You probably know the saying - Good, Fast, Cheap - Pick 2. The premise is that you must sacrifice one to get the others. If something is good and fast, it won't be cheap. If it is good and cheap, it won't be fast. If it is fast and cheap, it won't be any good.

I was all set to write a clever article about this topic, extolling my virtues as a Web designer, but I kept getting stuck.

Then I realized it is because there is only one choice. Good.

In the 8+ years I've been in business, I have never had someone walk into my office and ask for a bad Web site. Some want it "yesterday" and some want it for as close to free as possible, but the quality desired is always high.

What makes a good Web site?

First and foremost, it must present a clear picture of what your company has to offer your customers or potential customers. At the beginning of the web development process, it is more important to examine what makes your business different from your competition, than what colors you like. I sometimes meet resistance here, but I have to keep pushing. Taking time to plan and determine goals for the web site saves time and surprises later. The Web site will be more effective because it will be easy for visitors to understand how you can solve their problem.

Fast and Cheap are relative terms. There are many factors that determine time and cost, such as: size, complexity, desired features, existing budget considerations and/or how fast I get information such as text and images from the client.

A Web site an investment. A good Web site is the foundation of your marketing plan and adds value to your other marketing venues. You have to make the commitment of time and money to make it the best it can be.

Don't worry, however, I make the transition to a new way of marketing as painless as I can and will walk you easily through the Web design or re-design process from start to finish.

I'd be happy to talk with you about ways to put the power of the Internet to work for your business or organization. Call or email me for a free initial consultation.

New York State waterways provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities for boating enthusiasts from all over the USA - and the world!

The New York State Tour Boat Association was formed in 1984. The ultimate goal is to advance the industry by providing safe, enjoyable experiences to guests visiting these beautiful and scenic waterways.

The site - www.CruiseNewYork.com - was put together with much help from Sharon Murphy of Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises, boatloads of material, including excellent photos, from all the Association members, and hosting + support from Len Thornton, owner of Info Service Support.

I hope everyone is having a good summer. There is still time to plan a cruise on one (or more!!!) of the magnificent waterways of New York State.

Visit the NYSTBA Web site. Move your mouse around the map on the Home Page to see all the great cruising opportunities. Click on the words Western, Central, and Eastern for more details and links to vessels in each area of the State.

Happy Sailing!

Annette Riley Web Design has a new office - located upstairs at the Market Street Art Center. Here I am standing in front of my window which overlooks the Erie Canal!

You might think this glorious view would be distracting, but it's not. Seeing the boats go by all day long is relaxing, inspiring and makes me more productive.

Annette Riley Web Design combines an art background and many years experience working in small business settings.

My clients are small to medium size businesses, which I have watched grow and change over the years. Other clients, locally and around the country, have hired me to do updates and periodic maintenance on their web sites, even though I am not the original designer.

I enjoy helping other business owners grow their businesses. I measure my success by their successes.

You are good at your business. I am good at Web sites. Let's put our talents together! Call or e- mail me so we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.