iciskaye or isallcaps?
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings
I am seriously torn between my two online personas - iciskaye or isallcaps. You are probably wondering “Why two?” And “Why not both?” And “What do those mean?”
Background - iciskaye:
You see there are many many many people out there named Kim Nguyen and trying to find me online is quite near impossible. When I was thinking about getting a domain, I was trying to come up with something that would be unique. Icis is my nickname in my sorority (Sigma Psi Zeta). Kaye comes from my aunt’s middle name. The first letter in my name starts with a K so I thought why not use Kaye? When you put the two together, you get iciskaye.
The Good - it’s unique! The Bad - is difficult to spell.
Background - isallcaps
My wonderful friend Weez give me the nickname “ALL CAPS”. It essentially describes my personality. I am a somewhat intense ALL CAPS type of girl. The reason for isallcaps, is because well allcaps is already taken but isallcaps is not.
The Good - easy to spell. The Bad - not the first/original name. I’ve already been using iciskaye for the past year.
The dilemma:
I have two domains. iciskaye.com and isallcaps.com. In addition, you can find the username iciskaye or isallcaps through the various web applications that I use. I honestly don’t know which one should be my primary. I like them both.
It’s important to me because I am trying to build my online presence and it’s better and easier to maintain one name. I originally had intentions of seperating my personal and my online side but often they intertwine. I will definitely have both domains. The question is: what will primarily be my username?
Having your own personal website (Part Deux!)
Posted by Kim | Filed under website
The second part of this series discusses hosting plans. I suggest you take a look at the first part.
Note: This series is geared towards the do-it-yourself non techie. I only cover the important parts and things you should know. There are so many other factors that..well you probably wouldn’t understand. These tips come from personal experience.
Hosting plans! What is it and what do I need to be aware of?
- A hosting plan is where you would host your files such as your webpage. It is different then just simply having a domain name. These two go hand in hand. Your domain name puts people to where your website is located.
- Things to look for:
- How much space (where you store your files such as web pages, photos, etc) do I get for and how much is it going to cost me?
- Bandwidth - it’s important, see Wikipedia for more information. The more the better, but it can be expensive.
- How much control do you have? I am currently with Dreamhost which gives me the ability to create as many sub-domains as I want. For example, I can make a hi.iciskaye.com sub-domain. There are some web hosters that do not give you that ability, you must go through them. Therefore, it’s important to know what YOU (the user) can do (for example access to a database, make your own secure directory, etc…).
- Quick installs/one-cick installs/goodies - Web hosting companies offer various type of web applications (such as WordPress, Mediawiki) where all you have to do is hit a few buttons. You do not even need to touch any techie stuff! Imagine getting your own blog up in less than an hour with just a few clicks! See what the company is offering.
- Customer support - Enough said.
Those are the major points in looking for a hoting site. There are so much more other points. At least you have something to get started. Always remember to research online.
The next post is for those who want to set up a website (using WordPress) and isn’t sure if they want to spend money on a domain or hosting site.
Sweetcron (beta) is released today!
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings
The moment I’ve been waiting before! Sweetcron (beta) is released! It’s an open-source code that allows for you to host your own lifestream on your own server. So instead of using apps such as FriendFeed or Lifestream.fm, you can now make and host your own.
So what is Lifestreaming? Well, I would say check out this blog to learn more details. Essentially, it’s a timeline of all your online activity (such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc).
I am very interested in this concept. You have probably already seen it if you have seen the new Facebook layout with the feeds. I’ve already installed it and will be testing and (hopefully) developing a theme soon.
Having your own personal website
Posted by Kim | Filed under website
So you are wanting to have your own website but you do not know anything about making a website. What do you do? Here is a quick guide for those who know absolutely nothing about setting up your own website and are not technically inclined.
- DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT sign up for any web hosting plan. You can sign up for a domain name (which generally costs 10 bucks a year) but do not sign up for a hosting plan. Details on why will be explained at a later post.
- Research. Research a lot. Google is your friend. Know yourself. What is it that you want? Do you want a website to showcase your work or do you want a website that displays information so that people know what to look for?
