graphicPUSH: A Subtle Re-Alignment

A Subtle Re-Alignment

This site has evolved over the years from trying-to-be-everything-to-everyone to being nothing-in-particular-for-no-one-in-particular. Yes, it’s a design site — a blog even, though the frequency of posting would make the casual reader think otherwise — but the content has always taken a shotgun approach. I write about whatever tickles my fancy this week, from web development to freelance to Textpattern to recent home purchases. In other words, I have historically written for myself.

Unfortunately, this process does not always agree with my readers. If the number of comments an article receives is any indication of its popularity or usefulness, than my mad scribblings about web development are about as useful as a snow cone in Siberia. What’s interesting is that the number of comments almost always coincides with the number of times an article gets linked to externally, reinforcing a particular piece’s relevancy to the greater blogodome. It’s anecdotal evidence at best, but it’s a consistent trend.

So I am channeling my writing efforts to you, gentle audience. I am not an authority on CSS and general web development (though I can sling style sheets with the best of them), accessibility, browsers or software. There are hundreds out there more knowledgeable and dedicated to me on these topics. I know because I read their sites and put their ideas into practice.

Instead, I would like to focus graphicPUSH on business. Specifically, the business of being a freelancer, and the design business in general. I have already written extensively on this topic, but there is a lot to be said, and there is a lot of information that people want to know that is simply not available on the web. I know of very few designers (print, web or multimedia) that do not freelance on the side, and they are always looking for advice, tips and resources on how to get the most out of their business. graphicPUSH will seek to be that resource.

One caveat: I will continue to write about Textpattern. Because it is the best CMS software I have used, and the structure can be somewhat daunting (even for experienced users), I am going to continue to write about techniques and strategies for getting the most out of a TXP install.

I would be curious to hear any comments from the general readership about this soft transition. I truly feel it is the right decision. I want graphicPUSH to be known for something, to have a niche besides just being totally sweet.

Comments.

The Co-Worker: wrote the following on Friday February 10, 2006

Looking forward to the new content. I have and will continue to turn to you and your graphiPUSH site for information about freelancing. Party on.

Rob: wrote the following on Friday February 10, 2006

As a frequent reader of your site I can say that your writing on business contains some of the most practical solutions to common problems and issues that freelancers face that I’ve found.

Your Why Your Client Cares About Web Standards post was the first I read on your site and still one of my favorites. Looking forward to more…

Jakob: wrote the following on Friday February 10, 2006

I too have been a regular reader for a long while and enjoy the broader view you give to things, which obviously stems from a multi-skilled background. I think that sets you aside from the myriad of detail-technique blogs. And as a fellow textpatterner, I’m all for your caveat too.

Matthijs: wrote the following on Friday February 10, 2006

I can only agree with the others here that I really enjoy reading your articles. And I don’t think the amount of comments says a lot about its popularity or usefulness. Of course a lively discussion is nice but if you really want that then start writing about politics. Hmm, don’t do that. Stick with freelance business stuff :)

Chris Griffin: wrote the following on Saturday February 11, 2006

That is great news, I’ve been reading your articles on freelancing and business for over a year and I support your decision to focus on freelancing/business side of design.

I think this is a void that can never fill. I’m a freelancer myself by default at this moment (Portland designer market is very much saturated) and any knowledge and expertise you put on the table about this subject will be much appreciated.

Also, is there any other blogs that focus on the business/freelancing side of design?

Mayhem Studios: wrote the following on Saturday February 11, 2006

I look forward to your new insights. I have always found your postings very enlightening and informative.

I am very excited that you’re shifting to a more business/freelancing side of design. As I am also a freelancer and self employed.

Kevin: wrote the following on Saturday February 11, 2006

This is great feedback everyone—thank you. Chris, as far as other sites go, there are none that I know of. There are occasional forum postings and articles in the more respected sources (ALA for instance), but no site dedicated to the business of freelance design.

Jason: wrote the following on Thursday February 16, 2006

I’d like to second (third? seventh?) the approvals made so far. Your articles and insights on being a freelance designer are what brought your site to my attention in the first place, and quite honestly I don’t think there’s nearly enough of a community out there for ‘our kind.’

Keep up the good work.

Natalie Jost: wrote the following on Tuesday February 21, 2006

As much as I admire your desire to focus, I hate to think there might be things you’d have written but won’t and I’ll miss something really great! I’m a freelancer for now, though I’ve been looking recently for full time work. I look forward to anything you’d have to say on the subject.

graphicpush

A Subtle Re-Alignment

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