Comments on: How Not to Gain New Business

By: Lynne Connolly

Lynne Connolly — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:06:43 +0000

I keep stripping my site down. I’ve just done a big redesign (not launched yet) because I wanted a single template site that I could update quickly. I like to do my own, because I don’t like waiting around for other people to get stuff done for me.
I’ve done a few sites for myself now, and every time the design gets simpler and simpler. I got rid of drop-down menus, then fancy backgrounds and now I’m getting rid of the 4 or so templates I use. I tried to separate the historicals I write from the paranormals, but they’re all me, so I might as well have them on the same site, just make it clear which is which.
And the sites I like to visit best are attractive but load fast. I won’t wait too long for anything to load.

By: Shar

Shar — Tue, 20 May 2008 01:46:34 +0000

I have DSL broadband. Doesn’t take long at all for me to load up. I will admit the graphics are pretty, but I want a clear cut template site so I can easily find the information I need. You would not believe the various authors sites I have come across recently that are either too busy/fussy that it is a chore to find the information (book release info or what it is about) on a site like that. Also, if you are an author, make sure to HAVE information ABOUT THE BOOK. I came across one YA paranormal popular bestseller who had everything and the kitchen sink EXCEPT for information on what the book was about. I had to go to amazon to find out. That is just….sad.

Woe…just found out it was Theo who designed that site as well. A lot of extras, but no book descriptions. Does the author put that up or the designers?

By: azteclady

azteclady — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:30:05 +0000

Flash intro? sure fire way to get me to leave and never look back.

Give me simple, easy to access, quick to load, user (meaning me, the reader) friendly over pretty every time.

By: Jana Oliver

Jana Oliver — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:07:52 +0000

I used a template as I’m constantly futzing with or updating the site. I kept trying to get myself psyched up for a flash intro. Still hasn’t happened. Every few years I change website design. I’m about due again, though I love the current site. I’ve already bought the template. It’s that “control” thing, you see.

By: MD

MD — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:31:49 +0000

I always click away from sites with flash intros, instead of hitting the “skip through” button. I have a year old computer and fantastic DSL, but I’m still not going to watch the “show”. It just comes across as tiresome showing off to me. I’m an old-fashioned girl with disposable cash at hand and I like simple, straightforward sites. I can think of two off-hand–authors Anne Brooke and Rob Thurman–who have clean, appealing sites. No fuss, no clutter, and easy to navigate. I appreciate that and it makes me want to explore the site further. Shove a flash intro in my face and you can be sure I won’t visit your site ever again.

By: Ann Somerville

Ann Somerville — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:25:33 +0000

He comes across as complaining sure, but criticizing?

He said

three authors canceled web site service with me in favor of more generic web sites. Their reasons for canceling service are still unknown to me. .[emphasis mine]

In other words, not only did they decide to use an inferior product, they didn’t even bother to tell him why. (Which is untrue, according to at least one of the people he names.) He’s calling them bad customers with lousy taste. Sure sounds like criticism to me. Man should go on the list of business with which not to engage, in my opinion.

By: Mischa

Mischa — Sun, 18 May 2008 03:21:24 +0000

Am I missing something? How do you get that he is criticizing them for leaving? All he says is that they canceled his service; replaced it with less artsy web pages; and he doesn’t know why they canceled. He comes across as complaining sure, but criticizing?

By: JaneO

JaneO — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:06:35 +0000

This is something I used to argue about at work all the time. NOT EVERYONE HAS THE MOST UP-TO-DATE COMPUTER AVAILABLE!
For those with older/slower computers, sites that are heavy on graphics and gimmicks take much too long to load and may not load at all. Is the idea to show how clever and artistic you are or to communicate with people?

By: GrowlyCub

GrowlyCub — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:33:44 +0000

I went and looked at his site. I’m on DSL Ultra and even so some of the buttons took a while to load. Uncool.

I also looked at his client list. Books must pay better than I thought, if they can afford 1k to 6k for a website presence. But that might be just jealousy since I designed a couple of sites for my friends for free. he he

The question that I had was whether I’d want to be associated with this person as a writer and as I decided no, would the fact that I’d be out such an extraordinary amount of green make the decision to pull or not.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Sat, 17 May 2008 06:23:24 +0000

Checked out Mr. Black’s site and some of his clients. He does have some pretty stuff, some of the sites I found a bit busy, but different strokes for different folks. Nothing took too long to load for me, but I have broadband.

I also read Ms. Frost’s post today since whiskeyjack so conveniently provided a link. It appears pretty straight forward to me.

What’s the beef Mr. Black? Sounds like business to me.