What should you do in that circumstance? Well, if you’re interested in continuing the conversation, you might be inclined to just bite your tongue and let your conversation partner ramble on. Or perhaps you’re style is to agree with everything, regardless of how you truly feel, for the sake of being agreeable.

Well, both of those methods will work, but isn’t it much better to have a really interesting conversation where everyone’s opinions can be heard, respected and discussed? As a practitioner of the art of conversation you should be able to disagree with your conversation partners without being disagreeable.

What’s the Difference?

Well, when you disagree with someone you have a difference of opinion. When you are disagreeable; you are unpleasant, offensive, quarrelsome and bad-tempered. The two do not have to go together. You can disagree with someone’s point of view with out being quarrelsome or unpleasant about it. Here are some examples of how to disagree disagreeably.

Disagreeable Ways to Disagree.

“That’s the dumbest think I’ve ever heard.” “Where did you come up with that idea?” “That doesn’t make a bit of sense.” “You’re wrong.”

Say any one of the sentences above, or something similar, and your conversation will either come to a screeching halt or blow up into a full-fledged argument.

Disagreeing the Right Way.

“Your point of view is very interesting, but I think…” “Its been my experience that…” “I believe that…” “You could be right, but I’m pretty sure that…”

How could anyone take offense to your giving an opposing viewpoint when you start with any one of those sentences, especially if it’s given in a friendly, non-combative tone of voice? It is possible to disagree with out being disagreeable.

Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, no matter how wrong you think it is. Keep that in mind, and you will be able to disagree agreeably with anyone you meet, and have interesting, thought provoking conversations.

And who knows? Occasionally, you might even be convinced to change your mind.

Source: http://www.entertainmates.com/conversation/convers_tips_023.asp

When it comes to the world of websites, the designer and developer are two sides of the same coin. Together, designers and developers can create masterpieces at the junction of form and function, but all too often there is a conflict between these two roles.

This conflict is usually caused by a gap between the designer and the developer who codes the design, who have two separate yet overlapping skills. Quite often, the designer handles all communication with the client, and leads the client through to the final visual design of the website. It is only when the final visual mock up of the design is finalized that the developer is brought in to turn the visual mock up into a functional web design. Because of this, the designer is faced with the task of creating a website that may or may not be time, energy, and financially efficient. They are often forced to choose to either start an argument to change the design (often to the chagrin of the designer and the client) or to make a site that is slow or subpar in functionality in order to produce the product the designer has promised.

To remedy that, the designer and developer both need to reconsider the process that they follow in creating a website. First, the developer needs to insist on being included earlier in the design process. The developer should be copied on all emails beginning at the design of the wireframe and continuing through the end of the design process. While the developer does not need to overrule the designer’s creativity, they should act as a check to make sure the designer is not promising the client features that cannot be feasibly added for the price and turn around time promised.

The designer should take steps to learn some basic aspects of coding a website design. Jayvie recommends that designers take the time to create a basic HTML design in their spare time, taking the time to slice and construct a basic design. The designer should then try integrate some of the WordPress features into the design. After doing so, they should consult with their developer to ask for feedback. This process will not only foster a general sense of understanding for what the devloper does, but it will encourage the designer to learn proper web measurement, to name layers correctly, and to anticipate problems with text wrapping that may happen when the design is taken to the web.

Designers and developers like should remember that together they have the same goal, to create a fantastic website for the client.

Source: http://www.wpbeginner.com/events/bridging-the-designer-developer-gap/

Some of the major issues that are a major cause to conflicts between the designers and developers are as follows.

Colors:
One of the most common conflicts is about the colors. Usually the designers allege that the colors used by the developers are not as mentioned or not as agreed earlier. The resolution to this conflict is very simple. If the designer specifies the color value along with the color this conflict will not taken place at all.

The look:
The designer claims that the developer has not composed the design properly. When a designer creates a design that according to him/her is excellent, which is then handed over to the developer, the designer claims that the reverted work is not satisfactory. This conflict can be resolved before it takes place but is difficult after it takes place. If the designer takes into confidence the developer prior to designing, this issue may not at all arises and even if it arises despite this, it can be resolved easily. If the designer creates a report with the developer prior to designing he/she can learn a lot many things about web development too.

