SmartAuthoring launches new web site

SmartAuthoring has today launched the latest version of its website after many weeks of development. For the first we have not used a combination of Dreamweaver and HTML coding to create the website, but instead have utilised the site creation wizard that is offered by the hosting company.

This has been a bit of an experience! Site wizards have many benefits in that they allow users with little or no HTML knowledge to create intricate websites using the many built-in templates, from this perspective I was impressed. However, as a competent HTML/Java coder I found the inability to develop the layout of the site frustrating. That said, there is a HTML mode which allows you to tinker with the underlying code a little...so not all was lost. That said I like the end result (any comments?) and will return to try out new templates in the future!

Do you need a staff handbook?

Recently I started work for a new customer and I quickly realised what this organisation needed....an up-to-date staff handbook! As an employer of self-employed contractors, the organisation has a high turnover of staff, most of which are use to hitting the road running. However, unless my experience was unique, many will have spent their first month asking questions about timesheets, kit signout, and travel expenses! This is not only a waste of the contractor's time, but also the poor heads of department who have to repeatedly answer the questions.

If ever there was a case crying out for a staff handbook this is it...needless to say I will be offering my services! Although the initial outlay for such an item may seem high, the long term cost and time savings will compensate.