Don’t push that button!  I would recommend NOT upgrading to IE7 when your Windows Updater prompts you to do so.  There are still some major issues.  Frankly, I’m surprised Microsoft would release it like this, even with Microsoft’s so-called reputation for putting out products that aren’t quite ready.  Complaints about computers crashing, unable to browse anything, IE freezing up are pouring in on forums and newsgroups.  Personally, I can say, though I readily installed it in order to start testing websites I’m working on in the new version, I can no longer use IE as my main browser (Firefox to the rescue).  Basically, it fails to load so many pages on the first try (saying ‘there must be problem with your internet connection or the website you’re viewing).  Refreshing the pages allows me to continue on my merry way, but who wants to hit ‘refresh’ for nearly every page they browse to. 

Again, I’m shocked they would release the product this way.  Perhaps their beta group is not representive of real people?  I know several techs who installed it long ago with no issues.  Unfortuntely, I’m not one of them.  I do plan to try a reinstall but if that doesn’t work and I can’t revert to IE6, I will be switching completely to Firefox until MS can correct the issues.

In case you’re stuck with no way back to IE6, you can find Firefox with the link below.  Its nice and fast and has given us the option for ‘tabbed’ windows(something MS is introducing with IE7) for a couple of years:

Yahoo again is sending out promotional codes worth a $25 credit via postal mail to help you sign up for Yahoo! Search Marketing.

If you want to try to pull in a larger number of holiday shoppers and are thinking about trying out this advertisement method, starting with an extra $25 ad budget gives you a little cushion to start.  Granted I would like to see a higher incentive (in the past, Yahoo has offered $50).

If you do not receive a postcard directly from Yahoo, you can always use this link to Sign up and get a $25 credit. You must be a new advertiser to Yahoo to get the credit.

Yahoo! Sponsored Search ads appear on the top of search results of leading sites like Yahoo!, AltaVista and CNN.com.

Obviously, on Thanksgiving we should all take a moment to reflect those things we are thankful for.  Among the obvious health, friends, and family I would like to acknowlege the things I am thankful for in my business life. 

1. I am thankful to own my own business.  Never has a j-o-b provided this much satisfaction, challenge and sense of accomplishment.  Not to mention the ultimate flexibility it offers to my life.

2. I am thankful for the success I have had.  Without it, Number 1 would be in jeopardy.  I feel very lucky to be ‘making it’, especially with the past and current economic issues we have all faced for the last few years.

3. I am thankful for the great clients I have had a privilege to work for.  Most my clients are inspiring and a joy.  Even the tough ones.

4. I am thankful for the referrals.  It is the ultimate compliment that a past client can give, and I hope I have expressed this gratitude suitably.

5. I am thankful for the people that support me.  Whether I need someone for advice, to vent to or just plain give me the sense that I am not the only one with similar challenges, I appreciate colleagues, clients, and friends that I can share experiences with.

Well, yes I did.  I had a nice 2 week reprieve from the “summer” season but that came quickly to an end with the “end of year crush”.

I’m not really sure why (and it seems to get worse every year) but I get inundated with new prospects as the holidays approach.  And I’m not the only one, I get several referrals from other developers that are similarly getting barraged with requests and I know the ones I pass overflow business to are also booked.

My only theory is that people made pledges to themselves that they would either get a web site or fix their existing web site and make it work better for them this year and suddenly they realize ‘this year’ is almost over.  I also get some stragglers that want something up ‘for the holidays’.  Most holiday-themed (or shopping themed) sites need to be up and running by no later than mid-September to be contenders for the holiday shopping frenzy. 

As for anyone who wants a site by the end of the year, I pretty much have a policy against it by mid-October.  Normally, 6-10 weeks is plenty of time to finish a site, but I find it works out better for everyone involved to have a realistic view of their level of involvement during the holidays.  Plus, launching at the beginning of the new year can give you a sense of optimism and vigor to meet your business goals for next year.

For those who still want to try to find a developer that will say they can finish your project before the end of the year, I say sincere apologies that I cannot oblige and good luck with your project.

As usual, November marks the end of our busy season at YNot Web. This seems to be the normal ebb and flow here, with tons of summer projects and vendors that scramble to make it online before the holiday season.

I relish this time as it lets me reconnect with the quiet clients and reflect on changes to make to my business in the coming year.  If you’ve been quietly contemplating your business, feel free to drop a line.  Maybe you are reflecting on the changes you would like to see with your business or web presence next year.  Now is the time to plan and I’d love to give you ideas and inform you of any methods or technologies that could help your business go the direction you want.  From marketing, to lead generation, to conversion systems– we have the tools and know-how to help.