Can’t Stop Developing for the Web

Alright, this will be the last of the major changes for a while. I promise.

I think I’m finally happy with the layout. Version 4.0 was functionally nice, but the look of it was a little all over the place. I think this one flows better and has a nicer palette of colors that blend well. There are still a few minor changes that I need to tackle. For instance, I’m not sure that I like the bright teal color in my right sidebar. I threw that color in there for readability since the ashtray background swallowed up the text.

I’ve also changed the left sidebar nav. I’m still debating on whether or not I need to split them up with headers that say “Writing” and “Reviews” so that people don’t get confused. If you’re a new visitor, I’d appreciate your comments. I do, however, love the cool “depression” effect the buttons make.

Well, that’s it for Web design. I’ll put up some movie reviews this weekend.

This Screenwriter’s Big Break?

Not to give away too many specific details, but the actor who read my screenplay is - in his words - “[my] biggest fan.” His management is trying to get him reservations for the Speed Racer premiere tonight. If he goes, there’s a good chance that Mr. Big Name Producer will attend as well. And if he does, then Mr. Biggest Fan will pitch him my script. So, yeah, a ton of big “if’s” still stand in my way, but you know what? I’ll take it.

Anyway, I’ll keep you all posted.

Well, I feel accomplished.

I won’t be marching into the work week feeling like I didn’t do anything over the weekend. Spent the day overhauling my site, as you can see. The more I Stumble, the more site layouts I find myself incorporating into my mine. I know I’m still not quite where I want to be at, but I think I’m getting close.

I better be. As much as I love Web developing, I hate struggling with cross-browser issues. If you run into problems with the new layout, please let me know. Thanks!

I love creating for its technical aspects as much as its artistic values. When I write or draw something, I try to think about how I want the reader/viewer to feel and adjust the piece accordingly. So when I started to seriously get into Web design, it was only natural that I fall in love with it. On the other hand, it’s also nice not to take it too seriously.

A coworker of mine forwarded me these videos the other day. If you’re a Web developer, you’ll probably get a kick out of these.

Keeping it real, dawg! Web design fo’ life.

Man, I hate being sick.

I came home on Monday and started sneezing like crazy. That isn’t too out of the ordinary, since I have allergies, but the way I was sneezing definitely struck me as odd. It was a very deep, chest-cleansing sneeze.  Sure, it was odd, but nothing I didn’t think Claritin and a bit of nasal spray couldn’t handle. The following morning wasn’t pretty. My head was stuffy, my nose was runny and my sneezes were still in full force. I stayed home and laid low, but, ever the trooper, I went back to work the following day. This is usually a mistake. If you have the good fortune of working someplace that doesn’t grill you over your sick days, then take advantage of that and stay home and rest when you need it. Typically, you’ll just make yourself sicker and infect those around you. Throughout the day, I could actually feel the cold virus blooming inside me. By closing time, I was shivering even though it was 80 degrees outside. Needless to say, I didn’t go in to work today. I’ve also developed a very solid, phlegmy cough.

I did, however, receive some good news today. The actor I gave my screenplay to got back to me and he really enjoyed the read. His management is setting up a meet with some bigwig directors who’ll remain unnamed for now. Yes, I’m excited, but I’m still keeping calm. These are the first steps on a very long journey and there’s no use in celebrating right now. More truthfully, I have so much faith in my screenplay that people liking it is almost a foregone conclusion in my mind. I hope that doesn’t sound arrogant. I just think I’ve put together a very nice, commercial package. Anyway, I’ll let you know how things go.

As far as my Web site is concerned, I noticed that one of my nav bars would go MIA on certain pages. I’ve fixed that by altering some PHP code, but I’ve also discovered that my sidebar disappears on IE6 when looking at anything other than the home page and a handful of other pages.  I’m telling you, these are the cross-browser hells that make Web development truly suck. I wish everyone would just do me a favor and download Firefox or at least upgrade to IE7.

True to my word, I’ve been working on a few site changes. As you can see, I’ve moved the Recent Comments, Recent Posts and Subscription area to the top and added a snazzy background. I saw a similar design on someone else’s site and thought I’d incorporate it. It kind of pushes the content down, which sucks, but it’s not so far down that you can’t find it before the pagefold on 800×600 screens. Hm, actually, I guess that depends on how many toolbars you have at the top of your browser. Oh well. Let me know if you hate it.

And let me know if anything looks broken. The IE6 renderer I’m using appears a little buggy and I can’t be sure if my site is actually broken or not. I appreciate the help.