Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I create this site?

Well it all started about 5 years ago, because I became extremely interested in the Internet. In 2000, I began making simple sites, as well as studying Computer Science. I also thought it would be neat to develop my own site with my own URL, just as someone who is listed in a phone book for the very first time; like Navin R. Johnson from the movie The Jerk. But it is nice have a place where a potential employer can get an idea of your work experience as well as see what kind of individual you are. Plus, having a portfolio, they can get an idea of my technical interests and strengths. And you never know, maybe some old friend or better yet a long lost love will give me a ring!

How did I make this site?

Chewing gum and paper clips! Well,it runs on .Net, XML, XSL(XSLT, X-Path), and yes Access. I am too cheap to pay for SQL Server and at this time my bargain basement ISP charges $5 a month for MySQL ($10 for SQL Server 2000), so I use Access. Though, SQL Server is a lot easier, Access is fine since this is small. Well not exactly, Access is not a DBMS hence, it does not like to handle Transactions; even in ADO.Net it complains about Transactions. So Access supposedly handles simultaneous users, I just can't control that myself; must trust MS! As far as the decoration, extensive use of CSS, meaning there aren't any font tags floating around. VS .Net, though a very good software development tool, just oweful for the user interface. It is actually worse than FrontPage or Visual Interdev in regards to changing you code. But one thing I like with ASP.net is that I can change the decoration after I have done the programming and deployed it; it just irks me though! Someone I used to know thought web design was using the FrontPage Format Painter tool. No for me I am slowly but surely getting away from using tables and now implementing divs to seperate my content, as well as reusing CSS exclusively.

How come your site doesn't look that good?

Well to begin, I develop to meet XHTML Transitional, CSS2, and WAI standards. The reason for this is that not everyone has perfect eye sight, or even at all, I figure if I have the knowledge then why not make it accessible for them as well. So I actually have put a decent amount of effort into pushing the client as far as I can and at the same time meeting the standards as best as I can at the same time as displaying a pleasant and user interface for everyone else. It is definately not perfect, but hopefully just a few developers who visit this site will take some notes and develop there sites with adjustable fonts and so forth to the fact of just using code reuse to minimize the bandwidth on the Internet.

I test my sites, either this one or any professional sites, with the lastest browsers from Microsoft and Mozilla/Netscape. I count Mozilla builds as Netscape because they are who creates Netscape browsers. Also, I only test with the operating system which is on my computer; currently. Right now I am using XP Professional, also known as Windows NT 5.1. At my last consulting position they gave me NT 4.0, well certain things did not come out well using that OS; such as the Microsoft.Gradient which did not exist back in the NT 4.0 days so a blue screen would appear instead. Another thing is that I use a high definition monitor and have strong eye sight so, I develop for modern and high end monitors. As well as develop for high useability and accessibility, but if you are using a monitor that either has the font-size at its largest or the screen settings to large then this site and most other sites will not look right. So with my site I made the font size of everything a little bit bigger, plus I give you the option of increasing the size throw your browser; unlike almost all commercial sites on the Internet.

Do you care if I steal your code?

I have learned more from looking at other peoples' code than by writing my own code from scratch. What I mean is by looking at and playing with someone else's code then you are creating something even better. I guess you learn about new things you can do with programming. I can remember back when I took the second Computer Science course in college. This course was in Java, where the first course was in C++, but what is important is that the code in the book did not work. The book for the course was Deitel's Java Swing and we were learning OOP in JDK 1.3. So of course the code wasn't going to work, but I was not too educated at that time and almost gave up on programming because the only Java code that would work was my own; unfortunately it did not meet the general rules of Polymorphism and Inheritance nor did it do much other that spit and chuckel at me after compiling. But the point is that I did not have code to look at that would work in that situation, so my learning at that time was going no where. So I definately believe in looking at others' code; but make sure you know what your taking and learn from it, because you maybe in a career that doesn't soot you and am taking a job from someone that it does. Like me!

So did you write all this code?

Oh, heavens no, like I said I have read other people's code, and in the process have developed my own style to solving the problem. Lots of times I have a problem I need solved and I find someone else who has already solved it. And from their implementation I not only learn about a new technology, but improve on their work. Hopefully, then someone will use my work and create something even better, I think Darwin refers to that as Evolution! But whatever the case, I did look a lot of things up and used other people's code, so I need to give thanks for some programming where thanks is due. I have used the DHTML from the guys at DTHML-Central accounted times. Not a copy and paste job, but a nice reworking to my tastes and needs. I also hit up on Scott Mitchell at 4 Guys from Rolla about once a week. Their website is definately the best and most comprehensive site about .Net as well as other Web Application languages. And I have also consumed some web services from the guys at X-Methods.com. I really like the Quote one on my Home Page, you can find them over at swanandmokashi.com. It's cute and tasteful, plus it is a surprise whenever a new quote comes a long.

Do you do any side jobs?

Yes, or at least willing to listen. I don't waste much time watching TV (maybe a little), you'll normally find me at the gym, bowling alley, infront of a computer, or on the couch reading. Plus, I am living off of bread and water these days, so give me a call or send me a message.

Do you have any Web Service producers?

Not currently, I have not had any good ideas until recently. I have this K.A. idea, it is for all of the Star Trek fans in the world!

What's with the Site Map?

I am in this XML/XSL phase right now, plus I always try to speed things up. The .Net architecture has such robust caching features that I decided to right it in XML rather than using the FileSystemObject. I have been messing with the FileSystemObject in the past, but what I have created is real slow and shows all files. I don't want my entire structure being shown, just another way to get hacked; plus the FileSystemObject is dirt slow, but in the future I would like to create a DHTML based search utilizing the FileSystemObject!

Are you looking for a position?

No, just got one with the State of Ohio as a Database Analyst. But, I am interested in doing side projects as well as any moonlighting; if available.

Do you want money if I have a question?

No, I program and develop because it is what I enjoy. I need to eat occasionally, but if you have a question, just send me a message or give me a call. Computer Science is a science, and science is about research and the sharing of knowledge. I share what I know to whom ever will listen, and vice versa. If we didn't share our knowledge and resourses, then we would still be playing Atari and paying for our software and music!

What's with all of the spelling mistakes?

Well, I don't waste my time with FrontPage or Dreamweaver, so there's no spell checking. I normally develop a template page and fine tune through CSS, then I develop the scripting in Visual Studio .Net. Well there isn't any spell check in NotePad or EditPlus, or even Visual Studio .Net unless you download a special component; so I do the best I can or the best that I care about.