely useful tips on how SEO works, and hope to keep picking them up and producing better writing.
Today, I won table football.(I'm losing overall still though). Close match going to the final ball. Proof that SEO isn't all I'm improving with.
We're pretty well established at our new office now (more or less unpacked) working hard on maintaining the best in Tunbridge Wells at web design and SEO title!
This past week I have written ten large articles for an online printing company. It's been a lot to take in, I've realised new ways of writing take time to get used to, and can be simple for some subjects and much harder for others. I've picked up extremely useful tips on how SEO works, and hope to keep picking them up and producing better writing.
Today, I won table football.(I'm losing overall still though). Close match going to the final ball. Proof that SEO isn't all I'm improving with.
We're pretty well established at our new office now (more or less unpacked) working hard on maintaining the best in Tunbridge Wells at web design and SEO title!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
The New Pad
We moved into the new office first thing on Tuesday, and we're just about settled in now.
Its bigger, its brighter and we're pretty chuffed with it.(3 sandwich vans a day)
Even though we've been busy moving desks, computer files etc, I have been busy writing plenty of articles and code stuff.
SEO is new to me. I can admit that it hasn't come easy, but I feel that with every article, I improve, and with any luck, I'll have mastered in a week or two. Its a learning curve, something I'm going to have to get used to, and find out for myself, what I find easiest, and what i need to work harder on.
I've learnt how search engines are not what they first seem, and getting a website higher in the ranks, is NOT easy, it takes time, and several different types of links and content construction.
I have also, since my last post, been doing plenty of research into php scripting, learning how to involve more complicated pieces of code, to give plugin-type extras to already existing sites. (I'll make sure I make an update, once I've finally cracked how to implement it though)
Today the weather has been nice..but otherwise..its been a sad day...I lost at table football. No matter what anyone else tells you...the game WAS close (8-10 I believe) so there's still plenty for me to improve on there as well.
Top tip for the week? Ever get the option to buy a Foosball table, as Flat pack, or pre-assembled... CHOOSE THE LATTER.
Its bigger, its brighter and we're pretty chuffed with it.(3 sandwich vans a day)
Even though we've been busy moving desks, computer files etc, I have been busy writing plenty of articles and code stuff.
SEO is new to me. I can admit that it hasn't come easy, but I feel that with every article, I improve, and with any luck, I'll have mastered in a week or two. Its a learning curve, something I'm going to have to get used to, and find out for myself, what I find easiest, and what i need to work harder on.
I've learnt how search engines are not what they first seem, and getting a website higher in the ranks, is NOT easy, it takes time, and several different types of links and content construction.
I have also, since my last post, been doing plenty of research into php scripting, learning how to involve more complicated pieces of code, to give plugin-type extras to already existing sites. (I'll make sure I make an update, once I've finally cracked how to implement it though)
Today the weather has been nice..but otherwise..its been a sad day...I lost at table football. No matter what anyone else tells you...the game WAS close (8-10 I believe) so there's still plenty for me to improve on there as well.
Top tip for the week? Ever get the option to buy a Foosball table, as Flat pack, or pre-assembled... CHOOSE THE LATTER.
Friday, 17 July 2009
The Internet Returns
After several painfully slow-connection days, we now have some more appropriate internet speed!
The last few days, we have been busy. Several key projects moving along nicely, some finishing! New ones just starting and plenty of smaller ongoing jobs to do!
After spending some time researching some new ways to involve Polls, and sliding content into php, I feel that I have picked up some important information, and extended my current coding ability beyond what I first thought would be possible in only two weeks!
I'm starting to shave off time on each article I write, (surely must be a good thing) the style of Hogtronix writing is starting to sink in!
This will be the last few days in the Penshurst office, as we are moving in the early stages of next week! Boxes all already starting to fill up this office, but luckily the new one is much bigger! It has to be really....how else are we going to fit in a table football, bar stools and a Jakuzi? (I may have exaggerated a little with the Jakuzi)
The last few days, we have been busy. Several key projects moving along nicely, some finishing! New ones just starting and plenty of smaller ongoing jobs to do!
After spending some time researching some new ways to involve Polls, and sliding content into php, I feel that I have picked up some important information, and extended my current coding ability beyond what I first thought would be possible in only two weeks!
I'm starting to shave off time on each article I write, (surely must be a good thing) the style of Hogtronix writing is starting to sink in!
This will be the last few days in the Penshurst office, as we are moving in the early stages of next week! Boxes all already starting to fill up this office, but luckily the new one is much bigger! It has to be really....how else are we going to fit in a table football, bar stools and a Jakuzi? (I may have exaggerated a little with the Jakuzi)
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Battle With BT
The start to my second week at Hogtronix has been promising.
Plenty to learn and sink my teeth into. I have been working on improving my PHP and CSS, which (I think) is improving! Monday, I started with one page needing quite a lot of guidance. Come Tuesday, I was able to do a similar page with very few changes to be made, once I'd finished! (Improvement surely?)
I have been busy with other paperwork, and preparing letters for letterheads, setting up mail-merge and researching various things in preparation for our 'office relocate' next week!
This week however, has been hindered by constant internet trouble. Simply summed up by the letters B and T. With a ridiculously slow internet speed, website work has been tricky to say the least. The plus side, now we are more eager than ever to move to our new office next week!
