| shablazm | personal playground of joshua mccowen | » Web

Coming Along

Josh — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:32:49 +0000

Been putting some work into the new Life In Neutral system. I’ve started from scratch but it’s coming along nicely. It’s about 60% percent done and still needs some cleanup, there are quite a few holes, but overall it’s shaping up. Since I’m making everything specifically for this project, I think it will be a little easier for the users and should put an end to a few of the issues we had using the Wordpress framework.

Nothing is ready for viewing, I have to revamp the back-end and user experience still, but I hope to have a beta up here soon. This time around I’m going to be implementing a pay-to-play option as well. I’ve been putting allot of effort into the system, and have actually had quite a bit of interest in the concept. I’m thinking of having a free version with advertisements and a payed version with none. What is your take on that concept? I’m curious to hear how people think of those types of systems.

Is it Late or Early?

Josh — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:32:33 +0000

Been up for a few hours, it’s now 5:30 am. I wasn’t able to sleep with this stupid cold I have. I think it’s on it’s way out, but it’s been a crappy few days. Since I wasn’t able to sleep I figured I would try and catch up on some work. I’ve made a few tweaks to the website that I’ve been thinking about for awhile:

Removed Sifr – It was causing some slowdown on page load and just didn’t think it was necessary.
Logo Tweak – I’ve noticed a lack of color, or I guess only a slight tonal change. Wanted to expand the pallet a little bit. More to come on that front.
Misc other fixes…

I’m also thinking about changing the main font color, or background. I’m worried that the text might be a little bit on the “hard-to-read” side being white. Has anyone had any issues reading the content at all?

Anyway, it’s late, or early, so I’m back to bed for a little bit before work. Hopefully when I wake up, these changes will still make sense and look good. I’d be upset if they were simply cold induced decisions. We’ll see.

iStock Turns 10

Josh — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:55:14 +0000

If you haven’t used iStock before, you should check them out. They have a pretty good selection of stock artwork at very reasonable prices. We have used them for years. Obviously, I’m always pushing for custom photography, but sometimes budgets and time constraints don’t allow it. If your in need of some stock photos, you’re bound to find something that will work for you.

With their 10 year anniversary, they put out a call for portraits of their contributors and clients. Since I’m both, I figured “why not?”. That and any opportunity I can get to show off this years moustache I jump all over it. Go check out the stache in all it’s glory and don’t forget to browse their anniversary website. They have a cool photo collage going on and they are doing a few contests. If you happen to see my face as the collage, take a screen shot of that, I’d like to see it.

Also, if you happen to signup at iStock, let them know I referred you. That’s a $10 spot in my hand!

Life In Neutral – Season 2

Josh — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:47:58 +0000

The new season of Life In Neutral is live. We are not starting the actual game until Monday, but everyone is rip-rearing to go. We have quite a few more players this time, but we’ll see how many last. You wouldn’t think 90 days was much of a commitment, but some people just can’t handle it. Hopefully everyone will stick it out and it will just continue to grow. It’s a pretty simple concept and can be fun keeping tabs on everyones’ progress.

Come check it out and comment as you see fit: Life In Neutral

Whoopsie Daisy

Josh — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:47:37 +0000

I updated my calendar plugin the other day and just noticed that the styling is all screwed up. Darn! I’ll take a look at it this weekend and try to get some more items tightened up on this here website.

I really need to plan some type of update schedule to keep things current, but I find it hard sometimes to post on the website. Not that things aren’t going on in my life, but just stuff that would mean anything to everyone else. I would rather post nothing, then post random dribble just to say I have a website.

Kinda like I’m doing right now. Darn!

Blood, Sweat, Vector

Josh — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:27:23 +0000

Came across this website today and I love it. I used to be an Illustrator junkie but haven’t had the opportunity to play in it as much as I used to. That’s just an excuse because I’m sure I can make time, it just never works out that way. Until I can get back to the glory days of making adorable characters all afternoon, why not swing over there and check out some great work?

Blood, Sweat, Vector