White space:
The designers at times allege that the developers do not know to manage the white spaces. Some may even go to the extent of mentioning that most of the developers do know the meaning of white space. The resolution to this issue lies in the communication within the team and how you team up with the developer. It is possible that the developer may not know that the white space means empty space and may also not know its relevance at making the website appealing. It is when you communicate with the developer that you can make his/her understand how to optimize the appeal of the website through white space management.

Time duration and ego:
At times, the developer may take a longer time than anticipated. The best way to resolve this conflict with the developer is to ask him or her for the maximum time he/she can take to complete the project. Give him extra time to resolve the issues that may not have been anticipated earlier. This extra time can act as a buffer zone. Never let ego come into play between the designer and the developer because if it does the project is going to suffer.

Difference in Browser:
Usually a designer finds that though the developer developed the website as per decided, the website looks different in different browsers. This is not because of any fault on the part of the developer but because of the variation in the technology used. A bit change in the design and a bit of pixels is enough to fix up this issue.

Original source: http://goarticles.com/article/Major-Conflicting-Issues-Between-the-Website-Developers-and-Website-Designers/4808181/

Being a graphic designer, I have been working alongside web developers for years and this taught me the general points of contention between the two professionals. Below are the reasons, which I think, never let a graphic designer and web developer make a happy pair .

1. Difference of Targets:
The first issue that causes conflict between a graphic designer and web developer is the difference of targets and goals. Both have divergent goals that eventually fulfill a single purpose…customer satisfaction. The designer’s main target is to make the design visually attractive and appealing for the client. While on the other hand, developer’s main goal is to assure the functionality and accessibility for the viewer. This is where the real clashes occur.

2. Artistic vs Functional:
The next issue that arises between designers and developers is the way of thinking. Both have a completely divergent approach of working. While designers have an artistic mindset, developers are the functional and brainy type. Designers try to play with various elements of graphic design like typography, colors and styles; making it difficult for the developers to convert those complex styles into CSS or HTML. Developers simply detest when designers use hi-fi styles.

3. Invalid File Formats:
Another key point of contention is the unacceptable file formats. Since the graphic designer’s main arsenal is Illustrator and Photoshop, he usually prefers sending his work to the developer in .EPS or .PDF format. That really annoys a developer to receive files containing multiple layers with no names. Similarly, sometimes when developers send a script to designers as a sample, the issue of invalid file format again arises as the graphic designers are not well versed with scripts.

4. Timing Conflict:
When designers are on board with developers, synchronization of time is a big issue. Since graphic designers complete their part of the work relatively faster than developers, they have to wait patiently for the developers to develop the code and proceed with the finalization of the project. Since developer’s work involves intricate coding and set of rules and procedures.

5. Communication Gap:
When two experts are working on one project, communication gap is almost certain as both think laterally. Since both are professionals, there is a huge space of conveying one’s message to the other. For example if the designer tries to tell the developer about the scripts and HTML, the developer will flatly reply “I don’t need you telling me how to do my work.” The same goes the other way around as well.

6. Undue Credit:
In most of the cases, the designers are the ones who get the credit for execution of the design project. Be it web designing or graphic designing, the designers usually receive all the praise and recognition since they are at the front end of the process. While developers are mostly at the back end of the entire venture, they are sidelined when the times comes for acknowledgment and praise.

Who’s the Real Boss?

You must have heard of the phrase, “There can be only one Captain to a ship.” Likewise, I have always wondered…between the designer and developer who is the real boss? Who should be the steering head of the design venture? Should it be the developer who maneuvers the execution of the project or should it be the designer who creates the blueprint of the design?

I want this post to be a platform for graphic designers and web developers both….what is the main reason of the clashes between you two professionals

Original source: http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/graphic-designers-and-web-developers-clashes/

Ah,.. It’s weekend again.. and I felt a bit relax after the whole week of working days. This Saturday I had two schedules, but the most important one was to see the dentist. So somehow, it was not quite relax as previous weekends.

