[MPMoriarty]

This started as just a hobby of mine and has now grown to be a major project I am working on.

I wanted to create a website for potential switchers who are interested or simply curious about the Mac OS X platform. My plan was to have a website that would educate visitors about Mac OS X and show them a lot of the things they can do with it.

I have some sections created right now and uploaded to my .Mac account. I was wondering if it would be ok to ask for feedback.

I am a recent switcher myself. Came over from Windows two years ago and have loved it ever since. But I am still new to the platform and don't know as much as some others do about Mac OS X. And that's what I'm looking for. People to see if I actually have my facts straight.

I'd really love to hear some honest feedback. Kinda unsure right now about what I have.

So would anyone like the URL to the parts of my website that I have created so far?

Mike

[TETENAL]

Why not post the URL here?

We promise to give polite and constructive feedback only.

[Nodnarb]

Originally posted by MPMoriarty:
So would anyone like the URL to the parts of my website that I have created so far?

Post it!

[MPMoriarty]

Ok here it is...

http://homepage.mac.com/mpmoriarty/w.../01_reason.htm

This section belongs to a part of my website called "10 Reasons to switch to Mac OS X"

This is reason #1.

I'm a little nervous. This is a really rough draft and the content and design of the website is bound to change. So let the comments begin!

I'm working on the 2nd section right now and probably will upload it when I get finished.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Just to let you know that a lot of the spots on the website that are supposed to be links such as the navigation bar at the top, the RSS feed button, etc. aren't working yet.

Mike

[msuper69]

Don't forget to mention that OS X and the iApps are also A LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NeilCharter]

I think it look pretty good. Very clean and clear. Keep up the good work.

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by msuper69:
Don't forget to mention that OS X and the iApps are also A LOT OF FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am saving that for another one of my reasons. If you look at my list on the right, I have a section called "Center of Your Digital Lifestyle".

I plan on talking about iLife, iPod, and even some tidbits about .Mac and how everything is integrated and just works together seamlessly.

Thank you for your positive comments so far.

But I do have a question.

Does my content go into too much detail about Mac OS X and its underpinnings. Or am I on the right track with providing visitors with all the details.

I think Mac OS X is an amazing operating system and I just want to explain why I think it is. But I don't want to get into too much technical details and confuse my visitors. My goal is to try and find some happy medium where I satisfy both advanced computer users and those who are just novices.

Mike

[sworthy]

I do think it's a little technical for most users - but it all depends on who you're trying to switch. 90% of consumers would probably be satisfied with, "Mac OS X is built on a solid UNIX foundation, which is considered to be as rock solid as any operating system ever."

Maybe break up the tech stuff into a different category... obviously stability is a good choice for the #1 reason, but if the first thing a person reads is too much for them to handle, they may not read the section on aqua or iLife.

The design and writing is great though

[powermacj7]

The message is clean and clear to understand. It appears to be a no non-sense approach, which is good. Great job!

[ixavi]

I really like the idea and the design of the page. I'd like to help so I could try to write an article showing step-by-step things you can do on your mac and how difficult is to do it in windows. However, english is not my main language but I can try it.
Another section I'd like to see/write is about the mac myths and why they are not true.
I think the trick is to prove all the things you say so people don't start thinking this is a religion (screenshots, step-by-step tutorials, admiting that the mac is not 'perfect', etc...).

[MPMoriarty]

Well, besides the top ten reasons section, I plan of creating another area of my website called "Exploring Mac OS X". This area will feature the different things you can do with your Mac and Mac OS X such as

- Using iPhoto to create a slideshow and then post it to the Internet
- iSync and how it syncs all your bookmarks, contacts, and calenders to .mac, ipod, cell phone.

- Creating PDFs from any print dialog

Stuff like this. I was thinking of creating an area that gave Mac OS X tips and hints but then I thought "Someone who has never used Mac OS X wouldn't care about tips. They just want to see some of the cool things you can do with the operating system."

I am debating about adding an area to my "Why Switch" section that talks about Mac myths and why they aren't true. What would be some ideal myths that make computer users think the Mac platform isn't a worthy option.

