Ye' old general discussion board. Basically, for everything that isn't covered elsewhere. Come here to shoot the breeze, shoot your mouth off, or whatever suits your fancy. This forum is not for asking programming related questions.
If I need a clean interface I build a clean interface. If I need a processing routine, I built that too. I build what I need and try to trip off what I live and don't like as all that does is make the project seem to take way longer than it should.
You rip off what you like and rip out what you don't like?
Note to self: Never disclose any ideas to Everah
Honestly, I try and get ideas from all kinds of sources, but it's the design phase (Photoshop) that kills me...I can never get something to look cool like I want it to
Thats frustrating...
As for the CSS designs...i've come pretty far, I can't complain
Seems like your talents and/or interests might not be on the (graphical) design side. If that's the case it's a matter of trying to keep that part to a minimum by using very clean, minimal and simple designs for your front-end. Just line everything up, use a decent typography and you'll have a good base.
Then you can always look for some help to notch everything up a bit, graphically.
My annoying aspects: not enough time! I like to do things well and often end up researching a lot. But if you're on your own with a project there's just so little time for each project/aspect. I have to constantly remind myself of the priorities.
When you spend months on something and it seems like hardly anybody is interested. That can be a bit disheartening. I have to admint, building the project website is not the most exciting bit for me... I almost considered paying somebody to build the website for something I'll release soon but couldn't justify it when I won't get money from it (apart from maybe the odd donation).
*cough* Hopefully you're not scouting yourself for jobs at the moment That's not a good thing to mention Even though we're all guilty of it.
I have to admit, I have sort of learnt not to pursue projects after a couple of days I can usually tell that it's not a project I'll finish. I'm finishing more projects now by being more selective about what I do. Starting new languages helps to bring a bit of fresh air back into your programming work too
Hockey wrote:It occurred to me today, that having a plesant interface is a royal PITA when it's just me...followed by making the design CSS/XHTML compliant
I waaaaaaaaay prefer application design, planning, etc...followed by actually implementing ideas...
Everah wrote:If I need a clean interface I build a clean interface. If I need a processing routine, I built that too. I build what I need and try to trip off what I live and don't like as all that does is make the project seem to take way longer than it should.
I supposed I should have said that when I develop a front end, even if it is not styled, I always make it compliant. I start that way so I don't need to worry about making it that way. Also, for personal projects, I always code the front end to Firefox usability.
As for applications, I like building applications a lot more than building usable front ends. Unfortunately, the two are tightly related, so you can't really avoid a front end to the application in most cases.
So for me, I usually build a working application with a usable front end. Heck, if it is useful for me there is a chance it might be useful for others. Why not make it usable and marketable.
*cough* Hopefully you're not scouting yourself for jobs at the moment That's not a good thing to mention Even though we're all guilty of it.
One reason I don't finish personal projects very often is because there's nothing compelling me to. There's no client or deadline. I'm the opposite with work projects, I finish them as soon as possible because there's a client and a deadline.
Another reason I don't finish personal stuff is because I'm stuffed full of amazing ideas for things to make. I don't have anywhere near enough time to do them all. I hop from idea to idea too much. In business having someone who can see solutions to problems and come up with creative ideas as easily as I can is a definite benefit.
I'm not looking for a new job just at the moment though.
I'm constantly hopping from idea to idea. I tend to find that as soon as the idea becomes a familiarity with me (or once I have 'solved' it) that's it, I'm bored.. next Idea please.
I feel you. I constantly switch back and forth from my space strategy game to my myspace like site. Last night I made some progress on the myspace thing... folders for users are created when they join..when they create a blog a blog folder and page are created. all dynamically of course..it's kinda fun... so yeah.. see. I'm losing concentration all ready.