Building award winning web sites

At Focus-Films we like to deliver an exceptional service in web design and are available to take care of your website development through the design, development and deployment stages which encompasses your use of social media to engage with your intended markets.

One of our success stories, is the ‘Loch of Shining Waters’ website, which is a community platform for the Lochgelly area which aims to bring local community news and disseminate the informtion online through various media platforms including social networks.

Our work into ‘Loch of Shining Waters’ has provided the team with an easy to use platform that allows core members and local residents to publish news that are of interest to them. This style of multi-user publishing system is based on WordPress, an Open Source software, which has helped win the site awards from Scotland Unltd and Nominet, via the BetterNet Awards, and a special mention for the Nominet Internet Awards where the site was slected as a runner-up in their category for 2012.

We have been providing the volunteers with ongoing support to help them maintain the site and deliver an exceptional service. You can view our work and the work of the volunteers at: https://lochgelly.org.uk

Web Hosting – Changes to Contracts

When we first launched, we were providing free web hosting, and also free domain registration. Web hosting and domain registration are charged annually, and at first we were happy to absorb these costs. Although it was a loss to the company, we were proud to be able to support small businesses, so they can concentrate on establishing themselves.

However, 2 years ago, we had to introduce charges for web hosting and domain registration and renewals, as the amount of clients we host has vastly increased, and increased our costs, so that we were no longer able to absorb these charges. Although we introduced charges, we still kept these at a minimum, and do not profit from the charges, and we still heavily subsidise web hosting and domain renewals.
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Review of Disgo Tablet 7000 (Android)

I’ve recently purchased an Android tablet just to try some new technology (new to me anyway). SInce I have never used the Andriod operating system before, I decided to look for a bargain model, as an introduction to the OS, and if it was any good, then at a later time, may upgrade to a better model.

Firstly, I bought the Disgo 7000 from www.play.com at a reduced price from £109 down to £50. The price has been fluctuating up and down on the site, but as of writing this article it is back down to £50. Having tested the product, I doubt I would spend the original price for the tablet, I would possibly value it around £80-£90. The price I bought the tablet is certainly value for money and I would highly recommend the device as an a good introduction to Android and tablets.

Hardware

The Disgo 700 has 516Mb RAM and 4Gb of storage space, and provides a slot for a microSD card which can use additional space of upto 32Gb. There is 2 ports, one for connecting to your computer, and another for a USB memory stick. Applications run for the most part quickly, but some apps do have an initial slow load time.

One of the minor drawbacks to the hardware, is the speakers. The quality is fine, but can be a bit quiet, especially watching certain videos on YouTube. However, listening to the device through the headphones is very good and balances out this small flaw.

The device feels robust and well made. The screen is resistive which means that you lose some response from the device, and have to apply slightly more pressure to the screen when making selections on the device. Having owned various PDAs, I have tested the device with a stylus pen, and these work more responsive with the device. Also an update is available for the device which improves the responsiveness of the device, if you are using your fingers.

Software

When the tablet first arrived, I set it up, and started exploring the capabilities of the device. Basic apps were provided (browser, maps, calendars, mail, etc.) and you have an option of downloading more apps, but only from getJAR. The drawback with GetJAR is that not all apps could be downloaded, and others when downloaded might not work, so it was a bit of hit and miss with getting apps for your device.

After, a few days of using the device, I decided to get the full manual from the manufacturers site, and noticed there was an upgrade available. The update will wipe everything from your device, so if there is anything you want to keep, make a back-up. I opted starting from scratch, as I’ve only been exploring the device, and have as yet not put it to business use.

Overall, if this device is your first introduction to an Android tablet, then you cant go wrong. The device is sturdy and very affordable, and while it lacks certain software to get the most out of the device, there is workarounds. Response can be a bit sluggish for the screen touch, but overall I haven’t noticed any memory issues, video playback is smooth, graphics are crisp and clear, sound can be a bit difficult to hear, and the microphone function is very poor, but for your money worth, it is certainly a bargain and a good introduction and starter device for exploring the Android OS.

Dealing with trolls in your social community

If you have opted for embracing social networks to promote your product or brand identity and have managed to build up a small but growing community, it will be inevitable, at some point, your community will be invaded by a troll.

An Internet Troll is someone who will post a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup or message board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument. The troll will continue to harangue and harass others, and often have nothing worthwhile to add to a certain conversation.
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Clients from Hell - website

Regardless of what business your in, whether it is in the creative industry, services industry, customer services industry, there will always be one moment when you realise you are dealing with a client from hell. This is to be expected, and what really counts is the way you deal with this client.

There is many reasons a client can become termed a client from hell, and in all reality, it may not point to a failing on the clients behalf, but also a failing on the way you have conducted your business.

This post however, is not about dealing with a client from hell, but looking at the life stories of other creatives, that have chosen to share their stories on www.clientsfromhell.net
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Introducing Search Engine Optimisation ethically

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a method to improve the visibility of your web site in search engines, which has spawned many companies that solely focus on the SEO of your site.

There is many reputable companies in this area, there is also many shady companies that can actually end up destroying your ranking and visibility within the search engines.
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