Business Ethics | Web Guy

Why I Stopped Paying $600/Year for a WordPress Caching Plugin

Web Guy — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:14:55 +0000

A caching plugin serves a static HTML file instead of running PHP and database queries on every page load. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. It’s one of the oldest, simplest performance tricks in web development, and somehow it became one of the most expensive products in the entire WordPress ecosystem. I used WP Rocket ... Why I Stopped Paying $600/Year for a WordPress Caching Plugin

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The Truth About Business

Web Guy — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 23:06:57 +0000

The bottom line for all businesses, is to make as much money as possible. In theory, there’s nothing wrong with that. After all, that’s the entire point of business, right? However, the problem lies in how far a business is willing to go to achieve that goal, pushing the boundaries of what’s legal, and often, ... The Truth About Business

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Professionals: Where Have All the Good Manners Gone?

Web Guy — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 21:36:17 +0000

The first thought many people might have when reading the header of this article is: “When were there ever good manners in the professional/business/corporate world?” And they probably have a good point. I think many people in business do think of it as a dog eat dog arena. It’s also become pretty common knowledge that ... Professionals: Where Have All the Good Manners Gone?

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First Impressions are Meaningless — I Like to Give People an Actual Chance

Web Guy — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 04:00:19 +0000

Of course, when any generalized statement like this is made, it should be a given always that it falls within reason, as there are always exceptions to the rule and extremes to consider. For example, whether it’s a job interview or a first date, showing up without having taken a shower, with mustard stains all ... First Impressions are Meaningless — I Like to Give People an Actual Chance

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craigslist — Still Crazy After All These Years

Web Guy — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:27:20 +0000

Within the last year I’ve started browsing craigslist for projects again, along with all of its eccentricities and flaky users, it is still one of the best places to find work. Recently, I applied for a logo design project and here was the reply I got: “I appreciate you taking to time to consider my ... craigslist — Still Crazy After All These Years

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The Unfortunate Side of Business (Legal Issues)

Web Guy — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 04:22:56 +0000

Owning your own business is part of the American dream, and at the same time, like most things that are worthwhile, it’s usually a lot more work than you first anticipated. Whether you’re an individual professional that’s looking for clients or a fully registered business looking for customers, it takes a while to build your ... The Unfortunate Side of Business (Legal Issues)

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Domain Brokers

Web Guy — Fri, 12 Jul 2013 04:26:29 +0000

Most domain brokers are pure sleaze, period. Sorry, that’s just the way I feel about it in the most simple terms. First, I should say that I auction off domains and websites myself. But there’s a huge difference. The only domains and websites I sell are legitimate ones where I was at one point maintaining ... Domain Brokers

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Web: A Needle in a Haystack Industry

Web Guy — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:13:07 +0000

The web is a truly unstoppable industry, growing exponentially and completely unaffected (in my opinion) by the economy like other tangible industries, construction and real estate for example. It’s a global community with little to no overhead. It’s never mattered how any specific city, state, country, or even continent is doing, because I’ve reached them ... Web: A Needle in a Haystack Industry

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Why Are Most Companies’ Support Staff So Dumb?

Web Guy — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 03:34:08 +0000

I don’t think there’s a normal functioning adult alive today that hasn’t experienced the painfully dumb customer support rep who knows less about the given service than they do, at at least one point in their lives. You’d think with these companies that are making millions (maybe billions of dollars), that they would have figured ... Why Are Most Companies’ Support Staff So Dumb?

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Way Too Much Information

Web Guy — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:56:01 +0000

While that’s often associated with a sarcastic remark to someone who’s perhaps revealed too intimate of details about themselves, I’m actually referring to something else entirely — the disturbing amount of information others have on us. The truth of the matter is that we’re identified and profiled by a staggering amount of statistics in the ... Way Too Much Information

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Professionalism

Web Guy — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:50:21 +0000

I’ve been a web pro for about 7 years now. I’ve come a long way in that time, but there is still a long way to go in maturing and wisdom. I’ll share with you my findings and hopefully get some feedback from other professionals on how they handle the day-to-day. Rule #1: Keep your ... Professionalism

