AndiSites

Yvan Buhannic photographie

Andi — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:54:18 +0000

A custom dynamic gallery website for a French photographer. The site includes a home page rotating slideshow and multiple galleries showcasing Yvan’s beautiful work. Gallery pages include filmstrip-style thumbnails with caption hovers and a “click to enlarge” feature that allows users to see larger versions of photographs in an overlay. Behind the scenes, the entire site can be administered via an intuitive Content Management System that allows Yvan to modify galleries, upload and reorder photos, and add captions.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, Fireworks, PHP/MySQL, and jQuery.

Kalish Consulting Group

Andi — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:23:33 +0000

A custom WordPress-based website for a strategic consulting firm. The new site is a customization of an existing WordPress template and includes comprehensive information on the organization, staff bios and photos, a blog, a Constant Contact mailing list signup, rotating testimonials (randomly changing with each page load), an interactive events calendar that automatically shows current and upcoming events in the sidebar, and an FAQ builder that allows users to submit a question which can then become part of the site’s Frequently Asked Questions section. The client can administer all sections of the site himself–including the header images–using the powerful and intuitive WordPress administrative dashboard.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, Fireworks, PHP/MySQL, and jQuery.

Triad Acoustic Stage

Andi — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:38:55 +0000

A custom dynamic website for a music performance series. The new site includes comprehensive information on the organization, including staff bios and photos, information on how to volunteer, and a mailing list signup. The core of the site, however, is an extensive performance calendar, including band information (with music samples and links to Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and other related sites), venue details (with interactive maps), and easy online ticket purchase via PayPal. Not only is the entire site dynamically driven from a back-end database, the client can administer all portions of the site via a custom Content Management System.

AndiSites will also design business cards for the client that coordinate with their new website.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, Fireworks, PHP/MySQL, and jQuery.

Hosting by AndiSites.

The Noble Law Firm

Andi — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:33:25 +0000

A new custom website and blog design for a small law firm. The original site was based on a simple blog template, and the client needed a full site that would help promote her new business and allow potential clients to contact her confidentially. The new site includes comprehensive information on the client and her areas of practice, a home page slideshow of favorite quotes, a contact form, an integrated WordPress blog styled to coordinate with the rest of the site, and links to the client’s Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. And best of all, the client can administer the entire site herself using the friendly and intuitive AndiSites’ Content Management System.

AndiSites also designed the client’s new logo, as well as business cards and letterhead that coordinate with her website.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, Fireworks, and WordPress.

Logo, business cards, and letterhead designed using Illustrator.

The Art of Singing

Andi — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:07:10 +0000

A simple redesign for a New York-based singing coach and her wonderful book. Jennifer already had a lovely site in place, but the structure was outdated, extraneous styles had been added by her updating software, and certain elements were slow to load. AndiSites recoded the site, cleaned up the formatting, and moved all necessary styles into an external style sheet (allowing better performance and easier updating). AndiSites also added a beautiful background based on the book’s cover art and a translucent navigation bar.

This site is a great example of how just a few changes can make a big impact.

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Site rebuilt using XHTML, CSS, and Fireworks.

Stage Left Band

Andi — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:51:10 +0000

A WordPress site for a party band, based on a customized template. The band had an existing WordPress site with a very basic look-and-feel (just a dark blue background with some text) and wanted something better and more “nighttime”. The current site includes information about the band, an integrated Google calendar, a photo gallery, contact-us form, and a mailing list signup. It also provides links to their MySpace page and samples of their music. And, of course, the client can administer the entire site using the intuitive WordPress administrative panel.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, Fireworks, and WordPress.

Beware of domain slamming!

Andi — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:57:59 +0000

Seems like with the new year always comes a new set of scammers trying to take advantage of our trust. One common practice that has reared its ugly head recently with some AndiSites clients is domain slamming. Here’s the Wikipedia definition (under “scams in intellectual property“):

Domain slamming is a form of scam in which an internet service provider (ISP) or domain name registrar attempts to trick customers of different companies into switching from their existing ISP/registrar to the scamming ISP/registrar, under the pretense that the customer is simply renewing their subscription to their old ISP/registrar.

In 2003, the Domain Registry of America was ordered by the Federal Trade Commission to stop this practice; however, it looks like they’re back, this time using different names and companies to accomplish the same thing. The fraudulent notice may come in the form of an official-looking mailed notice/invoice warning you that your domain name is about to expire, or you may get an unsolicited email saying the same thing. One AndiSites client recently received this email from a company called Namejuice:

Hello XXXXX,

The transfer and renewal of your domain name, xxxxxxxx.com is not yet complete at this time.

Reason:
——-

1) The Domain name is currently in a “REGISTRAR-LOCK” status with your current registrar
2) We require that you provide us with an EPP Key/Authorization Code from your current registrar

In order to complete the transfer and renewal, the “REGISTRAR-LOCK” status needs to be removed and an EPP Key/Authorization code needs to be obtained. Please see below for instructions on achieving this.

Solution:
———

- Log into your account with your current registrar, and change the status of your domain, xxxxxxxx.com, from “locked” to “active”.
- Then look for the EPP Key or Authorization Code.

Alternate Solution:
———

- Call your current registrar (see phone number below) and ask them to remove the lock status of your domain name, give you your EPP Key, and allow the transfer to Domain Registry of America.
- Once done please notify us that you have done so, by clicking on the link below, or calling our toll-free number below.

