Archive for Fun Stuff

Apr
1

Photoshop Button With Tinted Gradient Effect (psd included!)

by Contributing Author: Judy Rose, Graphics and Flash Expert

Hi,

I want to show you another cool and simple Photoshop effect I like to use for buttons or logos or whatever your creative imagination can find a use for:

Here are the steps I used to create this:

Start with an image or create one with background color you want and make the canvas size bigger so you have some room to work with…I hate the feeling of being closed in when I’m creating, so give it as much room as you want. You can crop it later.
Then add the following layer styles

Inner Glow (my settings are blend mode: Screen, Technique: Precise, Source: Edge, Choke: 0 Size: 4
Gradient Overlay I used a simple black and gray linear at 90 degrees
Stroke (mine is a black at 2, inside, normal & 100% opacity)

Create your type in white (I used Broadway font)
With your Type Layer selected (I have my JR in a separate layer and that is what I selected in this step) and your image background selected, make it a smart object
Rastersize that to convert the type to pixels.
Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool over the part you want to tint giving it some space like this:
Go to Image, Adjustments, Gradient Map
Select a gradient you want to use. Important! Adjust the last color to white so that you don’t get this funky tinted “J” or lose the letter altogether. Here’s what I mean:

Tip: I find Photoshop gradients all over the web that you can pick up for free…just remember to be respectful of their terms of use. A favorite of mine is Brusheezy.com (they add new stuff all the time), but you can find them everywhere along with Photoshop styles, actions, brushes, textures, etc.
Now use that same gradient for any text you want to highlight

And that’s it! Very easy, very classy and very cool! The possibilities are endless!

More samples:

And here’s the link to the zip file to download the PSD

JRcontrastButt on

Have fun!

Categories : Fun Stuff, Graphics, Media

Mar
21

26 Free Tip Sheets and Cheat Sheets for Your Computer Environment

by Janet L. Hall, Web Trainer/Developer

If you’ll like me you probably use a variety of tools in your computer environment: Google, Firefox, iTunes, Outlook, YouTube, Skype, and the list goes on and on.

Well I have found this really cool web site makeuseof.com that I’d like to share with you that offers (to date) 26 free tip sheets and cheat sheets for your computer environment.

Did you know that you can use Google’s search field as a calculator? I didn’t until I downloaded makeuseof.com’s Google Search Commands and Shortcuts. In this cheat sheet you will learn how to Restrict Search to Google Groups, Restrict Search, Specialized Information Queries, Alternative Query Types, Restrict Search to Sites where Query Words Appear, Basic Examples, and Calculator. All on one sheet – very cool and important information!

Have fun downloading!

26 Free Tip Sheets and Cheat Sheets for Your Computer Environment (Windows and Mac)

Dropbox Tips
YouTube Tips
Outlook Shortcuts
Skype Shortcuts
Opera Shortcuts
iPhone Cheat Sheet
Useful Gmail Shortcuts
Twitter Cheat Sheet
Photoshop CS5 Cheat Sheet
iTunes Cheat Sheet (Mac)
iTunes Cheat Sheet (Windows)
Windows CMD Commands
GIMP Shortcuts
30 Codes for Chat Smileys
Facebook Shortcuts
VLC Player Shortcuts (BTW – I love this player! If you make video for your clients and they can’t play it have them download the FREE VLC Player and I bet you your video will play!)
Google Reader Shortcuts
Mozilla Thunderbird Cheat Sheet
Internet Explorer Shortcuts
Google Chrome Shortcuts
Firefox Shortcuts (Mac OSX)
Firefox Shortcuts (Windows)
Best Google Search Tips
Linux Commands Reference
Mac OSX Shortcuts
Windows Shortcuts

If you have any tips or shortcuts you’d like to share please leave a comment below.

And while you’re visiting here Sign up for my U Gotta Look At This blog posts at the top right – so you won’t miss any posts – and every time I post it will be delivered to your inbox (and when you sign up don’t forget to verify that you did – you’ll get an email to do that – just click on the link).