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The Unprofessionals

Web Guy — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 17:54:17 +0000

I’ve listed spammers, scammers, and charlatans in the past, but that doesn’t cover everything. There’s a sort of in-between area of so called professionals that seemingly provide a legitimate service, but are clearly awful in their approach and abilities as self-proclaimed professionals. We’ll call them the unprofessionals. Sadly, this article will probably only be used ... The Unprofessionals

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User vs Customer

Web Guy — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 05:39:01 +0000

Many services (especially web-based ones) offer both free and premium services and products. While there is a clear line between a free tool and a premium one (you’d remember paying for something), users tend to conveniently forget that fact when it comes to support. Let’s break down the differences… User A user, as you would ... User vs Customer

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Websites Holding Your Info Hostage

Web Guy — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:18:51 +0000

I want to clarify upfront that all the points found throughout this article are not necessarily aimed at any company specifically. Although, I mention a few examples in part, it’s important to understand that they merely sparked the idea for this article and most of the information found throughout are simply my generalized observations from ... Websites Holding Your Info Hostage

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NDA vs NCA

Web Guy — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 05:26:39 +0000

NDAs (Non-disclosure Agreements) and NCAs (Non-compete Agreements) are contracts often used together when someone new is brought into an “in-the-works” or sensitive project to protect the project’s ingredients and the owner or creator. Though, very commonplace, especially in web-based projects, it’s important to understand that these two contracts are entirely different. So, the next time ... NDA vs NCA

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Free vs Free in Software

Web Guy — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 23:53:02 +0000

Lately, I’ve been researching different content and software licenses and the philosophies behind them. I was a bit surprised by my findings. First, I’ll explain the two different “frees”. Free Free Software — as in $0.00, costs nothing to download. This is the most common use. I’ll refer to as $free from here on out. ... Free vs Free in Software

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The Customer is Always Right? Wrong.

Web Guy — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 23:52:08 +0000

In fact, the customer or end-user is often wrong. I imagine when the phrase was coined its intended purpose was almost purely marketing, as in to make the customer feel like they’re right even when they’re wrong. Not to be literally taken, although this I’m sure backfired in some cases. In the very least, this ... The Customer is Always Right? Wrong.

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Is My Online Information Private?

Web Guy — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:20:55 +0000

No. At least, not completely. From text messages, phone calls and voicemail, email and IM chats, to search history, shopping habits, etc., your privacy is for the most part, an illusion. The only thing that is private is what’s inside of your head. Once you share something in any capacity, especially through technology, it is ... Is My Online Information Private?

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The Problem with Beautiful WordPress Themes

Web Guy — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:18:53 +0000

Every once in a while, I get this itch to design an over-the-top, beautiful WordPress theme. I want to add a ton of wonderful graphics and subtle effects of gradients and texture and utilize special fonts and CSS3 and then I remember, that’s a horrible idea! Because people, sure, might like it, but it isn’t ... The Problem with Beautiful WordPress Themes

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How to Make Money Blogging

Web Guy — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:25:35 +0000

My first piece of advice is an ironic and possibly radical one. The best way to make money online blogging, is actually to make that goal secondary. The methodology here, is that you should first, actually enjoy writing about a certain topic, whether you’re making money or not. If your blog isn’t a labor of ... How to Make Money Blogging

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W3C Obsession and the Return of target=”_blank”

Web Guy — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 14:28:33 +0000

It was a very dark time in web design history, it was the time of XHTML Strict code and the obsession with W3C validation, which had made us slaves to the almighty goal of standards-compliance. My name is Web Guy, and I was a W3C junkie. I had to see that green. If I didn’t ... W3C Obsession and the Return of target=”_blank”

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My Coding Code of Ethics

Web Guy — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:28:58 +0000

Quick and Dirty I loathe licensing. All the code I write and share on my blog (unless otherwise noted) is public domain (wiki). In short, that means there is no license whatsoever, no limitations, and you do not need to ask permission. My writings, ideas, theories, opinions, observations, creations, projects, experiments, etc., however, are of ... My Coding Code of Ethics

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AVG vs Norton

Web Guy — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:38:29 +0000

I’ve known the answer to that question for a long time. AVG is clearly the better anti-virus software. However, at the end of this article will be a chance for everyone to chime in. A friend of mine once said that Norton itself is a virus, couldn’t agree more. I’ve cleaned all the crapware off ... AVG vs Norton

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Pixel Perfect, Code Perfect, Graphic Perfect

