Notes from a Fossil

Tuxedos - Web Site Review

2008-01-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

The quest for the finer things in life is never-ending. The internet provides a perfect hunting ground for the modern hunter-gatherer. The quest raises important issues. Can a web site help you choose something like tuxedos?

Let's review a web site and see.

First impressions. Studies show that web sites, in general, ARE judged by the "cover" in seconds. (Usually less than 10 seconds). These seconds can make or break a web site. The site loads quickly and looks professional. The photographs do a good job of featuring the tuxedos and at indicating the emotional moments frequently part of wearing tuxedos (proms, weddings, etc.). The interior of the site is well organized and gets down to business quickly. Both very desirable.

The colors are subdued and formal (in keeping with formal wear). Color choices are subjective so take that into account as you read: I realize they were trying to make a "guys" site, but most of the tuxedo market has moved beyond "baby blue". Rich brown tries to come to the rescue. As we all know, brown is one of the most difficult colors to get right on screens. Although it may technically be a "web safe color", it is one of the most difficult to get to appear consistently from one machine to the next. It is particularly troublesome when trying to balance the "baby blue". The designer may have wanted to de-emphasize black and white to stand out from other formal wear companies. However, black-and-white has become a major party trend and tuxedos ARE one of the best ways to get there. The banner heralds low prices (an internet staple, and one of the key reasons to go beyond bricks and mortar stores).

Well organized multiple tabs and links quickly connect to the necessities of making an online purchase (like shipping and shopping software called "shopping bag"). Most people would be concerned with shopping for such an item online. This web site goes the extra step with a size chart and returns information. Providing these links up front addresses a major fear of online purchases, a wise move. Tuxedo events usually involve a little more pressure and you need a well established way to handle the rare error.

This site also features all the accessory items that complete the look one is searching for with tuxedos. Ties, vests, tuxedo shoes, and more are just a click away. All commerce sites should provide related products and accessories. Once you have a customer in front of you, address all their needs. Some customers may even start with an accessory item, like a tie or shirt, then build up to a total package. Big commerce sites, like Amazon, have automated this related purchase phase of the transaction by showing items that other shoppers who bought the product you were looking at also purchased.

Finally, and most importantly, content! The content of the site is packed with styles, options and more. Everything that the tuxedo hunter-gatherer is seeking.

Review summary: look-feel, 3 out of 5 stars; ease of navigation, 5 out of 5; content, 5 out of 5.

Fossil says "Check it out".

Tuxedos on the Net

2007-11-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

Whether you are getting ready for your next spy mission or a special day, the clothes do make a man (or fossil). Tuxedos are the special touch for wedding, prom, or spy mission. Check out http://www.finetuxedos.com if you're hunting for a wide range of prices, and styles. The easy to navigate web site gets right to it with price selections, designer names, and styles. Whether looking for something to fit in for a price or looking for high-end designer gear at internet prices you're only a few clicks away from your goal.

Fossil says, "Check it out."

Homestead Small Business Home

2007-10-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

I haven't looked at Homestead.com for years. It used to be the little brother, tagging along behind, Angelfire and a whole raft of free website hosting services that heavily loaded with ads and poor templates. Back then the idea was for newbies to have a free place they could call their own in the wild and woolly pioneer days of the internet. Homestead (www.homestead.com) has changed its business model to providing web site hosting for small businesses and site owners at $4.95 per month after the free 30 day trial. Homestead now emphasizes small business website design. (http://www.homestead.com/~site/small-business-website-design.ffhtml ) using good looking templates for real estate such as (http://www.homestead.com/~site/real-estate-website-design.ffhtml ). If you want something above and beyond a large library of template based designs you can get a custom website design http://www.homestead.com/~site/custom-website-design.ffhtml For your for intry into the world of e-commerce, Homestead eases the way with ecommerce web design options ( http://www.homestead.com/~site/ecommerce-website-design.ffhtml ). Homestead has come a long way from its roots.

