Author Archives: Wade Sonenberg

WordPress HTML Cheat-sheet

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

I’m putting this little post together to help my clients on WordPress, and hopefully a few other folks out there when composing WordPress posts and pages.  Please comment below with questions/additions, as I’ll continue updating this post.

Audience:
This cheat-sheet is intended for users using the WordPress CMS, and would like to have a bit more control over the layout and formatting.  It is not a complete guide to HTML, rather is focused on HTML formatting for using the WordPress post and page functions.

Scope:
We will be reviewing how to better format content within the Visual and HTML tabs for WordPress pages and posts, relying on WP’s built in rich text editor, a few HTML snippets, and a basic synopsis of CSS styles as they are relevant. Things such as Doctype and <head> tags that are not editable from the editor will not be covered.

Continue reading →

Internet Explorer 6's last nail in the coffin: Google

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

What’s the #1 reason I enjoy doing back end programming instead of front end design? No, it’s not my lackluster aptitude at graphic design - it’s internet explorer version 6.

See, IE6 thinks it’s better than everybody else, and I’m thankful to the lord that even Big G is now backing up.  It ignores internet wide standards like xhtml and css, and follows it’s own rules. Yesterday, Google announced that it is ending it’s support for IE 6!  The version 6 basher’s list is long and somewhat illustrious, even including it’s developer – Microsoft.

In short, I’ll save you guys the techno explanation of why IE6 is bain of all web designers’ existence – and just say that over 20% of front-end development time goes into bug fixing and hacking custom scripts and styles for a program that was released before those bastards took out the twin towers.

At some point, we’re going to have to enact a surcharge for IE 6 compliance – and I wonder how many other firms are already doing this or forgetting IE 6 entirely?

Convert an ALL CAPS string to first character capitalized only in PHP

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

Nothing new to you php gurus, but hope this can help somebody looking for a quick fix – great to filter user inputs in things like addresses, company names, and yes regular ole names. It utilizes PHP’s ucwords() and strtolower():



<?

$userInput1 = "MR. CAPITAL LETTERS";
$userInput2 = "mrs. lowercase letters";

ucwords(strtolower($userInput1));  //outputs "Mr. Capital Letters"
ucwords(strtolower($userInput2));  //outputs "Mrs. Lowercase Letters"

?>

States HTML Select List w/ PHP Selected Value

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

I always have trouble finding this, so here it is. The if statement in the checkState() function can be replaced with anything you like to select the option by default…

<?
function checkState($state) {
  if ($row['state'] == $state) {
    echo ' selected="selected"';
  }
}
?>