Oh I almost forgot, while you’re visiting makeuseof.com check out their Best of Apps – you’ll be glad you did.

Categories : Code, Email, Facebook, Fun Stuff, Graphics, Media, Social Media, Twitter, Videos, YouTube

Feb
1

Business Rabbit Holes

by Janet L. Hall, Web Trainer/Developer

One things leads to another.

If this then that.

Rabbit HOLES of Business! Ever have any?

Yesterday I wanted to blog about X product – I didn’t.

Why?

Because I fell into a rabbit hole!

It all started last week when I had to reorder X product as I only had two left. Well the price per unit went up – not much – and then shipping costs went up on Jan. 22, 2012. With those two increases I would be losing money if I didn’t raise the cost of the X product.

So I thought, easy enough – I’ll just go into my shopping cart and change the prices, go to the web site and change the prices (the X product has three prices for US, Canada, and International)….Well then came the Rabbit Hole!!

When I went to the main site for just that product it looked REALLY bad in Firefox, Safari, and Chrome. It looked like it was suppose to in Explorer, which I thought was odd!

The site I built a looooong time ago using FrontPage (FP) and I’ve been wanting to convert it to a WordPress (WP) site and add a video demonstrating the product – time to do that now I guess.

The product is also on several of my other sites so I will need to change the prices there also – but wait a minute – another Rabbit Hole!

All my FP sites are on my old computer – well technically not any more. Actually none of my FP sites are on any computer or back up drives in my office (I have four computers and five external hard drives for backing up in my office).

Here’s what happened to them – I deleted them ALL – “thinking” they were backed up when I did a big backup and clean up of the old computer the FP sites lived on.

Guess what? It seems “system folders” – those created already for you by Microsoft - don’t automatically back up – although I could be wrong here but don’t think so.

I backed up all My Documents Folder in which lived the “system folder” My Webs and My Webs did NOT back up – and I deleted the folder BEFORE checking to make sure it was backed up.

So now I have the task of FTPing all my FP sites, although I thinking of just FTPing them into Dreamweaver and eventually making them all WP sites – another Rabbit Hole.

But wait there’s MORE!

The product is also on someone else’s site that resells it for me – I will need to notify them of the price increase and they will need to change it on their site.
I have an affiliate program – all my affiliates will need to be notified and make the changes on the program.
This product is part of a PPC (Pay Per Click) campaign in Google Adwords – so I will need to revamp the ads.

One things leads to another.

If this then that.

Rabbit Holes!

What kind of Business Rabbit Holes have you fallen into? Please share!

And for your viewing pleasure – here’s Alice:

Categories : Fun Stuff, Running Your Business

Nov
29

WebDesign Member: Marcy

by Janet L. Hall, Web Trainer/Developer

Meet Marcia (aka Marcy) Baker:

My first meet and greet with a fellow webdesign member!

Last week I attended a tri-county meeting at the College of Southern MD in LaPlata for the kick off of a new site/tool called SmartBiz Tool. It was a free event, and after I registered I recalled I had “met” some one from the MD area in my webdesign classes (online webinars with a community chat for members to ask questions, be helpful, and many times be FUNNY!), so I looked her up and sent her an invitation to attend and meet me there.

Well to my happy surprise she was already registered and planning to attend! I was very excited about meeting my FIRST webdesign.com member in person – here we are:

Marcia Baker and Janet Hall (the author here)

‘Marcy’ is an Online Marketing Strategist and the owner of Mark of Success, LLC.

We met in the lobby and all we had to go on was OLD pics of each other from the Internet – although I did email her what I looked like and what I would be wearing – she responded with an LOL as I emailed her this info. on the 14th and the event was on the 17th – telling me ” I have absolutely no idea what I’ll be wearing or how I will fix my hair that far in advance (LOL)”. I do my best to plan ahead – I’d go crazy if I didn’t with all I do – it’s the organizer in me

Marcy remembered we have this great technology and asked if I had a mobile phone that I could get text on and we agreed to text each other once we arrived so we could “find” each other. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that!

