WWW..."Wonderful World of Web"... Web what? Websites and Webforms!
Sometimes in life, ignorance is bliss. Prior to March of 2008, I knew nothing (of relevance) about building and maintaining a website, or how to create a webform, and now I know too much! Actually, my sister Anne Marie knows more about building and maintaining our website than I do, and isn't it a BEAUTIFUL website?
When was the last time you filled out a webform - don't take them for granted anymore because they deserve respect - at least this is what I have decided. From now on, when I come across a webform, I will take a moment to pause and thank the person that created that webform and forever be grateful that it is not another one I created, or edited, or updated, or anything... and then I will cheerfully fill it out continuing to have gratitude that I am ONLY filling it out and nothing else! I will marvel at is deceptive simplicity that, unknowingly, gives the impression of ease - all the while trying to keep the flashbacks of webforms from sending me into a fit of anger that requires a phonecall to my sister that starts and ends with expletives that should never be written or heard by human ears.
It all started when we decided to put our
The Lone Star Ladies Present: Shop Austin Application online instead of going the "old" paper application route. We live in different towns - she lives in Austin, and I live in San Diego so it makes it easier for us to both get the information. "Easy" is relative... "What were we thinking?" is what I have wanted to say several times over the past couple of months - how can something as easy looking as a form be such a nightmare?
Some other thoughts on the subject..."It doesn't fit, it's too long, it's too short, what do you mean the redirect does not work, why is the paypal button at the top of the form when it should be at the bottom (and WHERE IS the paypal button?), what is all this html coding and why am I seeing it, why is that field out of order when I put it in the right order, where the hell did those scroll bars come from and how can I get the one off the bottom to disappear, where did that line come from, how can I get it to add up right (this is when my husband knows he needs to step in and help because 2+2 is still 4 and I seem to have just forgotten that concept...), why is it pink (can you focus please?), why isn't it in Times New Roman 12 and why was this easier?"
Looks can be deceiving, so deceiving it is unbelievable. Actually, if I hadn't lived the webform fiasco that we have been through, I would not believe anyone's story. I wonder if you can tell if someone has been wounded by a webform by some look in their eye - a wishful look for a time gone by that required simple paper and pen, envelope and stamp, and a signed check. I will be on the lookout from now on!
But, alas, we have (at least I think...) conquered the webform mystery thanks to
Form Experts, and overall we are happy with the learning process and the results - at least I am continuing to tell myself this until I believe it!
If you have not
applied for our show, the application period is still open. If you have applied and have not heard from us (even that little auto responder email...), or you were not sent to PayPal,
PLEASE CONTACT US so we can remedy the situation.
In closing, someday I will write about the fun of "navigation buttons"...
XO,
allison
www.TheLoneStarLadies.comFormerly known as "The Bearded Ladies Present"
Dad showing off his handy work!
Anne Marie confused...
Ready for a close-up!