Web Guy — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:49:20 +0000

A good web designer obsesses over every pixel. Symmetry is everything in design, any kind of design. The way an interior decorator places furniture in a room whilst keeping a clean buffer zone for walking, shelves, and other practical housing functions and decor is very similar to the design of a page on a website. ... Pixel Perfect, Code Perfect, Graphic Perfect

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Freelancers: Learning to Say “No”

Web Guy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:49:49 +0000

If you’re like me, when you first started out (or if you are just starting out now), we took on many less than desirable projects to keep food on the table. Well, once you’ve put in a few years, you’re going to have to learn to say “No” to projects you don’t want to take ... Freelancers: Learning to Say “No”

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Web, Tech, and Business Pet Peeves List

Web Guy — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:23:26 +0000

Clients Hey Rockstar! I hate when people say they need a “Rockstar” or “Ninja” anything. Example: “We’re looking for a Rockstar Web Developer!” It’s cheesy, unprofessional, out-dated, and even seems a bit condescending. It’s time that we just be relaxed and straightforward in business. No need for fluff. I Want to Watch You Work O_O ... Web, Tech, and Business Pet Peeves List

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Real-world vs Online Networking

Web Guy — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:37:53 +0000

Real-world Networking Unless you’ve lived in a bomb shelter your whole life, whether you know it or not, you already do real-world networking, because it’s basic human nature. All throughout our lives, I’m sure most of us networked in one way or another. From kindergarten, being friends with the rich kid who had the really ... Real-world vs Online Networking

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PayPal: More Buyer Protection? What About Seller Protection?

Web Guy — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 03:56:46 +0000

I like PayPal and will continue to use PayPal. Of course, there is nothing wrong with Buyer Protection, but what about Seller Protection? I’ve seen endless advancements in Buyer Protection, but does Seller Protection even exist? Just received the following from PayPal: “Hello Web Guy, As of 11/01/10, your customers who pay with PayPal are ... PayPal: More Buyer Protection? What About Seller Protection?

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In Modern Business, Phone Calls are Inefficient

Web Guy — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 06:42:13 +0000

Lessons Learned After a Decade of Practicing My Text-only Communication Philosophy Technology and communication styles have advanced significantly over the past decade, and many lessons were learned, especially in 2020. I originally wrote this article many years ago, and I still practice this philosophy today, while still successfully acquiring and keeping clients as well as ... In Modern Business, Phone Calls are Inefficient

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Words: And How They Make Us Money

Web Guy — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:24:33 +0000

It’s quite fascinating really, that is, the innovation of man. I know many people struggle to make money online and many others are successfully doing so. I think we can all agree that having at least some computer skills is pretty vital to having a decent job in today’s and tomorrow’s world. I make all ... Words: And How They Make Us Money

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One Problem that Every Business Has with Customers

Web Guy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:26:13 +0000

Some might say the biggest issue or bottom line for every business is affordability (of products and services). Others may say quality, demand, or exposure, or all of the above. I say customer relations, and more specifically, whether the business actually cares about their customers or just their money. Every business cares about money, that ... One Problem that Every Business Has with Customers

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A-Z of Web Business Mistakes

Web Guy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:02:44 +0000

This is in no way intended to be a definitive, be-all-to-end-all list, but hopefully some may find it helpful. I’ve certainly made some of these mistakes in the past. We’re always learning and the best instance of learning is when you learn something you may be doing wrong, admit it, and come out more knowledgeable ... A-Z of Web Business Mistakes

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Marketing & Media: Good vs Bad

Web Guy — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:36:28 +0000

I’ll cut to the chase. Most commercials, ads, movies, music, games, etc. that you’re exposed to in your lifetime will just simply not be very good. Why? Because it’s difficult to be original. And once someone does do something great and original, many clones will follow and it will become a worn out fad that’s ... Marketing & Media: Good vs Bad

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Be Careful When Hiring an SEO

Web Guy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:36:42 +0000

First thing before hiring an SEO (Search Engine Optimizer): do your research. Here comes what I consider to be the golden rule, are you ready?… If they offer you guarantees: DO NOT HIRE THEM! — There are no guarantees in SEO. Learn this now. See what Google themselves have to say about the subject. That’s ... Be Careful When Hiring an SEO

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