I thank you for all your wonderful feedback. To tell you the truth, I was having doubts about my writing. But you guys have helped boost my confidence. I am also glad you like the design. I went through so many different versions before settling on this one. And I really feel I got it right. Possibly the color scheme is up for modifying, but the layout I personally like and feel that it allows the user to focus on my content rather than all the links and navigation buttons.

I really do want to do into some detail as to Mac OS X and Darwin are stable. But I really don't want to confuse my visitors. At first, I had the UNIX section and the Mach section as one page. I broke them up into two pages because I thought that might help. How do you suggest I break them up further? Or is there another way I could restructure this section.

Maybe I could lose a few sections?

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

I also meant to go into a little more detail about what my future website will also be offering...

1) The RSS feed isn't just going to display news about my website. I plan on starting a blog on my website that will highlight current Apple/Mac OS X accomplishments and interesting news. For example, when the U.S. Army decided to build a super computer using all those Xserves. This is an example of a story that I would have posted and then linked to the actual news article. I will also probably allow my visitors to post comments (still debating).

I will also post entries that highlight nice articles discussing Mac OS X. This allows for others to potentially contribute to my website's content. All blog entries will not be dynamic and will remain on the website.

2) I plan on writing an e-book about switching to Mac OS X from Windows. It is in its very early stages right now. I plan on releasing it when Tiger is debuted or a little after. You can even see a spot on my website currently where I created a little area to promote it to my visitors. This e-book will be different from current titles being sold in actual stores because I plan on going into a lot more detail and exposing a lot more of Mac OS X features. The e-book will also have another fantastic surprise that will make it stand out. Can't really go into that right now, though. It's a secret.

Mike

[GaelDesign]

I love it! Good site design, clear writing styles, excellent use of in-place graphics. I can't offer any real editorial feedback because I sort of skimmed through it, but I'm sure as you go along you'll get specific suggestions.

Keep it up!

Jared, a Switcher from 3+ years ago!

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by GaelDesign:
I love it! Good site design, clear writing styles, excellent use of in-place graphics. I can't offer any real editorial feedback because I sort of skimmed through it, but I'm sure as you go along you'll get specific suggestions.

Keep it up!

Jared, a Switcher from 3+ years ago!

Thank you. Like I said earlier, designing the look and feel of the website took a long time. A lot of trial and error. Figuring out color schemes, look and feel of the navigation bar, etc.

Here's a quick question that has been on my mind...

How is the page loading times? I tried to compress the images as well as I could without affecting the actual quality. As a result, some of the images have some large sizes.

Mike

[Drakino]

Honestly, the information you have in reason one is way too technical for a Windows switcher to look at and comprehend in a way that won't scare them.

Say OS X is built on UNIX and gains the advantages of over thirty years of work, but emphisize you don't need to know anything about UNIX, and the underbelly is never exposed. Some Windows users might remember the DOS/Windows 3.1 days and connect it to that nightmare.

The information you have however isn't wasted. Move it odd into the Exploring Mac OS X section, for those that are more interested in how things tick.

The 10 reasons should be short, but meaningful. Bait them in with 10 good reasons, then let them explore more details on each one if they want to.

[bookofjames]

Originally posted by Drakino:
Honestly, the information you have in reason one is way too technical for a Windows switcher to look at and comprehend in a way that won't scare them.

Say OS X is built on UNIX and gains the advantages of over thirty years of work, but emphisize you don't need to know anything about UNIX, and the underbelly is never exposed. Some Windows users might remember the DOS/Windows 3.1 days and connect it to that nightmare.

The information you have however isn't wasted. Move it odd into the Exploring Mac OS X section, for those that are more interested in how things tick.

The 10 reasons should be short, but meaningful. Bait them in with 10 good reasons, then let them explore more details on each one if they want to.

i second that.
to most potential switchers, they just want to know that they can do what they want - and more. maybe throw in a few tips on some essential apps to have on Mac OSX - like QuickSilver, etc?