We will then re-attempt the transfer and renewal of your domain name.

Fortunately my client forwarded this to me, and I was able to advise him of the scam. Not only are these transfers unwanted, they come with extremely high “administration” fees, and the notices look so official it’s easy to have your pockets emptied before you know it.

If your domain name is registered through AndiSites, there’s no need to worry. All AndiSites domain names automatically come with Registrar Lock to prevent unauthorized domain slamming. If your domain name is registered with another provider (GoDaddy, Network Solutions, etc.), you should contact them immediately and ask them to enable Registrar Lock on your account. Otherwise, you may be easy prey for slamming scammers. Most domain name registrars also offer a service that shields your personal information from the public (at AndiSites it’s called “ID Protect” and costs $9/year). If you’re an AndiSites customer and wish to add this to your account, let me know.

If you unknowingly sent money in response to a mailed notice, don’t worry (and don’t feel bad…these guys are really good at scamming). Thanks to the Federal Trade Commission, you can get your money back. If it was through Domain Registry of America, simply call them at (866) 434-0212 or email to support@droa.com and request a refund. They must grant it within 7 days according to the Truth In Lending Act. If you have any trouble, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission by calling (877) 382-4357, or use the online complaint form at http://www.ftc.gov/.

As with any service:

If you ever receive anything regarding your domain name or hosting that you didn’t request or don’t understand, contact your provider and ask questions.
Use a provider that you know and trust.
Inform your friends and family (you can use the “Share/Save” button below to share this post).

We may not be able to stop scammers, but we can take steps to protect ourselves and each other.

UNC-Chapel Hill: Department of Dramatic Art

Andi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:38:06 +0000

A custom redesign for the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The department’s old site, built years ago in FrontPage, had become cumbersome and fragmented. Information was difficult to find, and several links went nowhere. Also, the look of the site didn’t reflect the strengths and specialness of the department, including its nationally-renowned Professional Acting Training Program. Recognizing that it needed to be competitive with other respected programs’ websites, the department approached AndiSites to completely reorganize the site and give it a contemporary, warm, and inviting look-and-feel. AndiSites developed an updated palette, custom graphics reflecting the architecture of the department’s signature building, intuitive navigation and organization, and extensive use of photography (provided by the department and edited by AndiSites). The comprehensive new site now features individual faculty profiles, student portfolios (including downloadable/printable resumes and individual photo galleries), course listings and syllabi, embedded blogs, an embedded Google calendar, and multiple email links so that faculty and staff members can be contacted easily. AndiSites also provides maintenance of the site, regularly updating content and adding new information as needed.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, Javascript, Fireworks, Photoshop, and Acrobat

“Imaginative, responsive, thorough. A professional who knows how to work with professionals.” – Ray Dooley, Head of Professional Acting Training Program, UNC Department of Dramatic Art

“Andi Ferguson could not be more responsive, creative, efficient and talented at what she does… Oh, and a sheer delight to work with!” – Jeffrey Blair Cornell, Associate Chair, UNC Department of Dramatic Art

The Spinistry

Andi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:36:53 +0000

A WordPress-based community site for The Spinistry: Church of the Bike. The Spinistry produces and presents cycling endurance events (like the 2010 Red River Riot, 105 miles of dirt roads through Texas’ scenic Red River Valley) and will expand to serve its community of bicycle enthusiasts/worshipers. This full-featured site includes event-specific blogs, photo galleries, lifestream feeds, and a powerful phpBB forum. AndiSites also designed the Spinistry logo and all branding, and will design logos for individual Spinistry events.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, Fireworks, and WordPress.

Domain name registration and hosting by AndiSites.

Miller Cicero LLC

Andi — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:56:02 +0000

A comprehensive website redesign with custom Content Management System for a New York City-based commercial real estate appraisal and advisory firm. The old site was basically a logo, some text, and a few links down the side. AndiSites created an entirely new look-and-feel that reflects the company’s professionalism and reputation as one of the New York metropolitan area’s most respected appraisal firms. This dynamic site has it all…well-organized company information, a research library with downloadable .pdf’s, an integrated WordPress blog (with the most recent post automatically showing up on every page of the site), and an interactive photo gallery. There’s also a press section with links to the online version of articles as well as associated files (.pdf’s, video, and/or audio files). The home page features an animated slideshow of photographs, and the photos on all other pages change every time the page is refreshed. And best of all, the entire site is administered via a whizbang custom CMS that allows the client to control, edit, and add content to every part of the site. The CMS can also be used to store draft content for later use and to archive old content. User levels can be assigned to customize which employees can control what content, and it’s all accessible via any Internet connection.

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Site built using XHTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, Fireworks, Javascript, Acrobat, WordPress

“AndiSites was a complete pleasure to work with. In designing my new website Andrea held my hand throughout the process (metaphorically, since she is in North Carolina and I am in New York!) and guided me every step of the way. She anticipated what I wanted before I even knew it and gave me lots of food for thought…a perfect blend of the creative and the technical! I am delighted with my final product…and really appreciate that she continues to support me with my questions since we’ve ‘gone live’. Thanks, Andi!!!” – John Cicero, Managing Principal, Miller Cicero LLC