Deprecated Namespace Woes

Through one of my redesigns, I learned that the System.Web.Mail namespace has been deprecated. I'm to use the System.Net.Mail namespace instead.

Here's the rub: The System.Net.Mail namespace isn't available on the 1.1 .net Framework. Naturally, this is the framework the website is coded in! I know from past experimentation that upgrading the framework to 2.0 (and presumably higher) that the website will break. I believe this is due to the menu system the previous designer/developer used. I'm not totally opposed to reprogramming the site because we are working on a redesign anyway... however, it does make me curious as to how often Microsoft decide to break all the hard work I put into coding these sites?! grrrr...

Lost Files and Missing Time

My poor old laptop has gone through several rebuilds. Much to my dismay, I've lost a few critical files along the way. I seriously thought I had everything backed up! *sigh*

I can't fix it right now though because I don't have enough time. I'm working on three redesigns! I can't complain. I absolutely love designing a new look for old websites. So much fun!!

Minor Updates

I've been busy updating various websites today, and I figured it was time to update mine. I recently invested in the official Gold Canyon Candle website, and pointed my domain to it - www.debcorner.com. So, the section of Crosspoint Designs that was called "Deb Corner" is now simply "Candle Corner." When time permits (and it usually doesn't lately), I'll continue with that project... I hope! It's fun anyway.

In other news... You've got to check out http://wave.google.com - It'll change everything.

Deb Corner App Coming Along

Some women "nest" at the end of their pregnancy by cleaning and organizing like mad-women. Not me. I obsess about this web project! What have I been up to over the past week or so? (highlighted items are on my To Do List)

1. I've completed a customers list that links up with the members list on an as needed basis. Not all members of the site are Gold Canyon customers (and visa versa). I recently discovered that this linking system doesn't work quite like I expected... it needs tweaking.
   
2. I completed a listing of all the scents, sortable by season - with a view for the discontinued scents. Later, this will link up with what I've termed "scent profiles" (what folks like, love, dislike, hate, etc.)
3. I completed a listing of items. This one isn't a complete list by any stretch since I have to enter in the information myself and there are HUNDREDS of items. However, it is a basis for the wish lists and online invoicing. One benefit my sister pointed out is that in filtering the list by scent, you can select your favorite scent and see the myriad of products that are available in it. The list is viewable by product line or by scent.
4. Both scents and items have add and edit forms available only to the administrator (myself).
5. I've also made available some of the catalogs and fliers.

** None of this information is available to the public. Due to my obligations with Gold Canyon Candle Co, only my customers can take advantage of these tools. If you are one of my customers, and you'd like to see the works - please contact me and let me know... just know that these tools are still under development and be patient! **

Gold Canyon Update

I tried to motivate myself to work on the simpler project of creating a tool-set for my web clients, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. I'm drawn to a challenge! The Gold Canyon tool-set I want to create is a lot more complicated, and a lot more fun!!

I "finished" programming out the first part of the project - and it looks disturbingly simple. It's a listing of all scents, sortable by product line, season and discontinuation. I say "finished" because it is at a usable stage, but it still needs a little bit of work. I'm hoping to polish that off today and tomorrow.

Due to potential legal issues with Gold Canyon, I can only make these tools available for my customers. If you are one of my GC customers, please ask me for a login. Right now, there's only the scent listing. Three of the biggest tools:

• Scent profiles (what you like and don't like)
• Online Invoice (and payment links)
  
• Order history

Your ideas are more than welcome! Just post a comment here, or email me.

debuck5 on Twitter

I tried out Twitter a while back, but stopped using it and eventually canceled. They've come a long way baby! I like their new widgets and the like. I also integrated it into my Digsby chat program with Facebook and all the rest. LOVE Digsby! You can see my tweets at http://twitter.com/debuck5 or http://www.crosspointdesigns.com/aboutme/default.asp.

Basic Member and Admin Functions Done

For the past few days, I've been working on getting very basic member profile and administration of members functional. I've completed the basics, and I'm ready to move on.

My first task is to get something basic going for my web clients. Then, the bigger task: my candle biz! That's going to be a fun project.