Squarespace and Tech, in general

Over the past few days, I'd spent some time trying to make some improvements to this journal, some of them, subtle — like trying to get “smart quotes” (slanted quotes) to work properly when posting from the Squarespace iPad app. The iPad is still my primary computing platform, and many entries here are composed on my iPad. Unfortunately, the smartypants code that changes "straight quotes" and apostrophes into “proper quotes” and angled apostrophes doesn't work when entries are posted from outside the web interface. Fortunately (though it pains me to admit), not many people care about this typographer's pet peeve.

Recently, technology, in general, has been frustrating for me. Undoubtedly, some of it makes life much easier — some technologies seem impossible to live without. Therein lies the crux, however; as we introduce more tech into our daily lives, we become more dependent upon those things.

The above paragraphs originally acted as an introduction to the meat and potatoes, my rant about cell phones. However, it's become such an important thing to me, that I've decided to separate it.

Before I end this 'quickie,' another entry that has been composed on my iPad (that'll post without slanted quotes, GRRR!), I'd like to add that Squarepsace customer support has been fairly responsive in an attempt to help me troubleshoot this issue. There was some confusion, and overall, the support ticket I'd opened (after being prompted by @Squaresupport) had a simple answer: what I wanted couldn't be done, yet. Throughout the process, each person I'd communicated with was courteous, succinct, and prompt.

So in closing, I'd just like to say that the overall Squarespace experience is great, and if you're looking for a DIY website solution with minimal programming knowledge required, look no further, and please let them know that I referred you, because (I think) that gives me some kind of credit, and makes you extra cool.

Enhancing and beyond

First, I really wish TypePad or Squarespace would release an iPad-specific app for blogging — Squarespace’s web-UI only partially functions on the device (example: image uploading doesnt work in iPad Safari). I suppose I could use the iPhone app, but I’d lose the iPad’s improved keyboard.

I mention TypePad because, if they were to create a nice iPad app, I’d consider using them for my new Bradtastic site — and possibly suggest the Six Apart service as a new home for AIS. I want to utilize Typekit; at my new Bradtastic site, and possibly in the future, here.

I have a much better idea of what I’m going to write about and share. So much has happened over the past two-weeks; I’ve met amazing people, I’m working on amazing projects, and I’ve felt a bit better physically, too. I am somewhat saddened watching the French Open — I truly loved playing Tennis… I hope someday I’ll be physically able to again.

Bradtastic’s not so superfluous superfloo.us, and print work…

I’m working on some new designs and am carefully — lovingly — crafting a new feel for my “branding.” I do hope you enjoy it.

A glimpse of what’s coming.

iPad reviews, app reviews, my thoughts on Flash and web design, thoughts on typography and design… and most importantly, my 2010 — and what’s beyond.

Writing During Storms

I find it easier to write during traditional “bad weather.”

I love a gray sky — let a little rain fall and I’m thrilled. A day like today — sunny, early — sucks… if it stays like this all-day-long, I’ll be bummed.

Oakland, rated best weather in America.
[By both Rand McNally and Parade Magazine]

I find it easier to focus without fire in my eyes. I like staring out across the horizon and into the upper-atmosphere; there’s something soothing about low clouds and darker skies, a hint of relative-safety and a serene sensation.

I suppose, on a day like today, I’ll write a little blog post.

I finally shared some of my book-writing with my parents. If only I could honestly say that the project was “coming along nicely;” writing a book isn’t like math with an exact answer and repeatable solution, and unfortunately, it gets superseded by daily doings and goings-on. Real life often gets in the way — sometimes people get in the way.

Not that that’s always a bad thing. Life is filled with countless important people and things, and there just isn’t time for everyone and everything. Choices are made — sacrifices are made… and often, even important things get put-off.

On a day like today, I’ll battle the less-than-favorable weather with some down-and-dirty blogging!

WordPress versus Squarespace, part one.

I switched to Squarespace over one-year ago, and I’m quite satisfied with the service. The customer support is top-notch, and most modifications are a breeze. But it’s not all good — there are glaring and stunning issues making me reconsider the gargantuan beast, WordPress.

Because my blog is more than a hotspot for techies and not everyone reading this will know much about — or even care for — the specifications and details of the software and hardware involved, I’ll skip all of that and get to the meat.

The 500 pound giant.

Squarespace attempts to make their UI (user-interface) elegant, and they’ve succeeded in creating something elegant-looking. Unfortunately, a large-screen with high-resolution is required to really enjoy it. If the issue was only aesthetic, I couldn’t in good conscience complain; Squarespace’s clientele and prospects likely enjoy high-resolution displays, and I have one as well.

However, I also use a netbook (the iPad isn’t out yet!), and on it, Squarespace is practically unusable.

Critical functions are inaccessible on a small screen; Squarespace hasn’t built allowances into their main interface for low-res users, and there’s no backup. I could understand certain elements being off-limits — site-design (graphics) modification would be a good example, or adding new sidebars and widgets — but not being able to compose and post a new blog entry? Frankly, that’s pathetic.

At least Squarespace offers a free iPhone app, though composing an entire blog entry by thumb-tapping isn’t fun.

More to come soon, about WordPress, writing in general… and blogging.

Update on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:02 PM by Bradtastic

I’m having some formatting errors… I wrote this post outside of the browser editor and pasted it in, and it won’t display properly. I’m not in the mood to go through and manually recode the damned thing at the moment, so it’s going to stay as it is… for now, anyway.

Ugh… another reason I’m thinking about sticking with WordPress. Not to mention, Scribe looks pretty cool — it’s a SEO Optimization tool for WordPress.