<select name="state" id="state">
 <option value="--"<? checkState('') ?>>Select...</option>
 <option value="AL"<? checkState('AL'); ?>>Alabama</option>
 <option value="AK"<? checkState('AK'); ?>>Alaska</option>
 <option value="AZ"<? checkState('AZ'); ?>>Arizona</option>
 <option value="AR"<? checkState('AR'); ?>>Arkansas</option>
 <option value="CA"<? checkState('CA'); ?>>California</option>
 <option value="CO"<? checkState('CO'); ?>>Colorado</option>
 <option value="CT"<? checkState('CT'); ?>>Connecticut</option>
 <option value="DE"<? checkState('DE'); ?>>Delaware</option>
 <option value="DC"<? checkState('DC'); ?>>District Of Columbia</option>
 <option value="FL"<? checkState('FL'); ?>>Florida</option>
 <option value="GA"<? checkState('GA'); ?>>Georgia</option>
 <option value="HI"<? checkState('HI'); ?>>Hawaii</option>
 <option value="ID"<? checkState('ID'); ?>>Idaho</option>
 <option value="IL"<? checkState('IL'); ?>>Illinois</option>
 <option value="IN"<? checkState('IN'); ?>>Indiana</option>
 <option value="IA"<? checkState('IA'); ?>>Iowa</option>
 <option value="KS"<? checkState('KS'); ?>>Kansas</option>
 <option value="KY"<? checkState('KY'); ?>>Kentucky</option>
 <option value="LA"<? checkState('LA'); ?>>Louisiana</option>
 <option value="ME"<? checkState('ME'); ?>>Maine</option>
 <option value="MD"<? checkState('MD'); ?>>Maryland</option>
 <option value="MA"<? checkState('MA'); ?>>Massachusetts</option>
 <option value="MI"<? checkState('MI'); ?>>Michigan</option>
 <option value="MN"<? checkState('MN'); ?>>Minnesota</option>
 <option value="MS"<? checkState('MS'); ?>>Mississippi</option>
 <option value="MO"<? checkState('MO'); ?>>Missouri</option>
 <option value="MT"<? checkState('MT'); ?>>Montana</option>
 <option value="NE"<? checkState('NE'); ?>>Nebraska</option>
 <option value="NV"<? checkState('NV'); ?>>Nevada</option>
 <option value="NH"<? checkState('NH'); ?>>New Hampshire</option>
 <option value="NJ"<? checkState('NJ'); ?>>New Jersey</option>
 <option value="NM"<? checkState('NM'); ?>>New Mexico</option>
 <option value="NY"<? checkState('NY'); ?>>New York</option>
 <option value="NC"<? checkState('NC'); ?>>North Carolina</option>
 <option value="ND"<? checkState('ND'); ?>>North Dakota</option>
 <option value="OH"<? checkState('OH'); ?>>Ohio</option>
 <option value="OK"<? checkState('OK'); ?>>Oklahoma</option>
 <option value="OR"<? checkState('OR'); ?>>Oregon</option>
 <option value="PA"<? checkState('PA'); ?>>Pennsylvania</option>
 <option value="RI"<? checkState('RI'); ?>>Rhode Island</option>
 <option value="SC"<? checkState('SC'); ?>>South Carolina</option>
 <option value="SD"<? checkState('SD'); ?>>South Dakota</option>
 <option value="TN"<? checkState('TN'); ?>>Tennessee</option>
 <option value="TX"<? checkState('TX'); ?>>Texas</option>
 <option value="UT"<? checkState('UT'); ?>>Utah</option>
 <option value="VT"<? checkState('VT'); ?>>Vermont</option>
 <option value="VA"<? checkState('VA'); ?>>Virginia</option>
 <option value="WA"<? checkState('WA'); ?>>Washington</option>
 <option value="WV"<? checkState('WV'); ?>>West Virginia</option>
 <option value="WI"<? checkState('WI'); ?>>Wisconsin</option>
 <option value="WY"<? checkState('WY'); ?>>Wyoming</option>
</select>

GreenBizLocal.com Launches! Brings Green Business Search to Google Maps

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

Well we just launched GreenBiz Local, a mapping / directory site displaying green businesses across the USA. So far the turnout has been good, and we now have about 5500 businesses from all 50 states.

GreenBiz Local includes a map search function, city/state directory, and a paid upgrade option. The paid option allows users to change their map marker from a little red one to a big, pretty green one as well as a new tab for a business description, and one more for images of the business and/or it’s products.

What makes a great fishing guide/charter website?

