Antbag.com

Why in the world have I never tried out Skype? I’ve been aware of it for a long time, but tonight I plugged in for the first time and talked to someone on the other side of the world.

For some reason, I was under the impression that there was a special phone you had to have to use the service. I think I saw a phone with a Skype logo on the shelf at Wal-Mart in the computer accessories, and just assumed that you had to have that…..as embarrassing as it is. Well, I found out tonight that all you need is a mic and speakers, and you’re good to go. I had an old pair of headphones in one of my closets with an attached microphone, and it worked perfectly. I was amazed. The headset I have probably isn’t worth a couple of bucks. So I’ve found one of my new favorite web apps!

Tags: Web by Anthony ∗ 20 Comments »

With all the changes that are happening at the WordPress Theme Viewer, I’ve decided to offer my WordPress themes for download here on this site. Since WordPress made the decision to no longer include sponsored themes, they’ve been going through the whole database of themes they have and weeding out the sponsored ones. During this process, they’ve closed the site to ALL designers who would like to upload new themes or update the ones they presently have featured on the site.

The situation has made me realize that no matter how great a tool the Theme Viewer is, to use it exclusively for offering themes is putting the availability of my themes completely in someone else’s hands. I have several new themes that will be available soon, and I’ve been waiting several weeks for the WordPress Theme Viewer to open back up for designs. I hope to continue using the site in the future, however, they will still be available here.

I’ve set up a demo site which will feature the previews of each theme. When you go to my “Themes” page, for each theme is a screenshot, a preview link, and a download link. Hopefully, this will also make the process easier for those interested in downloading…..one less click.

If any technical issues pop up with this new set up, please let me know.

Tags: Design, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 10 Comments »

This past week, I introduced you to a new design I created for my wife’s embroidery business. I had built the site with XHTML and CSS on static HTML pages. I asked for constructive criticism, and I got what I asked for pretty quickly. Based on the feedback I received plus several ideas of my own, I’ve made several major revisions. Here are the changes:

• site is now built on WordPress 2.2
• changed the domain from .info to .org – (.info address is forwarded to .org)
• new item pictures that are more consistent with each other
• did away with the sidebar – same links are in the horizontal nav bar
• h1, h2, etc. are being used more appropriately
• front page photos now click-thru to the appropriate pages
• added dialogue to the contact form

At some point, I may still change the site over to a shopping cart system such as OSCommerce. Presently, I believe this set-up will serve the purpose of the site. I also think using WordPress opens up some new possibilities, all of which I’ve yet to grasp. WordPress is such an awesome system, the possibilities are endless.

Embroidery and More

Tags: Design, Web, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 5 Comments »

This week, I’ve redesigned my wife’s online store, Embroidery and More. Her site has gradually shifted to 100% children’s items as that’s been the far majority of her business online. Offline, shirt designs for local business seems to be her niche.

The Tools

What CMS platform is the store built on? NONE. I’ve looked at and tested multiple shopping cart systems and haven’t found the right fit as of yet. So at the moment, the site is powered by static web pages and Paypal’s free shopping cart solution. In the future, I would like to add a full shopping cart if I find the right one(that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg). I’m undecided what to do as far as the domain name. Presently, the store sits on a .info domain. I also own the .org address of the same name.

The Design

As for the design, I wanted the store to have a simple, clean design with a color scheme that screams KIDS! I’m very pleased with the results. IMO, the different shades of blue provide just the right contrast for the subtle pinks, greens, and yellows.

I would love to get some feedback. Constructive criticism anyone?

Tags: Design, Web by Anthony ∗ 9 Comments »

If you take a look at the very top of the page, you’ll notice I added a bookstore. The majority of the books are web design related, and I also have a few other books(fiction and non-fiction) that I’ve read lately. All of the web design books are books that I either have and would recommend, or they’re books I have on my “plan to get” list.

I also added a few movies. Some of them aren’t all that popular, but I consider them some of my favorites.

The store is an Amazon store and took all of about twenty minutes to set up and embed on the site.

Tags: Business, Web by Anthony ∗ 6 Comments »

The WordPress Theme Viewer went under an administration change last month around the time they made the decision to stop supporting sponsored themes. Since then, I’ve been unable to upload new themes, or even update the ones I currently have on the site. I’m under the impression that the site is still not accepting new themes until they get all the changes they’re making worked out. (whenever that will be)

If a reader is interested in a theme, they can check it out right here rather than going to a different website.

Since I haven’t had access to that site, I’m looking into what type of set-up I’ll need here on Antbag.com to offer my themes for download and preview. I have a little collection of completed themes that are now ready, but I haven’t offered them due to my reliance on the Theme Viewer. I think this will be a positive change. If a reader is interested in a theme, they can check it out right here rather than going to a different website. Hopefully, the Theme Viewer will be back up to full functionality before long. I would like to offer themes both here and there. The Theme Viewer is great exposure.

On another note, I believe I read that they were having trouble with the “10 most downloaded themes” section. Whether they’re having issues or not, my NetWorker theme is one of the themes listed in the top 10……….so I consider that to be good exposure!

Tags: Web, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 6 Comments »