The 3W initiative is a series of templates that we’ve designed to be used with the blogging software WordPress.

This program was created to give web designers and others in the internet field an offering that they can re-brand and offer to their customers at an affordable entry level price.

When completed, the websites can be easily updated and expanded using a standard web browser and basic computer skills.

This offering is perfect for a client that:
• Wants to update their own site
• Needs a blog
• Wants to market via social networking
• Looking for a very affordable price

For more information, please take a look at the 3W website: www.webswithwordpress.com

By Al Morel

Do you remember the scene in the movie “The Christmas Story” when Ralphie finally receives his Little Orphan Annie Decoder in the mail? He bolts into the house, goes to the bathroom to decode the secret message:

“Be sure to drink your Ovaltine. Ovaltine? A crummy commercial? Son of a bitch!”

Obviously all types of media are undergoing radical transformations. Shutdowns and downsizing at traditional media companies is a daily occurrence. Is advertising on the internet susceptible to the same forces? I think so.

Recently I read an article: “Why Advertising Is Failing On The Internet” by Eric Clemons, Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

“The problem is not the medium, the problem is the message, and the fact that it is not trusted, not wanted, and not needed,” Eric states.

The bottom line is that nobody wants to be pitched, and the web is no different. If the internet does not find a way to develop more authentic means of interaction rather than obtrusive pop ups and rotating Flash ads, internet advertising will engender the same negative emotional connection that Ralphie had.

PS: My favorite line from the movie is the voiceover as Ralphie strokes the leg lamp…”Only one thing in the world could’ve dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.”

By Al Morel

A little while ago we did some research on logo design and summarized it in a white paper: 10 Things to Consider When Designing a Logo

Recently, I was reading some of the writings of Paul Rand, the late graphic designer who was responsible for many of the logo icons of American business.

Here are some quick tidbits from his articles:

Here’s what a logo is and does:
A logo is a flag, a signature, an escutcheon.
A logo doesn’t sell (directly), it identifies.
A logo is rarely a description of a business.
A logo derives its meaning from the quality of the thing it symbolizes, not the other way around.
A logo is less important than the product it signifies; what it means is more important that what it looks like.

The effectiveness of a good logo depends on:
Distinctiveness
Visibility
Useability
Memorability
Universality
Durability
Timelessness

As anyone who has done any logo design knows, it is never an easy task. Sometimes, especially if there are committees to review, it can break out into some type of unholy-religious-civil war!

Well, first and foremost, it’s best to get some professional design help. With that said, it’s also useful to follow some of the advice of the professionals you hire.

Recently, we collaborated up here in the attic on a brainstorming and research session on logo design. We wanted to put it in a format that was ‘bite sized’ and easy to read.

Here’s the fruit of that effort. We call it: “Ten Things to Consider When Designing a Logo”. Enjoy!