Pariah Design, LLC. » Blog Building

Compelling reasons for WordPress as a website platform

Paul — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:47:35 +0000

ComScore’s recent study released on August 31, 2009 shows Google with a 67.5% search engine market share. The next highest search engine was Yahoo with only 7.8%. What does this mean? It means that regardless of what search engine optimization efforts a website is using, the focus should still be on ranking well with Google. I often demonstrate to clients how quickly Google indexes blogging websites built with WordPress. This is one of the most compelling reasons for using WordPress as a website platform! My favorite reasons are ease of content management and design flexibility to manage an entire website, but the tie in to Google can not be ignored. (Optionally, WordPress can also be tied in to an existing website design). If your company isn’t blogging, you’re missing the (Google) “boat”!

eCommerce Fee Calculations and Displaying Mathematical Formulas in WordPress

Paul — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:28:55 +0000

It’s funny how solving problems and finding new creative solutions can be a source of pleasure. Recently a client requested credit card payment for services rendered using a popular online eCommerce payment service. Since my volume with that service is low, the fee is high – 2.9% plus $0.30 which is subtracted from the invoiced amount. I also have to spend the time setting up the online invoice within that system. After speaking to the client they agreed to cover the fee. So the question becomes “What calculations do I make to figure out the fee to add on so that I don’t lose money?” After confirmation by two esteemed colleagues over gelato at the Bellagio*, the formula is ready to be shown to the world! I’ve also found a nifty WordPress plugin that displays mathematical formulas based on simple text notation!

x is the amount billed for, y is the tack on amount to cover the fee, x + y would be the amount on the invoice be set up with the payment service.

Example: I want to collect $840. What should the online invoice be?

The invoice billed through the service should be $865.40.

The formula plugin is called “wpmathpub” and makes displaying my text entry of y = (.029x+.3)/(1-.029) into the first mathematical formula displayed above. It does require some additional configuration that is not standard with most hosting accounts, but then you’re with a hosting company that provides first class service, right? (If not, please contact us!)

*Thank you Adi and Leslie.

Post From An iPhone

Paul — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:11:34 +0000

This post was created on an iPhone and delivered over ATT’s 3G network using the WordPress App.

Nevada Email Encryption Law

Paul — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:38:18 +0000

The State of Nevada has passed a law which took effect on October 1st, 2008 that all businesses sending personal information of clients or customers by company email must encrypt that email. For larger companies with in-house IT departments this is probably not much of a challenge. For individual proprietors, small to medium companies and start-ups this can be bewildering. There is a great deal of discussion on what constitutes “encryption.” Consider that there are several high grade solutions available from open-source (free) to expensive commercial applications? Do a search for “pgp” (Pretty Good Privacy) to start learning more.

Nevada is not the first or only state with laws governing email encryption. This post should not be considered “legal advice.” Please check with legal counsel in the appropriate state for guidelines and recommendations.

As with any technology challenge feel free to contact us for solutions or to set up a consultation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Good_Privacy
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-603A.html

Why Have A Website?

Paul — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:45:27 +0000

I do occasionally still get the question “Why should I have a website?” asked of me. Here are some solid reasons for a presence on the internet (not listed in any particular order).

Sales/Commerce – consider the cost of selling online vs. opening a retail location and the ability to reach customers worldwide.
Education – with today’s video and streaming technology you can broadcast your message to the public, consumers and industry.
Philanthropy – doing “good” online has a real effect in communities here and around the world by raising funds and providing technology, science and education for all sorts of causes.
Image – everyone can be the same size on the internet. Websites are the Colt 45 of the old West – “The Equalizer”. Also, having a website puts you a step above those who don’t have one.
Marketing/Advertising – the cost of owning and maintaining a website is very low, allows you to build a database of customers and makes it easier for them to find you. Offering customers incentives and information through mailing lists and consistent website updates with blogging adds value and reinforces your company message and establishes you as an authority in your field.
Customer Service – websites offer a central, consistent message and source of support and feedback. Consumers expect even small companies to have websites. Aside from actually selling products, websites also offer customers the ability to request quotes, information and contact.
Staff Management – recruit, train and communicate with employees and contractors.
Networking – your website is like a business card out in the world allowing you to link with other businesses worldwide to generate interest in your company.
Vanity – the internet is a great place to show off and have your voice heard.
Green – having a website can lower your printing and mailing costs by providing information online like downloadable statements and reports.

Publish and Perish? Relax.

Paul — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:48:47 +0000

I was just thinking last week that I don’t really post on here often enough. My post title was going to be “Publish or Perish.” Today I received an email with a news link – “In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop” (link below). My motto has always been everything in moderation. Where I seek to enable individuals and companies with technology, it appears that technology can also “disable” in more ways than one. As the great T’ai Chi teacher Yang Ch’eng-fu said “Relax, relax, then completely relax.” If you’re interested in learning more about T’ai Chi Chuan check out World T’ai Chi Day a worldwide event on April 26th at 10am local time.

In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop

World Tai Chi Day

Tree in a Forest

Paul — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 18:20:29 +0000

So, if a blog gets written and nobody reads it, does it still make a soundbite?

Today’s plugins installed – Secure and Accessible PHP Contact Form, Add Meta Tags and Search Excerpt.

Site converted to Wordpress

Paul — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 21:22:05 +0000

…In our ongoing pursuit to provide easily implemented technology solutions for business we will be adventuring with Wordpress as a CMS (content management system). Installation was very easy, and there are hundreds of free themes (styles) available to choose from.