I knew her as soon as she came in the door – well I did ask if she was Marcy – she was looking for someone with shorter hair – like in my About page pic. Well we found each other, had a nice talk, met some interesting people, gathered up some info. and listened to the presentation. A reporter even took our pic together (not this one – I asked some man standing near us to take this pic)- it wasn’t in the paper – yet – the reporter called for an interview however I think I missed her deadline as I was at a client’s all day yesterday. She already did a report so I guess she is doing another one with a different angle. Maybe she’ll use the pic she took of us anyway – maybe she is interviewing Marcy! I hope so – Marcy is a great lady and offers some FABO services! I hope you check her company out.

Categories : Fun Stuff, Social Media

Oct
5

Birthday Presents for You!

by Janet L. Hall, Web Trainer/Developer

I’m Partying Like it’s 1954!

Today, Oct. 5th, I’m celebrating my 57th!

And I have Three FREE Birthday Presents for you

AND Three HEAVILY DISCOUNTED Presents for you!

FREE Present #1

Free Mp3 and Handout: Why You Should Have a Web Site and 7 Steps to Creating Yours

A recording of a presentation I did many years back (when FrontPage was popular, which you will hear me refer to )

Benefits of Owning a Web Site
5 W’s of What You Should Include on Your Web Site
7 Steps to Creating a Web Site

FREE Present #2

Free E- Book: Top Ten Organizing and Time Challenges People Face

I wrote this 29 page e-book back in 2005. Here’s a peek at the chapters:

Chapter 1. Paper Challenges: Includes mail, reading material and files

Chapter 2. Bedroom Challenges: Includes laundry, clothes, drawers and closets

Chapter 3. Children: Includes their schedules and their bedroom and toys

Chapter 4. Shopping Challenges: Includes food, gifts and cards

Chapter 5. Kitchen Challenges: Includes organizing, meal planning and cooking

Chapter 6. Time: Spending time with family, children, friends and self

Chapter 7. Appointments: Includes medical, school, parties and events

Chapter 8. Tools

Chapter 9. Car Clutter

Chapter 10. Maintaining home systems and cleaning

FREE Present #3

Free MP3 and Handout: How to Maximize Your Time … Even When You Never Have Enough

This is a live recorded event many, many years ago I presented.

Discover where your time goes
Goal Setting
Scheduling and Prioritizing
Who or What are your Time Robbers
Time Saving Tips and MORE!

Discounts are valid from Oct. 5th – Nov. 5th

Discounted Present #1

Need a web site, blog or both? I’ll build you a three page site (with or without blog) using one of my WordPress themes you choose from.

Here’s what you’ll need before I begin your build (if you need help just ask):

Purchase a domain name and hosting service; I recommend HostGator.com use Coupon Code: janets57BDay to get 25% off your purchase

Pick out a theme from my themes collection

Email me your info and what you want on your site!

Once you purchase your web site package I’ll email you or call you with all the instructions you’ll need so I can begin your web site.
(Sites are built on a first come first serve basis – most sites can be completed with three days or less)

Once your site is complete you will get one hour phone or Skype training (which I’ll record and send to you) – a $125 value – so you’ll know how to blog or make new pages – easy as filling out an email!

$200 OFF a three page site – your cost is $570.00 Order Now or Call me at 410-586-9440 if you have any questions or would like to discuss before purchasing.

Discounted Present #2

Need some training? Training is done via phone or Skype. All training is recorded (screen and voice) and will be emailed to you so you always have your lessons.

Training for WordPress, iThemes Builder, Allure Themes, WordPress Plugins, PlugIn Buddy Plugins, Gravity Forms, E-Commerce Plugins, Word 2007/2010, and PowerPoint 2007/2010.
Business and Internet Marketing Training and MORE are available – just call or email to see if I can train you!

