For those that have been following my work by means other than my blog (twitter, facebook), you already know that my big project, www.listy.us, is alive and kicking. I’ve been meaning to write an actual blog post about it for some time, since it would seem I forgot to do that back in September when the site actually launched. It’s improved a lot since then, I think.
Posts Tagged ‘web applications’
Implementing Web Apps as Finite State Machines
Saturday, July 11th, 2009The revelation that a web application meshes well with the design pattern of a Finite-State Machine (wikipedia link) isn’t really new. It’s discussed in a few other places on the web, usually in a scholarly capacity – the google search returns a lot of articles and research papers. Still, this struck me as something that really should be taught to every fledgeling web developer.
Marketing’s Bad Name
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009I’d like to share an experience I had a few years ago: I was at the supermarket, making smalltalk with the cashier, and she asked what I do for a living. I answered truthfully: “I work in marketing.” (which is just a broad brush for “i’m a web developer & designer, as well as graphic artist and designer, and I create all advertising and promotional materials for X company”)
I’ve never seen someone go from friendly and cheerful to all business so quickly. From the reaction, you’d think I’d said “I vivisect puppies.” I haven’t told someone “I work in marketing” since – at least not out of context.
How to Wrap Your Head Around a Project
Friday, March 20th, 2009I was making fairly slow progress on my primary project. I headed up to stay with my folks for a couple days and try out a new dentist in the area (I detest driving more than 15 minutes if I’m not going to be staying there for at least 24 hours). When I was packing for a couple days, I made a conscious decision to leave my laptop at home. All I brought was a sketchbook that I keep some of my notes in (ruled notebooks are the pits and remind me of school).
Between just being unplugged for a few days and a few discussions with my Dad who knows a crapload more about databases and project management than I, I think I’ve mostly got my head wrapped around this project. I got about 3 pages of notes down, and I write densely. I think when I head home tomorrow, I’ll be ready to start working on the app. There’s still a little bit of brainstorming left to do, but for the most part, I’m there.
So, if you ever find yourself stuck on a project, try unplugging for a few days. Don’t stop working, but go to paper and pencil if you can. If you aren’t working in computers, do something else to change your perspective; A shift in practice/view tends to lead to new approaches or solutions you hadn’t thought of before. Probably just because you aren’t following a pattern anymore and your brain has to start improvising more readily.
At least, it worked for me. Thought I’d share.
Got another project underway as well. I’m not really going to be talking about these projects directly until they’re at least alpha ready.