[juanvaldes]

can't hurt to look

http://www.apple.com/switch/whyswitch/

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by juanvaldes:
can't hurt to look

http://www.apple.com/switch/whyswitch/

I used their list as sort of an inspiration.

So you guys think that maybe I shouldn't have multiple sections for each reason?

I just figured giving my visitors as much information as possible. For example, the section I'm working on now is the security reason. And for that I have it divided up into two sections:

- Secure by design

- Offers powerful security features and tools

So maybe what you guys are saying is that I should find a way to condense multiple sections down into one page. That sounds great, but I'm worried that they might be too long.

Thank you all. I am really appreciating these comments.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Ok, right now I am trying to condense Reason #1 down to one page. Sorta hard because I had a lot of content. I decided to use my very last section "Features of Darwin" as the main page. I'm going to insert summaries of the other sections into this page somewhere.

But I am having some problems...

- What is a good way to describe Darwin (or should I not at all)?
- Should I or shouldn't I talk about FreeBSD role in Mac OS X?

I like the idea of describing Mac OS X as having its UNIX underbelly hidden. I agree that it may scare some people into thinking Mac OS X is too technical.

I just have to remember that my visitors want "BENEFITS, BENEFITS" not "FEATURES, FEATURES".

Mike

[Toyin]

Don't second guess yourself on this one. You'll get a lot of opinions and you have to decide who you're trying to cater this site to. The information you have is clear and concise and was a great review....I'm not sure that I would put it as the 1st section.

Your site design is simple, effective, and pleasing to the eye. The material that you've covered so far, I've seen before on other sites (Apple's being one of them). I think a better, more unique angle would be to explain the differences between OSX and Windows and the benefits of OSX.

Especially today, I'd start with spyware, pop-ups, and viruses.

Support claims regarding ease of use with real life examples (ie setting up internet sharing, setting up networked printers).

Address worries of software incompatiblity with real examples. Show that documents created on Windows are identical to those on Mac OSX and vice-versa with most of the big applications (MS Office, Adobe, Macromedia..etc).

Show examples of trouble shooting on both systems. The ease of understanding the OSX users file structure and easy application installation/removal.

As other's have said. iApps, iApps, iApps. I think this is one of the biggest reasons to switch. The integration of iLife is just fantastic.

I'm sure that you get my gist. A PC switcher wants to hear the real deal from a fellow PC or ex PC user, not Apple or their commercials.

Anywho, good luck, I look forward to seeing your progress.

[MPMoriarty]

Hmmm...

Now I'm confused about the direction I have been taken. It sounds like a bunch of good suggestions, but I really don't want to turn this website into a Mac OS X vx. Windows XP website.

[Toyin]

Originally posted by MPMoriarty:
Hmmm...

Now I'm confused about the direction I have been taken. It sounds like a bunch of good suggestions, but I really don't want to turn this website into a Mac OS X vx. Windows XP website.

Like I said, do what you want to to do. Remaining objective and just stating the facts is always a great place to start.

[MPMoriarty]

Thank you for your suggestion.

I am thinking of trying to remove a lot of the technical details about section 1 and just get right down to the heart of the matter.

Mac OS X has a UNIX underbelly that gives it stability and powerful performance.

[MPMoriarty]

Ok here we go...

I was able to combine all of the sections in Reason #1 and put them all on one page.

What do you guys think about this version?

Better or Worse?

Here's the link to my website again...

http://homepage.mac.com/mpmoriarty/w.../01_reason.htm

Mike

[FlammableYurt]

I actually prefer how you had it before. The sections made it much easier to read, and makes it feel like you're reading less than you actually are.

It also gives you the option not to keep going onto each subsection within each reason and just click on the next reason. I think maybe what you should do is revert to the way you had it before, and for the button or menu to go to the next section (I don't remember which it was), have something that says "Continue to _______ or go on to Reason #X"

Just my two cents.

[Angus_D]

Originally posted by sworthy:
Mac OS X is built on a solid UNIX foundation, which is considered to be as rock solid as any operating system ever.

Considered by who, exactly?