The modest monthly fee is a reasonable trade for higher quality looks and dropping the overwhelming ads from your space on the internet. It should provide a useful transition for first time users into a much more complex internet than the one that existed when the Homestead service started.

3 Websites Worth a Look

2007-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here are three websites worth a look. In a computer world filled with violence, porn, and more it's nice to see there's still room for clean fun.

thecoloringspot.com (free coloring pages for kids)

by the way the birds coloring pages are realistic enough for teens or adults

choicequotations.com (motivational/inspirational quotations)

the quotes range from the funny to the philosophical. Here's one:
"A closed mouth gathers no foot."

lightupyourbrain.com (games & stories for kids)

(brain logo is disturbing, but games and stories are good)>

Fossil says, "Check it out".

Abundance Blog

2007-10-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Looking for some philosophy on abundance and concrete "make money online" links and ideas? http://wisdomofabundance.blogspot.com/ has both.

Seattle Washington Blog

2007-10-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

If you are hunting for some musings and reactions to the Seattle Washington area from a recent transplant you may want to check out http://www.lovingseattle.com/

Put A Little Fun on Your List

2007-10-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Listafterlist.com is a fun place to make lists, see lists, and share lists. Anyone can join up and create your own "Top 10" list and more. You can tag your list as "informative", "best", "worst", "delicious" (food), "favorites", and "in the past". This site is NOT really for your grocery list, or laundry list of to-do's. It's not a mini-project managment site, or personal organizer. Some of the lists are very entertaining and can be either valuable or laugh-out-loud funny. It does have a search function and tag cloud if you are searching for a list on a special topic. Just remember that they will let anyone create a list, even a fossil. Have fun

DateSexLove.com - Free online dating, love, sex, and adult dating

2007-10-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

There are some amazing URL's are out there. Here's one that was sent to my attention recently. http://www.datesexlove.com

Find the love of your life of the love of one night. DateSexLove, post a free personal ad today! An account or credit card is not required to post a free ad.

Another Source for Product Reviews

2007-10-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Thirsty for tech product reviews? www.zinju.com come to the rescue. Zinju delivers product news, reviews and videos just in time for the holiday shopping frenzy. I like the photos that accompany each review and the personal touches in the articles.

If you can get past the goofy name, obviously designed to to pin the "unique name" meter to the high end of the range, it's worth a look.

Fossil says, "Check it out"

Holiday Music Contest

2007-10-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

We've all heard the hundreds of hours of holiday music. After a while it starts to sound like the same ten songs over and over again. If you've got the musical bug you can get us out of the endless loop by creating your own holiday classic. There's a contest where you can win $1,500 and get your music produced at http://thenextholidayclassic.com/

For those of us who know a good one when we hear it, but aren't ready to create it ourselves there is online voting with a chance for an Amazon gift certificate each day. Could be fun.

Fossil says, "check it out".

Free Online Real Estate Guide Book

2007-10-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

Homefinding Book.com has a free real estate guide. This free online book provides the basic information to find a home. The information is worthwhile reading for anyone starting to hunt for a home purchase.

The free real estate guide also puts you in contact with real estate agents who can help with your home purchase. HomefindingBook.com free real estate guide uses the homegain real estate agent finding processor. It requires a detailed entry of personal information. The results are sent to member agents. This level of detail should be VERY helpful in finding and starting to work with an agent.

- Fossil
(Sponsored Post)

Notes from a Fossil

2007-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

The world changes quickly and every so often we need to see some stories that are positive. A fun spot to visit for stories on the positive side is http://www.wevoke.com

The site is easy on the eyes and serves up a selection of stories from a wide range of outside sources.

The whole point is to find "warm and fuzzy"stories in one convenient location.

It's true they have touching and sad stories, but they manage to steer clear of senseless violence and parade of official foolishness that fills our media-minds these days.

For those who still shrink from "bumps in the night". wevoke.com rates its own stories by displaying giant happy and sad faces and percentages. You should be well protected even inside this venue.

Fossil says,"Check it out."