Some asked more frequently than others, and in no specific order.

Q: You're a huge geek aren't you?
A: In many ways, yes, though I do like to maintain some level of social grace and humor about things.

Q: Didn't your site used to be a whole lot different? I seem to remember sort of a boxy look to things....
A: Yep. I redesigned it :)

Q: Do you prefer windows or mac?
A: Mac for workstations, windows for gaming machines, linux for servers.

Q: What's the big deal about standards compliance, why did you spend the time building a standards compliant site?
A: Standards compliance defines a future safe way to build web sites that are more accessible than non-standards compliant sites. It's a good idea that's ahead of it's time. I put the extra work into my site to make it standards compliant because I consider doing so to be "best practice".

Q: There's some javascript on your site. Why was it up for years without it?
A: Actually, there's always been a small amount, I used to use a suckerfish menu that had a bit of javascript as a fallback for some browsers. Lately I've been working with more and more DHTML type of stuff though, and the security vulnerabilites and compatibility issues, at least on desktop machines have, for the most part, been ironed out. Thanks to things like google map and such, I dont know anyone that turns of javascript anymore, and things like DHTML and AJAX are great, widely supported tools for UI development.

Q: Can you write a regular (non-web) application for me in VB, C, .NET or JAVA?
A: I tend to use Flash for such things. Zinc or Air can be used to build Flash applications with file execution rights and things like that, which is a big reason why I don't really have a whole lot of interest in learning C, VB, .NET Java for desktop applications. Flash can be used to build almost anything, and often can be much more efficient than other types of applications. If we're talking about a web-based application then I can likely help.

Q: So if you love Flash so much, why didn't you build your entire site out of it?
A: The thought did cross my mind. The main reason I didn't is because Flash tends to be percieved negatively in the IT community I've noticed. I know plenty of people who disable it entirely figuring it's only used for banner ads anyway. I argue that Flash is a superior medium, and shouldn't be blamed for it's misuse, but for some the end justifies the means. It was more important to me to build a site that would reach the widest audience possible, but down the line I might add a flash version. There are other reasons...but perhaps that's more of a tutorial topic than a faq topic. For an example of an entirely flash site I've built check out www.christandy.net/portfolio/sites/youthline


Q: How compatibile is cross-browser compatibility realistically? No site works correctly in ALL browsers...
A: An entirely flash site could assuming your Flash player version is current. That's besides the point though. Realistically, I look at current market saturation statistics before I do my testing for any given site and strive for better than 99% compatibility with the browsers currently in use. Yes this does mean that if you haven't updated your browser for the last ten years or so you could have problems with my site, but also that you comprise < 1% of the sites viewing audience in most cases

Q: What browser do you use?
A: I like Firefox a lot, and I also use Opera.

Q: Will you build a website for my XXX or adult entertainment industry business?
A: No. I also don't do work for online dating sites.

Q: What if the money is really good and you would just have to build a CMS type of thing?
A: The answer is still no.

Q: What are your rates?
A: That depends on the project. contact me

Q: Will you reduce the rate for a non-profit organization?
A: Sure, I'm happy to help out a good cause.

Q: Can you edit video for a project?
A: Yes. I'm familiar with compositing and editing using Shake or After Effects.

Q: Can you provide 3D elements to a video editor for a composite?
A: You mean intuitively named, uncompressed frame sequences with an alpha channel and/or zdepth channel? Absolutely.

Q: Can you motion track an object into a video with a moving camera?
A: yes.

Q: Can you provide hosting services.
A: Yes.

Q: Can you build a real time chat feature on my site?
A: Yes, but you'll need to be carefull with that as it violates some shared hosting plans terms of use.

Q: What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
A: What do you mean, an African or a European swallow?