As a web developer, I have noted the increasing rise in popularity and demand of the social networking site. The idea of a website that is, for all intents and purposes, entirely self sustaining is a tempting prospect to anyone seeking to start a site. However, along with the demand has come an inordinate amount of questions regarding the most successful ways to build a site and drive traffic. I have noted that in many cases, the author of the question gets the cart before the horse, as it were.

Successful websites do not typically just come to be on a wing and a prayer (with a few notable exceptions). Instead, they are the bi-product of hours, weeks, and in some cases months or years of dedicated time and planning. A successful social network is no different. The planning and preparation involved before the development actually begins is paramount to seeing your brain child through to fruition.

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Or, at least that is what my son seemed to be set on completing with his most recent artistic endeavor this weekend. I was roused from my work by my wife’s stern voice instructing my son to tell — no, to show — me what he had done. Those of you who have had a three year old in your house at any time are probably already beginning to chuckle, and I assure you that your foreshadowing of enjoyment at my expense will not be disappointed.
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Life has a funny way of sneaking up on us. Since my last post several months ago, many things have changed in the world; thankfully, only a handful of those changes have actually been in my personal world. I have moved across the country with my family, gotten settled in what is perhaps the most beautiful area of our great nation, transitioned to working from home and even made several new contacts in both the gaming and internet industries. One of my only regrets through all that is that I have not had time to make even a single blog entry.

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