Sometimes you have to work on a project that you’ve been dreading. I dealt with one of those today. And as is so often the case, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Usually, the anticipation of a loathsome task is worse than the reality.
The reason I fretted so much about this particular project is because I know my limitations. Most people would argue that I’m pretty good at using computers. And realistically, I am good at learning and using end-user application software, especially ones that relate to graphic design in some way. However, with almost anything having to do with computers, there’s a level of expertise where you have to leap into the realm of programming. For example, serious power users of Microsoft Office who have an aptitude inevitably learn its programming language (Visual Basic for Applications) so they can write more elaborate macros and automate projects.
That’s where I get off the bus.
I learned a long time ago that I’m not a programmer. Anyone who wants to see me curse a blue streak can have me try and write some type of “if, then, else” programming statement. My brain just shuts off. Even my husband James, a programmer (who also is one of the most patient people I’ve ever met) failed in his short, yet valiant, effort to teach me programming.
The same thing happens with Web sites. I can create Web sites because HTML is really just a formatting language. However, once you get into the programming stuff for forms, or shopping carts, it moves into the realm of programming, which is out of my jurisdiction.
So right now, my part of the dreaded task is over. James is putting the final touches on the programming elements of a Web site. I integrated the programming code into Dreamweaver. But then it got ugly, and I had to hop off the bus and let a real programmer drive 😉