$68 OFF one hour training – your cost is $57 an hour Order Now or Call me at 410-586-9440 if you have any questions or would like to discuss before purchasing.

Discounted Present #3

Four MP3′s and Handouts! All Four for $57!!!

Introduction to Using Articles and Newsletter to Grow Your Business (2 MP3′s and Handout) Value $29.97

How to Deliver Teleseminars and Make Money Form Your Phone (1 MP3 and handout) Value $29.97

It’s All About Keywords (1 MP3 and Handout) Value $29.97

How to Get Clients in these Challenging Times (1MP and no Handout) Value $29.97

$62.88 OFF – your cost is $57 Order Now (Once you order you will receive an email with a password to download your MP3′s)

Well that’s it folks – time for me to start my party – I do hope you like your presents!

Categories : Fun Stuff, Getting Organized, iThemes Builder, Wordpress, WordPress Plugins, WordPress Training

Sep
6

Does Your Business Need a QR Code?

by Janet L. Hall, Web Trainer/Developer

Some of you might be wondering what the heck is a QR Code, while many of you might already know what a QR Code is.

For those of you that don’t here is a quick explanation:

“A QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) designed to be read by smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, a URL, or other data. Created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR code was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.”

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Here is a “plain” QR Code to the Social Media Examiner home page. (A site I highly recommend!)

But look at mine! I created a “vanity” QR Code!

Now you are probably asking what does one need a QR Code for and where would you put the QR Code? Good questions and here are a few answers as the possibilities are endless:

It’s mobile marketing at it’s best!

You can add your QR Code to your invoices, business cards, ebooks, books, clothing and more! (Just for fun you could make a temporary tattoo of your QR Code!)

Anything you can print on or add an image to you can add your QR Code to.

People can instantly scan them and be taken directly to your website, an email address, a phone number, or any data you want it to contain – how cool is that?

If you would like us to create you a vanity QR Code please email us and we’ll create one for you for the low price of $79 and get it to you as fast as we can!

Start growing your business today using your QR Code.

P.S. I found a great article over at FastCompany.com, 13 Creative Ways to Use QR Codes for Marketing, BY FC Expert Blogger Rich Brooks

I wanted to share a few of Rich’s ideas with you (thanks Rich for sharing!) And I quote:

“QR Codes on business cards. OK, not the most creative idea ever. In fact, this is probably the de facto way many businesses use QR codes. Rather than overload a business card with all of your contact info you could include the bare minimum for reaching you, then create a QR code that leads people to your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr, Plaxo, Yelp, FourSqure, Digg, Delicious, StumbleUpon, Whrrl, and MySpace profiles. Little muss, little fuss.

Labeling. Somewhere, a restaurant patron is enjoying wine from your vineyard. They notice the QR code on the bottle and quickly scan it. That takes them to a mobile site where they can learn more about your wine, your vineyard, and links to where you can buy a case for delivery…all before the check comes.

Storefront displays. Few retail businesses are open 24/7. Don’t (fully) disappoint potential customers after you’ve left for the day. Create a Shop Online Now! QR code and put it in your storefront window. One quick scan and you’ve turned a potential lost sale into an online customer who’s going to share a lot more of their contact information with you.

Promotions, discounts and giveaways. If you want to encourage patronage from the iPhone and Android set, you could create discounts that are specific to the QR codes. You could run these codes in advertisements or post them throughout your store. You could even turn them into a “retweet” so that your shoppers share their discount with their followers.

Laptop stickers. Slap a QR sticker of your vCard or website to your laptop, making it easier for other geeks to connect with you when you’re at SXSW or the local coffee shop.

T-shirts. Put your QR code on your t-shirt (or parka, in Maine) for some shameless self-promotion. Or, make a bigger impression by printing up 100 t-shirts and put them on 100 interns and have them attend a public event like a ballgame, street fair or campaign stop. For more engagement from the crowd, put different messages on the shirts, so people take more scans of more of your codes.”

Categories : Fun Stuff, Mobile Marketing, SEO, Social Media, WordPress Training