[tooki]

Great site overall, but:

1. Proofread, then have someone else proofread. There are very many agreement errors (mixed verb tenses and singular/plural usage), and a few typographical mistakes.

E.g.

When you build an operating system based on UNIX or one of its variations such as FreeBSD, you are using a code base that has more than 30 years of development that has been put into improving and optimizing it.

The second clause refers to 30 years of dev, which is plural, but the rest of the clause is in the singular.

2. "It's" is not a possessive!

It's means "it is" and only "it is." — "It's a girl!"
Its means "belonging to it" — "The dog nursed its young."

3. Consider using "monopolized" in place of "dominated."

4. "Like I was saying" should read "As I was saying," but in fact you should probably excise that use of the first person, since it's the only time in the article that you speak in the first person, so it's inconsistent.

5. Use proper em dashes (the HTML named entity is —) instead of double-hyphens.

6. Panther is NOT fully 64-bit optimized. It has halfway-there 64-bit support so that applications can be rewritten for 64-bit, but the OS itself is almost entirely 32-bit at this point.

And you do realize that books on switching from PC to Mac are already in bookstores, right?

tooki

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by tooki:
Great site overall, but:

1. Proofread, then have someone else proofread. There are very many agreement errors (mixed verb tenses and singular/plural usage), and a few typographical mistakes.

E.g. The second clause refers to 30 years of dev, which is plural, but the rest of the clause is in the singular.

2. "It's" is not a possessive!

It's means "it is" and only "it is." — "It's a girl!"
Its means "belonging to it" — "The dog nursed its young."

3. Consider using "monopolized" in place of "dominated."

4. "Like I was saying" should read "As I was saying," but in fact you should probably excise that use of the first person, since it's the only time in the article that you speak in the first person, so it's inconsistent.

5. Use proper em dashes (the HTML named entity is —) instead of double-hyphens.

6. Panther is NOT fully 64-bit optimized. It has halfway-there 64-bit support so that applications can be rewritten for 64-bit, but the OS itself is almost entirely 32-bit at this point.

And you do realize that books on switching from PC to Mac are already in bookstores, right?

tooki

Yes I realize that there are books on switching to Mac OS X from PC already in bookstores. But there are hardly any in e-book format. Plus the books sold in stores have a few flaws that I will be able to take advantage of with a PDF e-book.

I appreciate all the help and suggestions. Especially all the grammar ones. But you do realize that this is just a very early draft? No everything is going to sound perfect.

Mike

[tooki]

But remember that your page is on the web already, so you need to make a good first impression!

Good luck with it all!

tooki

[MPMoriarty]

Ok guys, I want to thank you for your help.

I'm in the process of doing a major revision of my website. Leaving the design mostly the same, but my approach with my "Top 10 Reasons to Switch" is going to be rewritten from scratch.

I will upload my next revision when I get several of the reasons finished. I will also have a few of the other pages ready so you can at least see the direction I'm going in.

Also, Tooki, I understand what you are saying about first impressions. And I thank you for your help.

Mike

[onlykaria]

Originally posted by MPMoriarty:
Ok guys, I want to thank you for your help.

I'm in the process of doing a major revision of my website. Leaving the design mostly the same, but my approach with my "Top 10 Reasons to Switch" is going to be rewritten from scratch.

I will upload my next revision when I get several of the reasons finished. I will also have a few of the other pages ready so you can at least see the direction I'm going in.

Also, Tooki, I understand what you are saying about first impressions. And I thank you for your help.

Mike

ok firstly, it looks very clean and nice. it also looks like you put alot of time into it which is good whether or not you did . i like the pictures.

ok i am right now in the process of switching. and these are the that i think are missing in most guides or tips to switching, most are very very very very basic, but switching is like relearn to use a computer in someways nothing is where i expect it to be, and there is no right click:

1-that to do if something goes wrong? if an app crashes what to do? if the machines should be reading something imported from a pc what to do?

2-how to use apple help. i can never seem to find what i am looking for

3-there is no right click. how do we the fuctions usually assoiated with right clicking?

