FAQs

Our case studies page gives examples of how we've helped a range of clients.  Alternately, here are some questions and answers.

   I don't want to be toast. What should I do?

In a word, think strategically. The best software and graphics, the finest designers, the hottest ecommerce packages are beside the point if you don't think strategically and don't address fundamental issues - the ones most technicians ignore and few site owners recognise - such as privacy, security, copyright, branding. We won't build your site for you. We will help you make the most of it, online and offline.

  what are my competitors doing?

We provide two types of services to answer that question. You can purchase our in-depth reports dealing with particular industry or other sectors. And we offer corporate intelligence, including undertaking commissioned research with detailed analysis and recommendations about trends and opportunities.

  where is the Web heading?

No expert, if they're honest, can claim to know all the answers to that question. Because we study Australia and overseas, are independent and emphasise how people interact with the Web rather than being wowed by 'gee-whiz' technology, we have a better idea than most. We can point to best-practice models in the public and private sectors. And we can give you an idea of likely outcomes. Call us to explore your needs and how we can help.

  do you build and maintain web sites?

We do not have an in-house site construction and maintenance team. We can, however, point you to individuals and companies with proven expertise and a professional attitude to service delivery. While we don't build sites, we can build a team for you and assist you with advice so you make the best use of that site.

  do you assess sites?

Yes, we provide assessments in varying levels of detail (including analyses of overseas and local competitors, benchmarks and models). Our assessment is based on an understanding of market needs - which may be quite different to what wins awards for being at "the cutting edge" - and how best to position your company, agency or institution as the web evolves. Some independent pointers are available in the Design and Accessibility guides on this site.

  will you manage construction of my site?

Our management of site construction (and reconstruction) is decided on a case by case basis. We suggest that you contact us to explore your needs and how we can help you.

  can you tell me where to begin?

Yes, we can give you a road map and help you navigate past the potholes and broken bridges. Feel free to browse this site and then contact us for more advice.

  should I integrate my website into a wider strategy?

Definitely! A major reason why many sites fail to meet expectations (and repay investment) is because they're treated in isolation or they're poorly maintained. We can help achieve the right 'strategic fit' and help you , so that you get value from your investment and reinforce other activity, whether you're running a business, cultural, government, academic or philanthropic site.

  I don't understand this web talk? Can you translate?

Yes. We understand English and we also speak fluent techo. We can help you. Perhaps you'd like to start by looking at the Guides on this site - new material is being added to those folders each week - and sample some of our tools.

  I want to make a billion dollars. What should I do?

Winning Lotto is a good start. Seriously, good businesses will do well on the web, despite hysteria about Amazon.com swamping Australia, but the web is not magic. We don't provide legal or accounting services. We can help you with strategic advice about the web, whether you're a small business, a government agency or a cultural institution. We can give you a picture of where the web is heading and how it may affect your activities. We can help you to get value for money when you build/rebuild your site, use it to build your profile or undertake other activities involving digital technologies

  a pushy salesman keeps trying to sell me a package. Should I buy?

Do you know whether you're buying a lemon (at Internet prices) or something that will enable you to do what you want to do? There is a lot of hype out there. Many 'solutions' pay for the salesman's Porsche but are costly to set up and onerous to run. Talk to us and we will give you independent advice that equips you to ask the big questions. Some background information is offered in our Economy guide.

Do you borrow someone else's surname? Don't have your own phone? We will advise you about identifying yourself on the web and - just as importantly - about effective ways of letting others know that you're on the information highway. There are a million sites out there; we will guide you in ensuring yours is found. In the meantime, why not browse the guides on this site. They're free, expert and full of independent information.

  I want to publish reports and other material on the web. Can you help?

We have a strong interest in electronic publishing, including the use of the web and other 'new media' for the effective creation and dissemination of academic, cultural and professional publications. We can advise about do's and don'ts at the strategic and operational level. Our Guides contain a selection of relevant material, including information about intellectual property, electronic payment systems and publishing. I work for a non-profit organisation.

  my budget is small. Help

Small can be beautiful. If you are creative you can 'look like a million dollars' without needing the tax lawyer in the Cayman Islands. We can advise you about opportunities, pitfalls and practicalities on a confidential basis.

  how much do you charge?

We suggest that your first question should be "will I get value"?

Our charges for one-on-one consulting are negotiated on a case by case basis. Prices for publications are identified elsewhere on this site. We're not paying off a Harvard MBA, a new BMW or the fitout of offices on the fortieth floor in Collins Street, so our charges are reasonable. They compare favourably with many of our competitors. More importantly, we deliver value to you.