Talking about going to see the dentist, I always skip from time to time until I cannot wait any more.. my serious teeth problem need to be treated.. Erm.. the word “no time” maybe what I always use as an excuse, but another excuse maybe I’ve just got to know a recommended dentist .. anyway, it might be better than to go to random dental clinics without any knowledge about them. This is my first time in Macau to go to see the dentist.

I made an appointment with the dentist since last week. So this Saturday I had to meet him at noon. The dental center is Novocare Dental Center locates on the 10 floor of Macau Square building near Lisboa hotel. It is easily accessible by bus from my place. I took bus no. 18, and it just stopped right in front of the building. The doctor’s name is Dr. Jonhson Yip. He is a friendly and professional dentist and he speaks very good English. Thanks Elsa for recommending this place and the doctor. Some of staffs and fellows from UNU-IIST also used to come here. Though its service is a bit expensive, but I don’t find anywhere else that offers cheaper dental service in Macau.

I supposed to have my damage molar and wisdom tooth extracted, but doctor suggested a fill in first, taking some medication, and observing. I will have another appointment within the next couple of weeks. That was it for the dental schedule on this Saturday.

Another schedule was to see the dance performance at the Cultural Center in the evening with some of my colleagues. We got the ticket since last month. I thought I would not be able to joint if my tooth was extracted. But since it was not, I could go to see the performance.

“Dancing in the Wonderland” was the name of the performance and this was performed by the team from the Netherlands. The performance started at 7.30pm and lasted about 95mn. You can see the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XobzBjMm-JQ . The performance was very nice. This was my first time to see the performance at Cultural Center in Macau.

In the theater

The performance

After the performance, we (Elsa, Zamira, Pratickshya, and I) went for dinner at a Mexican restaurant – Tacos restaurant locates just the opposite side of the Italian restaurant we went previously and only about 5mn walk from the Cultural Center. The restaurant is not very large, but the atmosphere is quite romantic with extensive tasty Mexican menus. I would recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a romantic dinner with someone special .

Tacos restaurant

We ordered chicken Nachos, soft tunaTacos, crispy tuna Tacos, and lamb Fajita. The food flavor was absolutely wonderful.. and it was even more fantastic with the sips of Sangria (white wine mix with fruit). While we were having our dinner, I had broken a glass and some wine was spilled on Pratikshya.. I felt sorry and nervous about that, but since everything was fine my mood returned to normal.. and we all continued to enjoy our dinner. In contrast, we considered it as a cheerful moment.. . Finally we ordered Flan, a traditional Mexican dessert. The taste was great.

Nachos

Fajita

Tacos (crispy)

Sangria

After dinner we went for some drink at Casablanca Café. This place is calm and good for having chit chat over drinks. Many varieties of soft drinks, beers, and wines are available here. Each of us tried Macaritas? (white wine with lemon) before we went back home.

A full Saturday had ended with many new great life’s experience in Macau..

Good night

Simplifying your life can mean cutting unnecessary to-do list items, eliminating clutter from your home, fine-tuning your priorities, or otherwise gaining perspective on what truly matters to you.
Strategies to Simplify Your Life

1. Identify what’s most important to you and then get rid of everything else. Know what really matters the most to you. Things that don’t matter are simply wasting your time and energy, so purge them as soon as you can.

2. Make a list of the top 4-5 priorities in your life. Keep this list with you all the time so you always remember what counts the most. Put a copy on your bathroom mirror, another above your bed, and keep one in your wallet for good measure.

3. Evaluate your current commitments. Look at absolutely everything going on in your life right now. Which of these commitments actually deliver value or joy? Which are in line with the 4-5 priorities you listed in the previous step? Eliminate everything else.

4. Assess how you spend your time. How are you spending your time? Make a list of everything you do in a day and compare that to your list of priorities. What can you eliminate?