4-how do you preform basic tasks such as:
-restarting
-removing a cd (i know it sounds basic, but remember to a life long windows user mac = greek)
-installing and unstalling applications
-changing settings like start up sounds, pointers, color configurations, and so on.
-screen savers

5-While most people say macs are safer, it would still be nice to know firewall, antivirus and so on options. and if say getting antivirus software is not a good idea, an explaination of why is helpful

6-short cuts and keys

7-windows VS expose, dock VS task/program bar

8-drag and drop on pcs (which move files) and drag and drop on macs (which sometimes copies thme)

9-free software listing

10-virtual pc. what is it, where to get it, how it works and why it does or does not help.

11-new file formats and what they mean.

[bowwowman]

there is no right click.[/B]

Since when ? If you use a multi-buttom mouse w/OS X, right clicking is just as normal as it is with windblows......


THIS is exactly the kinds of thing that should be in the "myths and falsehoods" section

BTW, I think the site looks really good so far. Loads very quickly and is clear & concise. Keep it simple and to the point, and you will have a winner. I agree that keeping it from becoming a mac vs pc doggfest is the right approach!

[Spliffdaddy]

Well, if your goal is to help people switch to Macs - what are they switching from?

Windows, 99% of the time.

[Xeo]

Originally posted by NeilCharter:
I think it look pretty good. Very clean and clear. Keep up the good work.

seconded

[Xeo]

Originally posted by MPMoriarty:
[BI appreciate all the help and suggestions. Especially all the grammar ones. But you do realize that this is just a very early draft? No everything is going to sound perfect.[/B]

But now you have a list of them to fix instead of trying to find and fix them yourself later.

[MPMoriarty]

Yes you are right. All of your guy's suggestions have been really helpful and are helping me revise my website in areas that I wouldn't have thought before.

I am not the greatest writer. It takes a long time of planning and putting notes together for me to finish a page of content.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by onlykaria:
ok firstly, it looks very clean and nice. it also looks like you put alot of time into it which is good whether or not you did . i like the pictures.

ok i am right now in the process of switching. and these are the that i think are missing in most guides or tips to switching, most are very very very very basic, but switching is like relearn to use a computer in someways nothing is where i expect it to be, and there is no right click:

1-that to do if something goes wrong? if an app crashes what to do? if the machines should be reading something imported from a pc what to do?

2-how to use apple help. i can never seem to find what i am looking for

3-there is no right click. how do we the fuctions usually assoiated with right clicking?

4-how do you preform basic tasks such as:
-restarting
-removing a cd (i know it sounds basic, but remember to a life long windows user mac = greek)
-installing and unstalling applications
-changing settings like start up sounds, pointers, color configurations, and so on.
-screen savers

5-While most people say macs are safer, it would still be nice to know firewall, antivirus and so on options. and if say getting antivirus software is not a good idea, an explaination of why is helpful

6-short cuts and keys

7-windows VS expose, dock VS task/program bar

8-drag and drop on pcs (which move files) and drag and drop on macs (which sometimes copies thme)

9-free software listing

10-virtual pc. what is it, where to get it, how it works and why it does or does not help.

11-new file formats and what they mean.

Great list. I appreciate this.

These are the exact type of topics I am going to cover in the book I am writing. I plan on covering all of these topics and a whole bunch more. I also plan on going into some great detail about all the applications that come bundled with Mac OS X such as Address Book, Mail, iCal, and even iLife.

As for the last topic "New file formats and what they mean". I don't understand. I only see standard file formats that are both found on Windows and Mac OS X.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by Spliffdaddy:
Well, if your goal is to help people switch to Macs - what are they switching from?

Windows, 99% of the time.

My book plans to help windows users switch. It will even say that in the title. My website is merely to help show potential switchers what Mac OS X offers and allow them to make the decision of whether or not Mac OS X is for them. Once they do switch, they will need to learn how to use Mac OS X. That's where my book comes in.

But you don't have to necessarily compare Windows and Mac OS X on my website for it to be effective. There are websites that do a much better job of this. Sure some tidbits are good and I plan on using them...especially in my security section.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Ok I need some more help.

