March Meeting: Noel Jackson – Transitioning from Print to Web Design

Join us on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 when Noel Jackson of Automattic, Inc. (known for their WordPress and Akismet projects) will discuss the differences between print and web design.

What separates print and web in the design community? What do designers need to know to bridge the gap between print and the web? What constraints do web designers need to understand?

We’re thrilled that Noel will be presenting our first “design-focused” topic at Refresh Detroit!

Noel will discuss:

  • The differences between print and web design.
  • What should you be concerned about, and what should the browser deal with?
  • Pixel perfection: Legend or fallacy?
  • Color profiles, your screen vs. theirs.
  • Variables introduced by machine and human that make web design a unique mix of science and art.

Background
Noel Jackson is an ubergeek, designer, and developer. Pulled from the depths of freelance design, he now works for Automattic, Inc. He loves the internet and dreams in HTML quite frequently. A self-proclaimed polymath, Noel was once a secret agent, fashion photographer, and ran a successful post-production studio in NYC.

When not pushing pixels and babbling about regexes, he’s probably listening to music (300 LPs and 250 gigs in all), DJing, or creating something (generative art is a favorite as of late). He lives in Detroit with his beautiful wife Stephanie, a fish named Hiro, and a chinchilla named Elvis.

Where: Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, Michigan. We will be meeting in Room 150 at the Morris Lawrence Building (map). Plenty of free parking is available adjacent to the building.

When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Cost: Free! Open to the public.

RSVP at Upcoming.org

Our apologies. We hoped to have a live stream of the meeting, but the UStream connection kept dropping. The meeting is being recorded and we’ll post the recording of the meeting later.

Refresh Detroit Recognized as “One of the Best Tech Events”

It was an honor to see Refresh Detroit mentioned in a recent blog post by AdaptiveBlue as One of the Best Tech Events in the USA.  We enjoy networking, continuing education opportunities, or sharing our knowledge with friends and colleagues. 

What other things draw you to groups like ours? We’d like to know not only how to stay current and relevant to you, but how to stay one of the best in our area!

If you’re interested in finding more great events in the Detroit area, here’s a short list of resources to start with:

We hope to see you at our next event!

February 17 Meeting: Freelance Legal Issues

Are you a web professional interested in learning more about the legal side of the freelance business? Join Refresh Detroit on February 17, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Wayne State University, for an interactive discussion led by an attorney who has provided web professionals in Michigan with legal services ranging from drafting contracts to organizing their businesses.

We encourage all web developers and business owners to join in the discussion with fellow attendees, so bring any insights or questions you have on the freelance business that you would like to talk about.

  • Where: Wayne State University Law School, 471 W. Palmer Street, Detroit, MI 48202 (directions) Room 2103, The Distance Learning Room. (University map)
  • Date: Tuesday, February 17
  • Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
  • Cost: Free. The event is free, but should you choose to park at Wayne State, the cost is $3.50 for guests.

Topics Include:

  • Incorporation vs. sole proprietorship – What are the liability and taxation issues? What cost is involved? What are articles of incorporation?
  • Proposals, contracts, statement of work (SOW) – What do they mean? Why should web professionals care?
  • Non-compete clauses – Should you sign one? What are your rights?
  • Breach of contract – How can you defend yourself, or collect on damages against you?
  • Whatever issues you would like to talk about. Participation is encouraged!

Our Speaker: Mary Novrocki

Mary Novrocki is the sole attorney and owner of the Law Office of Mary Novrocki, P.L.L.C, in Plymouth Michigan. As a general practitioner of law, Mary has provided web professionals in Michigan with legal services for organizing businesses, contracts, statements of work, and other business related legal issues.

Please comment if you plan to attend. Thank you!