Your Very Own "Sneak Peek"

Yes, I'm aware it's been a while since I made a post. Again, yes, I'm aware that I promised that I won't fizzle out on this blog. But, would you believe that I've actually been working? Didn't think so. So I'll prove it, I even have non-photo-shopped pictures and everything!

Let me begin by saying, I am not, I repeat, I am not, a programmer, designer, or web-developer by trade. I did take one class in high school and that was plain 'ol html. I've since "learned" cascading style sheets (css) to help me be a better designer. However, I have always been good at art, good with numbers and structure (ie markup and coding), and generally internet savvy. So there are my credentials for starting a web-based company. Ha!

Moving on. I won't go into the gory details of why I am embarking on starting a web company focused on college students, if you want to know the genesis of it all you can find it here. I've done the typical things you can find on the internet about starting a "start-up".  I've found 2 or 3 mentors in different stages of business careers with vastly different businesses and backgrounds. I've talked to people about my idea and gotten feedback. I've, partially, worked on a business plan. It's even true that I have recruited a partner for the endeavor. But, what I have been really lacking is the format of the business itself. If it were a retail store it would be like not having the building, sign, or merchandise! Well, no more, at least on my local machine anyway! I have created the "front end" of my "coming soon" landing page. (Meaning: it looks good but isn't quite functional; I need a programmer! Feel free to email me or contact me through the comments if you'd like to be part of our team!) All in all, I'm proud of the work Shaun (my co-conspirator) and I have done thus far.

So without further ado, here is the screenshot that I have been holding back:

Okay, pretty simple eh? Well I tried to operate under the KISS methodology: just Keep It Simple Stupid! So there it is, for now. I will continue to engage in learning more html/css markup and work on my programming skills to help nudge this project along (seriously if you can help me let me know!). 

Finally, I'm glad I have something accomplished. StartupWeekend, is this weekend! I really feel that having something to give a "face to the name" of my project can go a long way when I get to pitch my idea. I'm hoping to recruit some technical people and really get this idea off the ground, not to mention win the contest!

Whelp, that's all I got for ya! Hope that you aren't rotfl too hard right now.

PS: I'm planning on writing about the upcoming StartupWeekend in the next day or so so look out! Also, I will be tweeting (@LucusP) during the event. And, I'm going to attempt to capture some of the event and my team with some digital video!

Cheers!

"Do More Faster" aka the DIYer

So I received a book, a great book, for my birthday last November. The book is titled, "Do More Faster," by Brad Feld and David Cohen. The premise of the book is basically to quit making excuses on why you don't start capitalizing on your idea and do it, fast.

(Well, I have conflicting views on this book, because as I stated earlier, it's a great book! However, if I'm supposed to be doing all I can to get my company off the ground, why am I sitting here reading this book! Ah, a paradigm at it's best, but I digress. )

Anyway, so this prompts me to stop actively looking for a lead developer for my company and start becoming the lead developer. Whoa?! Come again? Yes, I have had some previous, although limited, training in the world of HTML and CSS, and am now delving into the world of MySQL and PHP. "Oh, boy," you say? That's right, there are plenty of free materials on the web nowadays that someone looking to honestly and wholeheartedly create a start-up now has access too and really no excuse not to learn some of this stuff.

Here is a link to a great website that publishes hard-copy and e-book formats of many of their development books: http://www.sitepoint.com/. There you will find many resources, but the best part is: you can receive free portions of many of their books. I've been using the one for php & mysql and it's been great. I do intend, however, to upgrade to the full version and will let you know how that is.

Did I just promise a book review? Wow, I guess I am turning into a "blogger." Scary.

Until next time.