I never really understood Ruby on Rails. I had it on my list of things to do for a very long time - learn c++, ruby on rails, take bin out, but based on some Ruby on Rails developers it is a more worthy time investment than the two other options. The best thing I can see about it in conjunction with Amazon’s Web Services is the saleability. It’s like having a whole load of power there - when you need it and not when you don’t!
It claims on the website I was looking that “ruby does a lot more with a lot less code” and that its quick to dispense and integrates easily across the board. Bold Claims but I can see that if you build a Ruby on Rails Portfolio it should work out for you, its one of those illusive less common code bases that will brighten up any cv and almost assure you a role at a Ruby on Rails Company due to the lack of professionals covering it. Unfortunately for me I will probably never get round to mastering it - because as of yet I have never found something I can’t deal with in php etc. But should I ever find the need I would probably hire rather than learn, ROR definately worth a look though if your a new developer with a bit of spare time - then when you get pro - give me a call!!
When I first started my business 5 years ago I was nieve to the world of Business Banking. I knew I needed a business bank account, so I could get the cheque book I needed to pay suppliers, the card to pay for goods online and that I also needed credit card processing services, so I got them all in one from the nearest bank.
My haste perhaps could have saved me a fair bit of time back then, I could have gone with a cheaper bank or thought more deeply about getting Business Funding rather than struggling to survive in the first year. I have since learnt from this but I still am glad I went strait into it. One thing that could have saved me a few grand that year was that the bank I opted for gave me Free Business Banking, but only for 6 months. Whereas now if you shop around you may manage to find 12 months + of free business banking - something which is worth (as I said) upwards of a few hundred quid for most business’s.
Its also important to go with a stable and ethical bank, stability will help you grow your business without worrying about them closing down on you and ethical will ensure that you work with people who understand how business should be done.
I don’t know what it is about America recently, I seem to be more drawn to their start ups and fledgling companies for interest sakes. For example this morning I happened across a scheme run in the US where by members of the public can donate to a charity in the form of they Donate a Car. Born and based in the UK and have never seen the concept of donating a vehicle before, but I have had a fair few bangers that are not worth my time, money or attention any more. I have always noticed the “cash for cars” ads, never used one but it’d be cool if when your used car gets to the dead stage and you can afford a replacement, for the combination of donating and removing the heap from your drive to be combined.
This site I saw works by they take your car (collect it from wherever) as part of their Car Donations scheme. As far as I can see in this example the charity then sells the car on and redistribute the sale cash accordingly (they say they only spend 5% on overheads - mentally low figure to run by) to your selected charity or organisation (that you select when you register). It says that your used vehicle will be “used to help single mothers, distribute educational materials, help homeless and more good deeds.” It does sound like a very positive use of second hand cars although I can see theres another viewpoint of it if you look deeper.
That’s not to say a UK charity / organisation couldn’t use this format, someone who collects vehicles or perhaps other items - probably used, sells them on, keeping a small chunk towards paying all the overheads and giving the remaining to a needy charity. The downside I feel with these situations is the objectivity of the charity and its ideals. The charity or organisation will use the funds to its own ends. But I suppose all charity’s operate this way, we should just choose the most appropriate to our sense of morals I guess. This United States one I found funds Free Children’s DVDs and anti-drug videos, which to me represents positive work although it has a Christian spin which I personally may not donate too, but its all positive and is a good way to change unwanted cars into charity support.
I have noticed over the last year or so a huge boom in online financial comparison services. From the likes of Money supermarket who started comparing loans to confused.com and now gocompare.com that lets you find a range of prices for car insurance. Its a booming market and is effectively just affiliate marketing on a national mass market scale. I like the idea, I mean its a win win deal. All the companies using them to sell get more car insurance sold, the middleman gets a cut and the customer gets cheap car insurance, I mean that’s pretty mutually beneficial for all parties. Its rare that on such a large scale something can work so well. I cant help but think that if the insurance companies were dynamic enough they would have started their own equivalent sites, or sold more successfully to avoid the need to use these middle men sites. But then I suppose they may well do, and even if they do perhaps the extra sales are always welcome so they can never have enough outlets to sell insurance.
In that way I cant see that a well implemented version of a comparison site can fail. Provided it is run well, set up with flare and allows you to easily compare car insurance or another financial product then it cant really fail, the moneys there!
Today I have been looking at Flash Components over at flashloaded.com. On initial look they have a fair amount of good quality components that are easily integrated into your web presence. Outsourcing is an invaluable skill to be learned by all entrepreneurs as it can free you up to do more important things - and allow the professionals to do their job!
Control VR (one of thier 3d Flash Components) makes a 3d spin round in flash simply out of 9-36 images - and it really works - they have a great example of an elephant statue that highlights it. If your looking for a flash photo viewer then Coverflow or Photoflow is pretty sweet too - it allows flashy almost web 2.0 skipping through some photographs so as you can view them all in a nice professional way.
If you are looking for a good way to quickly add professional flash off the cuff on your site - check out flashloaded.com, they have some seriously cool ready to go flash lumps.
Personally I learned flash when I was 14 - like most of the other basic platforms there I had found it through mass popular portals - specifically for me Newgrounds.com - where flash was used to make games and animations - all of which ruled. Nevertheless I masted flash myself in about 6 months - however it would still probably more cost effective to get components from a provider rather than writing flash myself!
Roberts Bridge Financial offer quickly cleared Payday Loans - which are essentially a way to get a ’sub’ or a cash advance on your coming wages. This would be a useful service if you are having problems with cash flow as it will free up your wages so when you need to pay that bill or the rent or what have you.
Roberts Bridge Financials site is great looking, with a great British flag and good design. I personally probably wont ever need the service but for quick short term loans and Cash Advance between £150 to £750 they seem to be professional and have good credentials. Salary Advance’s should definatly be not overlooked as a viable option in personal finance.
They ask for your details like name, address, phone numbers and your work details on a single one page form then your done - money can come within 24 hours - salary advances from Roberts Bridge Financials is probably a great way to get matched for a quick term loan - just remember only get a loan that you can pay back - credit is great as long as you don’t take credit you can’t afford out.
Want to read more about finance? perhaps business related? here ya go!