Elliott C. Back: Technology FTW!

Priorities on the Web

Posted in Life, My Blog, Wendy by Elliott Back on January 23rd, 2007.

It’s an ominous word, that one, and yet it’s incredibly important for me to wake up and realize how little time I have. My day can be divided into a 12 hour chunk from 7 AM to 7 PM when I am working and eating. Then I need 7 hours of sleep. That gives me five hours for the day, less if I work later or have a long dinner, or just want more sleep. There’s not a lot you can get done in small four hour chunks, so I need to set my mind on it and establish some goals for myself, firm, workable goals in order to get them done.

“I’m quite excited about what the future brings for this website and myself.”
“But it won’t happen unless I conspire with all my will.”

First, I need to begin work on secret project X. Tomorrow I will code the backend; php/mysql will suffice to code the functions insert, update, flip, delete, rate, and comment [ed note--done]. Wednesday I will test the backend code against a basic layout. Thursday I will layout the page elements and begin working on the javascript. At this point, secret project X will be nearly done and I can polish details during the weekend, and prepare it for release.

Second, I need to finish the design of my new blog layout. Admittedly, it’s taking a long time. First on my list of priorities is to get my idea of tagging working properly, then to improve the overall layout. The menubar needs a lot of work. The comment form will receive particular attention; my ideas for this are actually innovative, for once. WP 2.1 code needs to be installed immediately, then the usual gamut of caching, searching, etc plugins must be installed and tested and tucked into corners. The theme must be widgetizable.

Third, I just bought a site. It’s the first time I’ve ever done something like this. I’m not quite sure what to do. My thoughts on the matter are: 1) get the site operational on my servers, 2) reduce its operating costs, 3) increase community appeal by allowing visitors to tag and comment on context, 4) monetize, 5) promote. It’s going to be very new to be trying to turn over a business site, instead of the usual pseudo-personal blob dabbling I’ve done.

Finally, I have another idea for a business-oriented site that will leverage the “blogs are hot” mentality. It will probably take about a month of undivided time to execute, because the service it provides will be quite high-load. However, I had an inspiration last night for the interface and I will jot it here:

^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^

    = - .. a
    = - .. b
    = - .. c
    = - .. d

  ## ## ## ##

I am really not kidding you ^.^! If I can accomplish these four menial tasks, I will have accomplished the following goals:

  • Diversified my online holdings
  • Founded new profitable, self-sustainable business
  • Increased the worth of my existing blog properties
  • Won the undying affection of my Wendy

I know it all sounds a little vague, endearingly romantic, and naive, but trust me on this one. I’m a professional, I’m in my game, and I’m going to turn out some good work soon. I just need to focus my mind away from the distractions of games, movies, tv, books, sloth, food, and all those things that slow the mind, and keep low the spirit. Fly, Halcyon! Fly, Moon!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 at 3:54 am and is tagged with workable goals, backend code, community appeal, page elements, project x, ed note, menubar, gamut, chunks, little time, chunk, priorities, long time, hours of sleep, sleep, servers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback.

Viewing 2 Comments

    • ^
    • v
    Wow, such a detailed plan, if you could follow this plan rigorously, I'm sure you could achieve a lot!! But you know, it's easier said than done =)
    Of course, I trust you totally, and I will push you, giving u some pressure.
    + oil, + oil!!!
    At the same time, don't tire yourself too much. Remember principal of favorability, ie, beginner's luck? lol. After some small successes at first, be prepared for more upcoming testings of your persistence and courage!
    Believe that you could overcome anything with the strength of love
    • ^
    • v
    Hey, I'm curious about that secret project X !!
    Here's some advice on your blog: try to improve its steadiness and loading speed. I do like the main color---green a lot. So don't change that.
    Good luck with your new website. Sounds like a big challenge!
    Finally, hope you'll accomplish all the goals above in the near future! Most sincere wishes to you and your girlfriend.
 

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