In the past two days, I have started bigger projects, as well as maintaining support for other clients and venturing further and further into more technical parts of our work.
I have tried my hardest to practice…table football in some free time, so that when we set up the foosball table in our new office, I don’t get completely walked over. No doubt we will start getting some daily results to post (obviously only my wins are going to be posted…not that I always win, but why would I post losses!) so keep checking to see how many I’m winning by!
Friday, 10 July 2009
My First Week
Friday has come along so fast. This week has been uber-productive. I have picked up some new tricks and skills, which I know, I can only build on. Unless I forget all of them. (It's always a possibility)
My web construction techniques have vastly improved with every minute I spend on projects.
I have always considered myself pretty fluent in slicing with Photoshop. I still am. Its fireworks that's the new bit! Me and fireworks started out yesterday morning, barely exchanging words, but now, we just about manage to get along. Just. This has been one the most important things I have improved with.
Admittedly, I have been caught out in the past few days. A few little (sometimes massive) mistakes and moments of carelessness have made me sharper. On Wednesday, I accidentally turned a client’s full online shop, into a pretty standard static one-pager. Not good by any means (it was a good one page though, perfectly sliced!)
My coding (php, java, and html) have all taken a turn for the better. Closely working with 'A GENIUS' in Spain , has left me eager to improve, little tweaks and changes, are making me notice mistakes, and errors better than before. Certain progress.
Also, I feel it’s extremely important (perhaps the most), how pleased I am with the speed of my eBay item delivery. Wasn’t expecting it until at least early next week.
It’s been a good Friday!
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Day Two - The Storm Outside The Office
Second day at Camp-Hogtronix!
Today has been busy, many different jobs to get done. Once, of course, I'd plugged in the coffee machine, it doesn't make much coffee until you do.
I wrote an article for a website, which has been a learning curve. Its an art, and will take some getting used to, but I'm sure I will improve as time goes on. When I say improve, I aim to be a pro.
I have also written a letter to a client, getting used to the company style of such things, so that I get more efficient the more I do it.
I started the day with a client meeting, which I really enjoyed. This will be an important part of my time here, as learning the way that I need to work through projects with clients is pretty key to all of this business lark!
Other than that, I have spent some time updating homepage information on live sites, with a little bit of image work, so all in all, a very constructive learning day. But of course with every good day comes the obvious software teething problems. Luckily the storm I've sat through most of the day hasn't hindered work. Other than the occasional glance out of the window to watch the lightening strike, what has felt like, only a few yards from the office door!
Exciting stuff!
Today has been busy, many different jobs to get done. Once, of course, I'd plugged in the coffee machine, it doesn't make much coffee until you do.
I wrote an article for a website, which has been a learning curve. Its an art, and will take some getting used to, but I'm sure I will improve as time goes on. When I say improve, I aim to be a pro.
I have also written a letter to a client, getting used to the company style of such things, so that I get more efficient the more I do it.
I started the day with a client meeting, which I really enjoyed. This will be an important part of my time here, as learning the way that I need to work through projects with clients is pretty key to all of this business lark!
Other than that, I have spent some time updating homepage information on live sites, with a little bit of image work, so all in all, a very constructive learning day. But of course with every good day comes the obvious software teething problems. Luckily the storm I've sat through most of the day hasn't hindered work. Other than the occasional glance out of the window to watch the lightening strike, what has felt like, only a few yards from the office door!
Exciting stuff!
Monday, 6 July 2009
My First Day
My name is John and today, I became the latest member of the Hogtronix team! I am a student at The University Of Kent, studying, (pace yourself) 'Mulitmedia Technology and Design with a Year in Industry' and as stated starting a placement as part of my degree.
This morning, I left home, it was dry and sunny. Got to the office, rain and wind.
Luckily, the weather has not reflected my first few hours of work with Hogtronix. Unless of course, you like the rain, in which case the weather gave an excellent start to the day!
In the few hours that I have been here, I have been presented with the list of projects and aims for me to work through, and have been busy setting up my email , blog, and skype accounts!
My position is quite a mouthful, and may seem complicated. Admittedly it is baffling to begin with, but broken down is much easier to digest. I am a 'Junior Designer and SEO Technician'.
I handle both web and print projects, work remotely with other Hogtronix employees, who, so I've heard, will help me out if I find something tricky, and have become second-in-command-coffee-drinker. The last being a skill aqquired through two enjoyable years at Kent uni.
Im eager to get stuck-in with projects, and to make my mark, so watch this space!
This morning, I left home, it was dry and sunny. Got to the office, rain and wind.
Luckily, the weather has not reflected my first few hours of work with Hogtronix. Unless of course, you like the rain, in which case the weather gave an excellent start to the day!
In the few hours that I have been here, I have been presented with the list of projects and aims for me to work through, and have been busy setting up my email , blog, and skype accounts!
My position is quite a mouthful, and may seem complicated. Admittedly it is baffling to begin with, but broken down is much easier to digest. I am a 'Junior Designer and SEO Technician'.
I handle both web and print projects, work remotely with other Hogtronix employees, who, so I've heard, will help me out if I find something tricky, and have become second-in-command-coffee-drinker. The last being a skill aqquired through two enjoyable years at Kent uni.
Im eager to get stuck-in with projects, and to make my mark, so watch this space!
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