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

Features of a great Fishing Website

  • Photos
    As in many industries online, pictures sell. A clean, frequently updated photo gallery of all the gamefish in your backyard is the surest way to make anglers salivate. Don’t forget to bring the camera on outings, you don’t want to miss that monster that your client just dragged in – and make sure to get their ear to ear grin in the shot too.
  • Testimonials
    Clients in all businesses love to hear first hand how great their experience was working with you. Include lots of them. Getting testimonials is as easy as asking them to jot one down on a notecard on the ride back to the marina, or while you are fileting their catch.
  • Fishing Reports
    This is where you get to prove that you are the expert. It can be done weekly or monthly, but beware, a fishing report section that hasn’t been updated since 2006 is a sure turn off.
  • Blog
    Blogs can be a variation of the fishing reports above, but they can also be so much more. Blogging is an informal style of writing, which helps build trust and credibility. Also, search engines love blogs!
  • Seasonal Activity by Species
    Do tarpon run in the Islamorada channels in April? When’s the best time for black grouper in Cabo? These are essential questions you should answer for your potential customers, and they will thank you with their wallets.
  • Boat and Tackle Information
    Include a photo or two, as well as a description of your vessel(s). Mention things like whether or not a head is on board, length, shallow draft, and any other creature comforts available. Also, specify what kind of tackle and rigging is on board, and whether everything is provided for clients.
  • Rates
    Whole day, half day, multi-day packages available? Be sure to mention whether or not fuel surcharges are included or extra. Oh, and don’t forget to mention that gratuity is appreciated!
  • Online Booking
    This can be a simple or complex as you like. Whether it is a simple form sending the request via email, or an integrated solution with availability calendar and a secure credit card gateway – the idea is the same: Entice potential clients to some level of commitment as early and as often as you can.
  • Weather
    Again, this can be as easy as placing a weather widget on your site or blog, or even embedding the surface temp. and small craft warnings. What is important, is that you’re clients will know what to expect. Tell them about the predictability of Florida afternoon thunderstorms, or the unpredictability of mountain weather systems.
  • What to bring?
    Can we bring beer? Do I need my own cooler? Beyond beverages, remind clients of the value of sunscreen, bug repellant, and rain gear if applicable. Remember those before mentioned testimonials?
  • Regulations/Seasons
    Is snook season open in May? A list of what gamefish are in season can be done by species or month, but a good idea would be to include what is in season and what’s hot at the top of the page.
  • Video
    Cheap point and shoot cameras now offer fairly decent video quality. Combine this with services like Youtube, and you’ve got a tool for delivering excitment and a personal touch through the world wide web. Who doesn’t want to see a chick in a bikini land a 400 lb. marlin?
  • Excursion Types
    Make sure to let clients know if you specialize in reef outings, backcountry, deep sea, or on the fly excursions.
  • Contact
    Sounds obvious, but make sure that they can find your phone number or send you an email easily.
  • Awards/Tournament Experience
    You’re not bragging, you’re applying for a job. If you’ve gone up against the best, and come out on top, make sure to showcase it.
  • Captain Bio
    This gives a personal touch. The more you list, the better chance that some tidbit will form a personal connection, such as a common birthplace or favorite sports team.
  • Lodging and Directions
    First, make sure they know how to get to the marina. Also, links and numbers for local hotels and lodging that are convenient to your dock. A personal touch could include price ranges and even reviews!

Other useful features:

  • Travel info including airports, car rental, etc.
  • Local restaurants
  • “Things to do” – activities for days off the water

New Fishing Guide Website

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

We are pleased to announce the launch of Carolina Beach Fishing Charters, Atta Buoy Charter’s new home on the world wide web.  The site includes:

  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Custom NOAA weather report feed
  • What’s Biting Calendar
  • Content Management system including Fishing Reports Blog
  • All the usual goodies for our fishing sites

Here are some screen shots from the new site:

Carolinian Boat Works: New Marketing Client

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

Rainmaker is pleased to announce a new partnership with Carolinian Boat Works, LLC. Carolinian has secured Rainmaker Web Design to handle their on-line and off-line marketing and brand awareness.

carolinianlogo

Our partnership will entail:

  • Web Content Creation & Management
  • Social Network Marketing (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.)
  • Press Release Distribution
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Forum / Message Board Marketing
  • Blog Networking
  • Trade Show Representation
  • Product Placements

We look forward to the exciting opportunity and will of course post some updates here periodically.

New Big Game Fishing Webiste

Posted on by Wade Sonenberg

Sometimes working is just a blast!  Such was the case in creating Black & Blue Fishing Club’s new home on the world wide web.  Features inlcude sheduling management, tag cloud & other SEO goodies, fishing reports blog, flash header rotation, and others – but do be sure and check out their fishing photo gallery!

Screenshot:
fishing website design screenshot