This has to rank as one of the biggest stressors out there.  You go to your site and it is not there!  You get one of many messages.  You panic.  You wait on hold for the hosting company ‘s tech support to answer.  You message your tech.  You call friends and ask them if they see your site.  Here is what you should do first.  Just go to this site (and be sure to bookmark): DownforEveryoneOrJust Me Now wasn’t that easy?  At least you know if the problem is on your end or global!

Yes, we have to be connected at all times.  We must be available when our client has a website issue, or just needs a quick fix, but it really can be a drag to lug around that 15″ MacBook Pro and related accessories when traveling.  Not saying that I don’t love the Beast, but it can weigh you down.

Recently, I finally succumbed to a MacBook Air.  I resisted for a long time because I thought the slower processor and lack of a CD/DVD drive as well as only 2 GB of RAM would cramp my style.  I had no idea how I would cram my files and programs onto such a small hard drive.

Well, I am pleased to report that the experience is beyond my expectations.  My Air has the following specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 1066MHz frontside bus
• 2GB Memory
• 128GB solid-state drive
• NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics

The Pros

• The solid state drive is so speedy that programs open and close in an instant.
• It is tiny, and can fit into other bags when traveling.
• It is a sexy computer that is fun to use.

The Cons

• The small size of the hard drive was troubling.  No way to fit the iTunes Library.  I had to use VMWare Fusion with Windows so I could use my VPN and exchange email, and the smallest I could get the virtual machine down to was 38GB.
• No way to watch a DVD while traveling.
• No built in ethernet (there is an adapter) or SD card reader, and only one usb port.

I figured out a way to utilize this beauty and be extremely  happy with my purchase.  In my next post, I will tell you how I solved some of the dilemmas mentioned in the Cons, and what accessories and apps I use to stay connected.

“I have worked personally with Customized Marketing on two separate websites now (Joggers Life & Letters to My Body) and she has also helped me with side projects along the way.  We’ve been working together for about a year at this point.

I have been nothing but amazed by her dedication, timeliness, and genuine care for my needs and goals.  She always has great input for me that goes well beyond just the site design.  She is very helpful with ways to improve my sites, and has always been able to provide me with  resources outside of my own knowledge base.  She even provided her services to help me through a website hacking nightmare, and my sites emerged unscathed.

I can do nothing but offer high recommendations for Customized Marketing.  Personally, I wouldn’t do business with anyone else!”

- Elisabeth Armstrong

The WordPress Video Series I mentioned before, is now improved.  Instead of 40 videos, there are now 46, and it is the same price!  If you already purchased, the additional 6 videos are free.

Nearly 5 HOURS of step-by-step video training! And don’t worry, no geeky tech talk!  Just simple guided videos.

46 WordPress training videos, including:
- Registering a domain name, getting web hosting and changing nameservers.
- Using FileZilla FTP.
- Installing WordPress manually and automatically.
- How to create new content, add images etc.
- How to install and manage plugins and themes.
- How to Use WordPress Widgets in the sidebar.
- How to set up AWeber and Get Response and manage lists.
- How to use Feedburner.

And much more!

You can download them to keep in various formats, even mp3 and PDF transcripts!

These are the new videos:

41 – Quick Start Guide to Google AdSense (7m 11s)
42 – Setting Up and Using New Adsense Ads (9m 29s)
43 – Publishing Free Articles on Your Blog (5m 31s)
44 – Quick Start Guide to ClickBank (6m 16s)
45 – How to Create and Use a ClickBank Hoplink (7m 38s)
46 – How to Use The ClickBank HopAd Builder (10m 26s)

Today Unique Blog Designs announced a new venture, Theme Wars.  The idea of the site is simple.  They have dueling WordPress themes each week that the public can vote for, and the winning designer (and runner up) get part of the profit.  You can purchase as a multi-use, developer (with Photoshop files) or Full Access Pass.  They already have 5 themes on the site, and the competition should land many new themes there weekly.  The Portfolio Theme by Matt Blancarte looks good – might just have to experiment with that one soon!  Hope to see some work by new designers.  This looks like a site to visit often so that you can check out the contests and new themes to modify.

This business site showcases products and photography.

Visit The CamStand.

• Customized Premium WordPress Themes
• Websites and Blog Design
• Blog Refresh/Update
• Installation of WordPress and Themes
• Social Media Strategies
• Getting Yourself Noticed on the Web
• Populate and Customize Bludomain Sites
• Hosting and Maintenance
• Specialized Consulting
• Training