- Do you want to do this yourself or hire someone? You can do it yourself or you can hire someone.
- If you plan to hire someone:
- Look at that person’s portfolio - if it looks like crap then don’t have them do it.
- Ask them about what will happen after the website is set up - do you plan to maintain it or will they? Can you easily add stuff to it? Will they teach you how to add to it and will it be simple enough for you to add to it.
- How long will it take?
- GET THINGS IN WRITING. Make up a contract, write down the details on what will be done, how much, etc. Use google to look up some contracts.
- If you want to do it yourself…well that’s coming up in another post.
Corrupted Jpeg files
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings
I recently took some pictures on my camera and when I went to download them on to my macbook pro, it was corrupted. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy and began my search for a free program that would work on a mac.
I am happy to say that this program: PhotoRec is the best and it worked for me. Did I mention it’s free as well?
Designer || Developer
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings
So I came across this blog and then read this post which was listed in the comments and it got me thinking about me. I come from both sides. Needless to say, I went through a lot of deep reflection. I will be making a post in the next week about me in regards to the Past (where I started), the Present (what I am currently up to), and the Future (where I plan to be).
Side note: I think I am going to be making a page that lists my interests.
Another side note: I think I will be make a Quickie-No-non-sense guide for those who want to make their own websites. I’ve been interacting with people who a) need somes work on their current site b) are noobies and not very techie and wants to start their site or c) wants to make their own but doesn’t know where to begin. This will cover from starting a website, designing, branding, and getting your name out there in the world. I’ve been through this path and I know how it feels to be overwhelmed and scared. The last thing you want to do is get screwed (financially).
Lifestream
Posted by Kim | Filed under Reflection
As I begin to think about redesigning my blog, the more I come back to the idea of a Lifestream. I already use a variety of services such as Flickr, Tumblr, etc. I recently came across this article while I was surfing through Lifesteamblog.com (a blog that I am subscribed to). Yongfook pretty much sumed up my thoughts and feelings on blogging and lifestreaming. Lots of things to consider and think about. Most likely, I will keep my capstone blog using Wordpress. As for this one, it will be going throught a major structural change in that I will follow the footsteps that Yongfook did. Therefore, I will probably be no longer using Wordpress. My tumblr blog - will most defintely be my personal blog.
Phase 1: Site Structure
Posted by Kim | Filed under Reflection
I have now begun to redesign my website. As you can see things have changed such as the home page as well as the directory. Originally, I had this blog in it’s own directory (wp), now it’s not. I’ve been moving things around, renaming, and deleting. This will be the final move (unless something really really bad happens).
The next step is to come up with my own WP theme. As much as I like this one, I would like my own one. Something that I created. Don’t worry, I will be making posts on this venture.
Wordpress, Tumblr, and Twitter
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings, Reflection
I’ve been using WordPress for a year now. Tumblr a little less then year. Twitter just started to use it this year. Twitter has been having a lot of problems lately. I still use it but eh. Tis okay. WordPress is good - if you are a blogger. Professionally - I intend to use it; however, personally - I am not. Originally, I was going to have a personal WordPress blog - but after considering the other services that I utilize (such as flickr and del.icio.us) it really didn’t make sense to me. I don’t like to write a lot of personal stuff and if anything they are just ramblings.
After some major thinkage, I’ve decided to use Tumblr as my personal blog. It makes perfect sense! I don’t care for comments, categories, etc. Posting to it is a breeze! In addition, it streamlines my flickr, del.icio.us, and my blog (currently my Twitter is protected) into one. It’s practically a lifestream. Besides, I already have to maintain my Capstone blog. Having two WordPress blogs is good enough for me. Three would be crazy.
When you click the picture on the isallcaps.com website - it will direct you to my tumblr blog.
Overhaul
Posted by Kim | Filed under Ramblings
There will be a major overhaul of my website over the next few weeks. I will be splitting my website into two: professional and personal. iciskaye.com will be my professional side and isallcaps.com will be my personal side.
