We got rules around these here parts
I like rules. I’m just that kind of guy. In another world I could’ve been a cop. Some alternate universe where all the criminals are benign sissies, maybe.
Here on Earth, I have to apply my lawful nature to what I do best - coding web pages. And not just the actual programming, but also in how I run my business. Because let’s face it: If I thought I could do better work for somebody else, I’d just do that instead.
- Stay Gold
- “Treat others the same as you would expect of them”. It’s a classic (and first on the list) for a reason. We’ve all had bad encounters with clients and vendors and, knock on wood, we’re done with that. I take the time to get to know my clients and get an understanding for how they work. I’m upfront about my pricing and my skills. I meet deadlines. I’m passionate about what I do and put that passion into every job. I’m positive I’d be quite unsuccessful otherwise. I want clients that share my passion for perfect web sites. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Do It Right
- Disloyal to its roots as a programming language, HTML is a very forgiving thing. You do not have to be a professional to get a page to display on someone’s screen - far from it. The consequences of skimping on skill include dismal search engine results, slow page loading times, non-existent accessibility (and the legal troubles that can accompany the issue), inconsistent design across different hardware and software, and a host of other issues. All of my hand-typed code conforms to the latest Web Standards to make sure that your sites get all the behind-the-scenes benefit of valid XHTML and CSS, and it always will. Anything less is a waste of my time and your money.
- Be a Sniper
- If you aren’t great at something, you’ve got no business charging money for it. I think doing one thing perfectly is far more valuable than doing two things well. Programmers that don’t know their limits can’t deliver on time or on budget. I keep my skill set small so I can focus on delivering the highest quality out there at a fair price. Value is a good thing.
- Stay Lean, Stay Mean
- This is a one-man show, and it’s going to stay that way. I have folks I can use for back up when a client needs something I can’t provide or when things get a little hectic, but I do personal, detail-oriented work and want to make sure every project is done with a degree of spit and polish that I just won't trust with anyone else. That might make me a little harder to get from time to time, but you’ll know you're always getting the best work you could have.
- Your Audience is Everywhere
- Successful websites are viewed from all over the place; PC’s, Macs, cell phones, iPhones, printers, assisted devices for sight-impaired viewers, and more. Writing code that works everywhere is a key element that separates good programmers from great ones. What’s the point in spending money on a great website if a chunk of your audience can’t see it the way you intended? Using style sheets, I can make sure your site looks just how you want for everyone without sacrificing good design or accessibility to folks with disabilities.