Articles by Robert Wild

18.02.10
What is Drupal, and why is it so good?
Written by Robert Wild 
in Developing
Drupal Logo

It seems that the first task I am set to with new clients is briefly summarising what a content managed system actually does, why it would be a benefit to them and why I personally push for an open source approach. In all honesty they seem to take on board the benefits I reel off (I do tailor them to the particular client), but generally they are bought when you advise on cost comparisons. Its really simple, an open source, mature content management system is going to be far cheaper than developing a custom system, or purchasing a licensed application.

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15.10.09
How very ture
Written by Robert Wild 
in Designing

Lets get to the point, if you are easily offended and don't like swearing, stop reading now.

Still here??

Good....

The CD here at Mono got sent a link from one his old college mates, it couldn't be closer to home for any designer to relate to....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pS7_ob2itY

and they have even produced a sequel!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCjcwBGQtiw

and the web version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sU3KaT74JE

Magic!!

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15.10.09
How very ture
Written by Robert Wild 
in Developing

Lets get to the point, if you are easily offended and don't like swearing, stop reading now.

Still here??

Good....

The CD here at Mono got sent a link from one his old college mates, it couldn't be closer to home for any designer to relate to....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pS7_ob2itY

and they have even produced a sequel!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCjcwBGQtiw

and the web version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sU3KaT74JE

Magic!!

Read More...
21.08.09
Programming vs Web Programming
Written by Robert Wild 
in Developing
Stupid Comment

Every now and then I get a spare 5minutes to catch u with a few of my favourite blogs. I haven't researched into many, but have been either referred to by close industry colleagues, or simple stumbled across by accident.

Once such stumble is the Coding Horror blog, written by a chap called Jeff Atwood. The whole Coding Horror blog has its own widget for your iGoogle account and makes a compelling read.

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14.08.09
Who cares about source code
Written by Robert Wild 
in Developing
Worse HTML Bloat ever!!

Admittedly I am very particular coder, I do my best to work to the 'web standards' – by which I mean those set by the W3C, I validate all my code against the online tools provided by this service. But making your code validate is not too difficult a task, in comparison making it validate and also work in IE is far more challenging! I also try and keep my code as minimal and light weight as possible, I shorthand all my CSS, re-use common classes and build the HTML is a logical and easily identifiable way.

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28.07.09
IE8 and the dawn and yet more developing headaches?
Written by Robert Wild 
in Current Affairs
Pie chart showing the breakdown of modern web design

With the recent public launch of Microsoft's new Internet Explorer, news spread quickly of the addition of a long list of great new features that aims to separate the new browser from older versions and of course its close competition. Yet it still cannot seem to shake of the opinions and comments made by many developers globally of its inability to resemble a 'good' browser.

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21.07.09
Flash websites – a new new age
Written by Robert Wild 
in Developing

Flash has been about since 1996, and has since built up a progression of uses and options for deployment, commonly to add animation or interactivity. The impact of flash on webpage (if done correctly) can give some lovely visual effects and really bring a page to life.

However it does have some down sides, before any design through flash can be achieved, you of course need the application, currently a new install of flash CS4 would cost around £620. In terms of a webpage, the flash content is completely invisible to search engines and visual impaired user tools (like screen readers), designers can get carried away with design and so file sizes increase rapidly, slowing down page load times and increasing server strain for busy sites.

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16.07.09
Search Engines Optimisation and Campaigns
Written by Robert Wild 
in SEO and SEM
Search Engines Optimisation and Campaigns

In the previous article I discussed the industry pirates and cowboys, in no other sector of the industry are these more common than search engine optimisation. To avoid any arguments or mud slinging, I am not claiming to be a SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) guru, I do not know everything there is to know about SEO. We work to best practices and proven results, we do not make unrealistic promises.

Maybe that's why this particular discipline is so bloated with cowboys? We are honest, we never make false promises or hopes. We are confident with our results, but how can anybody guarantee top results for the system which has no official documentation, no direct lines of communication and changed on an hourly rate?

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08.07.09
The Design Industry Pirates
Written by Robert Wild 
in Current Affairs
The Design Industry Pirates

I suppose with every industry you get cowboys and pirates, those who set out to deceive the customers and clients with mis-truths and reputations. I don't think the creative industry is exempt from this, however it seems the real cowboys lie and work within our own ranks. As an established studio in Derby, we like many others have years of experience to call upon for projects and business goals, this does not automatically qualify you for greatness, but does stand you in good company. This is not say an industry rookie is inept and not worthy of company, on the contrary the ideas and creativity of a green employee often exceeds those of the established team members.

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