Posts

• Data protection (myth?)

  A company emailed an address I'd never given out. Five months and many unpaid hours later, I'd traced it through four brokers and filed two ICO complaints.

• Rich web articles that explain things

  Some people go all the way when it comes to creating rich, long-form, deep-dive, interactive, delightful articles on the web.

• Debugging a slow server with AI

  A server crash revealed the hidden cost of free software. We discuss why simplifying your tech stack is key to a calm, resilient business.

• Event: Legals for Creatives

  Navigate legal essentials for creatives. Get practical advice on contracts, intellectual property, and fair payment with We Sort and Wolf Flanagan Legal.

• New websites

  Websites are never done. They evolve from what's needed and what's achievable at the time. If you're not proud of your site, it's time for a change.

• Best practice when I build a website

  When I create a website there is best practice that I follow alongside some opinionated views on what makes for a ‘good’ site.

• Walk-n-Talk July 2025

  Over a couple of weekdays in early July, Duncan and I arranged a trip for a handful of self-employed, like-minded people to go on a few walks in the Peak District.

• 15 years, plus some more

  Since 1 October 2009, I have been self-employed. I’ve drawn a few conclusions - one of which is that it’s foolhardy to draw conclusions. Another is that you must track your time.

• Bespoke. Specifically, bespoke websites.

  A custom built website can offer excellent value for a business as it is often their main shop window.

• What makes a 'good meeting'?

  A focus on discussion, a clear purpose set of topics, and invitations to the right people.

• Time Planning & Tracking

  An approach to planning and tracking time using Google Calendars with help from a 3rd Party web app.

• Standards

  Setting the current expectation and allowing that to evolve as required.

• A checklist for Squarespace

  A few things to remember to do when building a site in Squarespace. Turn on SSL, set a custom favicon, and mind your slugs.

• Thoughts on passwords

  Treating passwords with respect and using a strategy will help avoid the pain of either catastrophic or low-grade password failures.

• What is Git?

  Git is software that tracks the changes to a set of files. It's used by software developers and intending as a way to ease collaboration.

• Images for websites

  TL;DR = 2500px jpg with a 'good' filename.

• File names & file systems

  Some tips for working with files. To make it easier when we create, view, find, edit, share, collaborate and store them.

• What I like to use (Nov 2023)

  Everyone has their own way of working and I have mine. This is an outline of the products, services and systems that work well for me.

• Clean Inbox

  Clean Inbox or Inbox Zero is an approach that aims to minimise distraction and stress. The premise is the same as using a traditional paper inbox.

• Static vs. dynamic hosting

  Websites must be on a server of some sort. Broadly, there are two types of hosting: "static" and "dynamic".

• Migrating domains

  Businesses change their web domain for a number of reasons, but that change must be handled carefully.

• Removing assets from a repo

  Git is fantastic for tracking 'every file' in a project as a complete package. However, some website simply have too many images and they should be .gitignore'd.

• Legacy URL redirects

  When launching a new website, it is important to correctly handle the addresses from the previous site.

• Links in website content

  Use relative URLs for internal links and absolute URLs for external links to ensure proper functionality during site migrations.