Ok Mighty Mouse users – if your mouse suddenly has scrolling problems, don’t hit Amazon for a new mouse just yet. Mine decided not to scroll down today, and I learned from this helpful post how to remedy the problem. Vigorous scrolling and pressing down worked for me!
Just as many other companies and designers are doing, Mad Hatter will no longer hack up our code to make websites compatible with the dinosaur web browser, Internet Explorer 6. We wish we could drop support for IE all together, but we won’t do that to you.
So, don’t expect us to correct problems for IE6. We won’t do it. IE6 must die!
Clients – If your customers report problems accessing your site, please get the browser name and version number from them. It is important that you tell your customers that IE6 is no longer supported and that they should get with the digital times and upgrade to, at the very least, IE 8!
With this in mind, I thought it best to send a list of guidelines for submitting support requests to me. Should your customers report a problem, I will need NO LESS than the following information from you in order to repair the issue:
1. The exact URL of the page the customer is trying to access. Please have them copy and paste it.
2. The name and version number of the web browser your customer is using. Please note: If they are using IE6 or below, you must inform them that support has been dropped and they will need to upgrade their browser to view your site (and the rest of the web) correctly. Mad Hatter will not support technical issues for those viewing your site in IE6.
3. A thorough description of the problem, including any and all error messages.
Without these three items, your support request will not be processed. Please get as much information as possible from your customer. If you would like a “Report a Problem” button placed on your site that will send support requests directly to me, I can provide this service for you. Extra costs will be incurred as I would be handling any incoming emails and gathering the information myself. You are welcome to gather your own information and send it along to me.
Please see this article for more info on the death of IE 6: http://mashable.com/2009/07/16/ie6-must-die/
From now until the end of August, all fans of Mad Hatter Design + Media’s Facebook page will receive a FREE logo design package with the purchase of a website design package (Wordpress or HTML).
Don’t miss this end-of-summer special for Facebook Fans ONLY! 
If you shop a Walmart like millions of Americans do, you may have noticed Walmart’s “Great Value” brand has gotten a facelift. They’re new look not only 
feels more modern, but also looks more upscale.
In a press release on March 16, 2009, Wal-Mart explains how the downturn in the economy led them to redesign their brand to appeal to a wider market. More and more Americans are pinching pennies and looking for ways to save. Walmart hopes these people will turn to Great Value.
Not only did the outdated logo get a new look, but the products and packaging also underwent dramatic changes. Products were submitted to rigorous market testing, while packaging was reduced when possible to maintain the company’s sustainability commitments.
Walmart isn’t the only major retailer that saw an opportunity for growth during tough times. Target has also revamped its store brand to maintain consistency and recognition throughout the entire store. Target’s marketing campaign for Up & Up boasts that they carry over 600 products for under five bucks.
Did Target do the right thing by rebranding? Check out this blog post for an interesting take on the matter.
Personally, I think the brand change by both companies was a smart move. Both logos were outdated and inconsistent. Now both are clean, crisp and recognizable.
In my opinion, this was a great time to spend the budget on a revamp. People are saving more and spending less, and store brands are key to many a household budget.
If you’re thinking about rebranding to appeal to an audience that might use your product now when they never have before, follow these two giants’ lead and jump into the waters of change!
Why did it take me so long? I’m just now jumping on the Twitter wagon, despite having had an account for several months. This summer (as always) has been slow for me, so I’ve taken advantage of my downtime by learning new things, reading the blogs of top designers, and making full use of my iMac for productivity and growth. It’s been a wonderful experience so far (I just wish I was getting paid for it!).
But the one revelation that has made the biggest impact on me is Twitter. I never knew how useful it could be for my business. I had no idea of the power behind it. Maybe I’m being overdramatic, but where else can I connect with so many incredible designers, clients, and all around creative people? No where that I’ve found. I’ve discovered more amazing and inspirational blogs and websites this summer than ever before. I think I’ve grown more as a designer, and I’ve certainly become inspired for the next big project that comes my way.
That being said, there’s a lot I don’t know about Twittering, Tweeting, whatever it’s called. I know there are some guidelines to follow for business tweeting, but I’d love to get info straight from dedicated Twittererers.
So, what are your Twitter tips for a newbie? What’s the one thing you’d love to tell tweeters?
I’d love to hear how Twitter has changed your or impacted your business, and I’d love to hear any tips and advice on Tweeting for a completely behind-the-times newbie.
Happy networking!
Did you know that holding the shift key when changing the volume on a Mac’s keyboard will silence that little noise each keystroke makes? Try it! It’s helpful when you’re on a call or webinar and need to adjust your volume without disrupting everyone!
Thanks go to my husband for this helpful tip!
