Avatar News AUGUST 16, 2007

Much More Than Web Design — Web Site Services Round Up

You probably know by now that Avatar specialises in Web design, development and marketing, but did you know about the myriad of other Web services we offer which can help you manage your Web site? From logo design to proof-reading, we can help.

View details of our Web Site Services Round Up.

THIS MONTH'S OFFER: With every service commissioned this month, a free review of your home page text including proof reading and copy-editing suggestions. This offer is valid until 15th September 2007 only.

How To Use Virtual Reality To Your Advantage

If you want another way to bolster your online sales presentation and to make your product more appealing to Web viewers, then a virtual tour could be for you. Find out more about how they work and how they can benefit your business.

View the full How To Use Virtual Reality To Your Advantage article.

How To Avoid Damaging Your Online Credibility

In the online world, you can significantly enhance, or ruin, your own or your company's online image and credibility in the time it takes for someone to simply glance at your Web site. Those first few seconds are vital, so what can you do to ensure that people stay tuned in to your site rather than clicked off?

View the full How To Avoid Damaging Your Online Credibility article.

Tidbits

• Google Video shuts up shop. Google is pulling the plug on Google Video its video content site offering programmes such as Survivor, Star Trek and CSI. The success of YouTube made Google's video offer increasingly irrelevant according to Google watchers.
• We look like our dogs. Proof that some owners really do look like their dogs. Scary!
• Is your caffeine habit out of control? If you've ever wondered how much tea, coffee or coke you can drink before you start pushing up daisies, find out with Death by Caffeine's cheery little caffeine counter.
• Sounds like... Who knows when you'll need the sound of dinosaurs burping, phones ringing, winds howling or springs boinging. When you do though, that's when you'll be glad you heard about Audio Network's library of royalty free sound effects.
• Draw your own kaleidoscope. More fun than etch-a-sketch — get creative and create your own kaleidoscope.
• Get the most out of life. Get some ideas for your next overseas trip with the help of This is the Life. Ideas include dune bashing in Dubai, hiking to Colombia's Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), watching icebergs in the Arctic and creating an experimental community in the Nevada desert.
• Wear a jumper and save the planet. The UK's Energy Saving Trust urges people to wear an extra jumper instead of wasting energy heating the great outdoors. One single patio heater can emit 50kg of CO2 per year using the same amount of energy as a gas hob in 6 months.
• How to do just about everything. Step-by-step instructions on how to treat a bedbug bite, make the perfect iced coffee, choose a tattoo artist, plan a wedding and just about everything else from eHow.

Spotlight on Latest Projects

Here's a spotlight on a selection of projects we've worked on recently...

• Interior Effects (Web design and marketing)
  Architectural hardware suppliers Interior Effects commissioned a content management system (CMS) style site from us which incorporated a sleek, modern look. This design complemented their product lines, which are presented to viewers in an easy-to-update online catalogue.
• Romantic New Zealand (Web design and marketing)
  This New Zealand destination weddings site has been designed and developed as a CMS style Web site, which enables the client to easily update and add content to their site, independently of us.
• Rocket Lab (Web design)
  Another CMS style site was published this month, which also marked the formal launch of Rocket Lab, a New Zealand company focused on delivering pioneering technology and specialised components to the international space industry.

Other Sites of Interest

• Merino Lace (Web marketing)
  Lightweight, warm and stylish Merino lace scarves, shawls and wraps knitted by Canterbury knitwear designers.
• Woodlands Trust (Web design and marketing)
  Help for New Zealanders in overcoming problem gambling and gambling addictions.
• Cuddon Freeze Dry (update)
  Turn-key, quality assured batch and continuous freeze dry equipment.
• Army Museum (update)
  Real life soldiers' stories and New Zealand's military history presented through displays and collections.