I am right now writing the section on "Runs popular software titles and more".

I have a subsection that highlights great Mac OS X software that doesn't have a Windows equivalent.

So far I have iLife, Keynote (I know about Powerpoint but Keynote is so much more elegant), and Apple's new Production Suite. But these are all Apple's software titles. I want to show that I am not too bias and mention a few third party applications that really make Mac OS X shine.

Any suggestions?

Would Omnigraffle be a good one?

Mike

[tooki]

Originally posted by MPMoriarty:
I am not the greatest writer. It takes a long time of planning and putting notes together for me to finish a page of content.

Actually, I think you're a pretty spiffy writer. You just need a second pair of eyes to go over it and clean up the grammar a tiny bit! The tone, flow, etc is very nice (which is something most technical types simply cannot do).

tooki

[MPMoriarty]

Originally posted by tooki:
Actually, I think you're a pretty spiffy writer. You just need a second pair of eyes to go over it and clean up the grammar a tiny bit! The tone, flow, etc is very nice (which is something most technical types simply cannot do).

tooki

Thank you, I appreciate that. Yes, grammar is important. And I thank you for point out my weak areas. Right now I am writing the section for "Reason #7". When I am done, I will post it up along with a few other changes.

Mike

[BurpetheadX]

I think its pretty cool man.

I think that there should be sections of detail levels though.

For intance, the average user will want to look at simple things like the iApps, the fact that the Mac is actually compatible with the rest of the world, etc.

Then at the higher levels, go into the specifics of Darwin and built-in Windows integration features, etc.

Cool!

[MPMoriarty]

Hmmm. That is an interesting idea.

I wonder if maybe I am trying to cram too much information into one page. Maybe it would be better to split up everything according to who is actually reading visiting the website.

Or how about this...

Give a brief description of Mac OS X features and create another page that goes into more detail and is available for those who are interested. For example. I could say that Mac OS X is based on UNIX and pretty much leave it at that. I can then create another page that elaborates more on Mac OS X's UNIX underpinnings and Darwin. What do you guys think?

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Ok, time for another update.

Changes:

- I have finished my section on Mac OS X security and software
- Changed the design a little bit (the content on the right side now is wrapped inside boxes with headers)

So what do you guy's think of the new additions and changes?

Also, I am starting a new section on Mac OS X's interface. I want to highlight some of the features of Mac OS X's interface so easy to use and make it stand out from other operating systems. So far, I only have a few things...

- Expose
- The dock
- The Finder's sidebar and search box
- All system settings in the System Preferences application

I could use some help because this is turning out to be a hard section to write. It's very hard to describe what makes Mac OS X's interface.

Thanks for your guy's help.

Mike

[jamil5454]

Make sure you put lots of high-quality videos of you using OS X and how things work. Many windows users are curious to see the GUI in action, and before I switched I remember wanting to know more about how OS X worked, and why it is more efficient than windows.

[MPMoriarty]

Yes, I planned on including many nice videos of Mac OS X in action. Sometimes a video just does the job better than a picture. Such an example is when demonstrating expose while having a DVD movie running on your desktop. Very cool indeed.

[macintologist]

The reason the Mac will never die is because of people like MPMoriarty. God Bless You. Keep up the good fight.


EDIT: I skimmed through your site some more. Holy sh*T! That site is awesome!

I can't wait until its finished! I'll just tell people to get there instead of Apple's switch site! When it's done you'll need a domain with a catch name like:

macswitch.com
maketheswitch.com
switchtomac.com
switchtox.com
im****ingtiredofwindows.com
suckitbill.com

You get the picutre

[MPMoriarty]

Thank you. You don't know how much it means to me when you guys give me the great feedback. It shows me that I'm on the right path.

The website is only the beginning. I am in the early stages of writing an e-book that I will be selling about switching from Windows to Mac OS X.

Mike

[MPMoriarty]

Ok, I just finished another page of my website: Reason #2 to switch to Mac OS X...

http://homepage.mac.com/mpmoriarty/w.../02_reason.htm