5. Simplify your work tasks. Rather than trying to knock off every single task on your to-do list, focus on only the most essential tasks and then find ways to eliminate all the others. To do this, you can try delegation, outsourcing, moving them to other days or simply dropping them.

6. Simplify your home tasks. Repeat the above process with your home tasks, removing the things that you’re not reasonably going to accomplish in a day. Simplify your list of home tasks by automating, delegating, outsourcing and removing anything that doesn’t fall in line with what’s most important.

7. Learn to say no. When you learn to say no, you’ll begin to take on only as much as you can handle. Then you can give your attention to the tasks that matter the most.

8. Limit your consumption of media. The abundance of media available today can overwhelm nearly every second of our lives. Try to simplify your own life by limiting media and information consumption whenever possible.

9. Be selective with your methods of communication. Designate certain times for communication by only e-mailing at certain points in the day, only using the phone during certain hours, only chatting via IM in your off-hours and so on. Limit the ways that you communicate throughout the day to prevent communication from overwhelming you or your day.

10. Purge unnecessary stuff. Devote one weekend every month to getting rid of absolutely anything that you don’t want or need in your life. Removing everything that doesn’t really matter can be therapeutic and cathartic. Purging your home and your life once monthly is a really beneficial process to your overall health and well being.

This is only a small sampling of the things that you can do in order to simplify your life. Consider this to be a foundation, though, that will guide you to find new and interesting ways to create a simple life. With just a little conscious effort, you can achieve simplicity in all aspects of your life.

Source: http://personaldevelopmentmaster.com/how-to-simplify-your-life.html

Nihao everyone!

This Friday evening, Elsa had invited some of UNU-IIST fellows for dinner. We had five people eventually who were interested – Elsa, Pratikshya, Surendra, Saleem (a new fellow from Pakistan), and I. We met after work and decided the place for our dinner. Elsa provided some choices and finally she recommended an Italian restaurant. Thanks for a clear weather today.

The name of the restaurant is Antica Trattoria (address: 40-46 Avenida Sir Anders Ljungstedt, Macau Peninsula, 1st fl, Vista Magnífica Bldg). Actually, it is better to reserve the table ahead of time for this restaurant as it is usually full. However we hadn’t done that and we just went directly. It took only about less than 10mn by taxi from UNU-IIST. What we could tell the taxi driver about the direction is Kun Iam Statue or Cultural center or just simply show the map.

We arrived there at almost 8:00pm and the place was full already. So we needed to make a reservation for another one hour. We went out to have some drinks at Casablancar Café located nearby while waiting for our dinner time. We were talking and asking Elsa alot about her life in Macau as well as her PhD research experience.

After about 20mn we got a call from the restaurant that we now could have our table. So we went back to the restaurant. Well, the place was quite nice. And along the staircase to the first floor there are many colorful and b/w photographs hanging on the wall. I feel like it is some kinds of a tiny photo gallery. Also with a collection of colorful Italian decorating trinkets.. Erm.. I could also smell the food aromas from the kitchen and that made me feel so hungry.. with the friendly service we were in a very good mood and got ready for our dinner.

Could you guess what are the special menus of this Italian restaurant? … Well, Pizza and Pasta are in the top list. We ordered one big cheese pizza, one small seafood pizza, salmon pasta, and another dish which I forgot the name. The food price here are moderate, not such a high for this type of menus.. I could say. We really enjoy the taste of Pizza and Pasta here. Everyone was very full and while there was a piece of pizza left, we just pushed to one another to finish . Usually Surendra always be the one who finish the last piece of food as he is convinced by most of us that he will get a beautiful wife/girlfriend :p .. sounds interesting huh.. maybe you can try too.. Well, we also tried two types of delicious dessert. This was the recommendation that Elsa asked us to trust her ..

When we finished our dinner, Elsa insisted to pay for us even though we did not want her to do so. She always say “next time ok..”. What I can say about her is she is a caring person. She is a kind and nice person I’ve ever met. Thank you so much Elsa for this very lovely dinner..

Source: http://net.tutsplus.com/articles/lectures/design-for-developers/