Just a General Complaint... :o)

Ali wrote: ....snip...."I'd really like to be able to type in a relatively well known woodturners name and end up directly at their site, not at some gallery that has a piece or two that the artist created..."

Yes, John and all the others have an awful lot they can teach and they DO teach; on videos, in classes, at shows, and on this newsgroup. John has answered many queries and given advice on this group along with other famous turners. He does not need a website; WE need websites not the famous turners. WE need to get people to notice us, buy our turnings, take our classes and email us praise for "great work", "nice shop" and "wonderful site"!

If you're looking for websites that teach you techniques, tricks, finishing, etc., there are tons of such sites. They may not be by well-known turners, but they are informative, correct and cover a wide range of proceedures.

BTW, I visited you site, which is very nice. : ) Now I'm even more curious as to why it bothers you so much that John Jordan doesn't have a website?

Ruth

Woodturners Logo My shop and Turnings at

Hi Ruth,

I guess the main reason behind my complaint lies in that I like to see a person's work all in one place. Yes, I can see some in galleries, others in books, etc., but my mind begs to see it all at one time. I'm one of those people that loves to multi-task; my mind has to be grinding away at all available input to be truly useful and creative... When I see a person's work in full, it gets the creative juices flowing and I get ideas. If I'm looking at one or two, or... you get the idea... just a few doesn't help my creativity. Thus my frustration.

And you were absolutely right, there IS such a vast wealth of information and educational material on the internet, that at times it becomes overwhelming. The toughest part of it all is sifting through all the information to separate the useful from the less-useful.

Thanks for the kind words about my web site. Now, what do you think about the work? ;o) Aesthetically pleasing. And I've got to say I'm jealous: I wish my workshop were that large, airy, and bright!!! :)

-- Ali T. Borahan AliSails - Fine Wood Artistry & Custom Woodcrafts Web URL:

Ali,

I'm appreciate your interest. Well done web sites can be expensive and time consuming, and I really don't want my work represented on a homebrew web site, which is about all I'm capable of. I could devote the time and effort to learn more about it, but then who would be making my work? :-)

Having said that, I hope to have something decent going soon, and I'll be sure to post it.

There are a number of photos on WOW.

Best,

John Jordan

woodturner/artist.

have

frustration.

Ali, as they say "Watch This Space" keep an eye on coming editions of the woodturners 'Showcase' on Creative Woodturning.

Regards....Mike Swain

Ali

I visited your site and have to say that I should go into business as a web site designer - my site is much more oriented toward the "artistry" of my work and the reasons behind it than what you have presented on yours. Sure it is well organized, and the work is nice, but the asthetic quality of your site is lacking - I don't want to be too negative, but you asked for business - and if you are going to ask people to pay you for your work, you must make your samples and your own website as high quality as possible.

I live 12 miles from John Jordan and have never asked him if I could do his site - I do not want to, but I think I could do it and do an admirable job - but I do not want to! (John - if you read this do not be offended!)

Finally, I found that I am at my best when I stick to things I know I can do well! Like cutting logs into blanks, making coffee and grilling steaks. I think maybe you should review your skills and select those that are slam dunks and stick with them!

Oh, and keep doing the turnings and your own website!

Ray Sandusky

woodturner/artist.

have

frustration.

That's all right Ray, you can make me some coffee. :-)

John

woodturners

Ali, If you haven't been to the WoW site your missing a lot. Not only are there pictures of John's beautiful turnings but there are thousands of pictures from lesser known turners. And some very creative people. Enough inspiration to keep you busy for days. If your not a member send me an e-mail address and I will sign you up or refer you to "Papa" Herm.

Bob, Naugatuck Ct.

Ali

Just like in turnings the most simple design is often the most effective and pleasing to the beholder; so it is with websites.

On your site, the layout is fine, but the presentation could be adjusted.

For example, the stark white background may be more effective if it were actually a more muted color. The tiled design on the interior site pages is very busy - if you are going to use a background, it may be more effective to use a background photo in one large, centered tile.

I like the "paypal" info, but it may be too much of a "sales display" instead of a display of your work. I think you need to show the car before you can sell it.

And your logo does not tell what you do or provide any inkling that you are a wood artist - from the way it is spelled, it may indicate that you are a seafarring type, selling canvas.

The turnings are great - that is why we are here! You may want to pick your best and use those as your site's introductory display items - or maybe a picture of you working or soemthing else tha ttells the real story.

I hope this helps - please take it in the spirit in which it was offered.

And I think we can all relate to the time constraints of work, home and family and everything else other than woodturning - but keep making time for it!

Best wishes

Ray Sandusky

Hi again Ray.

And thanks for the advice/critique! To be honest with you, my first reaction to your original post was one of mild ambivalence as I generally like to have some constructive and concrete examples of why something I do is less than adequate. Hence, your original post made me feel somewhat defensive and reactionary. However, in this last post you've managed to provide exactly the type of advice that I like to get. Thanks very much for the time and consideration you put into your response! I will keep it all in mind as I redesign my next web site.

Due to time considerations, I'm not entirely sure when that will be. I may be doing the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, to which I've been accepted as an exhibitor/seller. I'm also in the process of applying for the Norfolk/Ghent Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival. Needless to say, I'm going to be a very busy turner for the next couple of months.

I think that the Christmas break should be an ideal time for the redesign of the web site. I may call on your excellent advice when I start doing it, if you'd be available to spend a little time looking at the finished product before I actually make it available online.

Anyway, once again, thanks very much for your help!!

Most sincerely and respectfully,

Ali T. Borahan AliSails - Fine Wood Artistry & Custom Woodcrafts Web URL:

unappealing

Ali

I would be happy to assist in any way - and just like my critique, I will offer it for free!

I can appreciate your initial response - it is like all of us to go to defense right away and then realize the spirit of the critique - I am always like that when I show one of my pieces - become defensive first then open my eyes!

thanks

Ray