Articles

Good morning,

As we enter day 7 after Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the Central Savannah River Area (Augusta, Georgia), the scale of destruction is like nothing we’ve seen before. Many of our friends and neighbors have lost everything, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

Hurricane Overview:

September 27, 2024 – 2:00 AM (Eastern): The hurricane’s eastern eye wall passed about 40 miles west of our location, placing the strongest and most destructive part of the storm directly over us.

By the time the storm reached us, it was a Category 1 hurricane. Local weather stations recorded wind gusts of up to 90 mph.

Hurricane-force winds lasted about two hours before gradually decreasing as the storm moved northward.

4:00 AM: Winds sustained between 45-60 mph. Critical infrastructure was already severely damaged, and at 4:15 AM, we lost power. Approximately 98% of the area went dark.

Mobile data, cell service, and internet connections were down, effectively cutting us off from the outside world.

Gas stations couldn’t pump fuel due to power outages (not from a fuel shortage).

Grocery stores also lost power and couldn’t open, leaving refrigerated items at risk of spoiling.

75% of local roads became impassable.

September 28-30: Still no power. Citizens began clearing roads with chainsaws and lawn tractors where it was safe to do so. Fuel and food remained unavailable locally. Tracie and I made trips about 60 miles away to get generator fuel and find a cell signal to update people on our safety.

October 1: Some gas stations reopened, and a few grocery stores began selling dry and canned goods, though perishables were still unavailable. We received notice that our electricity would be restored by October 3, 11:00 PM.

October 2: The restoration date was updated to October 9, by 11:00 PM.

On a personal note…

We’re okay. No one was hurt, and our home sustained only minor damage. Our generator is powering the essentials:

Coffee maker
Refrigerators
Freezers
Lights
Fans
Thankfully, we haven’t lost any of our food yet, but supplies are dwindling. As stores slowly reopen, we’re optimistic about restocking soon.

Overall, we’re managing, living something of a modern-day Grizzly Adams lifestyle. What we miss most? Hot showers and, as much as we hate to admit it, air conditioning. This is Georgia, after all, and while the weather’s been somewhat tolerable, daytime temps still reach 85-90 degrees. We’re counting our blessings, though—it could’ve been much worse if this hit in July, when living here is like being in an air fryer.

Thanks for reading.

Scott, Tracie, and the Web Tweeks Team

We’ve all seen the requests: “Looking for a photographer who won’t cost an arm and a leg,” or “Need a mechanic on the cheap.” Phrases like “won’t break the bank,” “discount,” and “free estimates” seem to be the go-to language when people are searching for goods and services. While everyone loves a good deal, it’s important to recognize that when it comes to professional services, you often get what you pay for.

The Hidden Costs of “Cheap”
Experience and Expertise: Professionals spend years honing their craft, whether it’s through formal education, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience. When someone asks for services “on the cheap,” they’re often undervaluing the time, effort, and skill that a professional has invested in mastering their trade. It’s not just about the time spent on your project; it’s about the cumulative knowledge that allows them to do the job right the first time.

Tools of the Trade: Quality doesn’t come cheap, and neither do the tools that professionals use. Whether it’s a photographer’s high-end camera equipment, a contractor’s specialized tools, or a graphic designer’s cutting-edge software, these are all investments made to ensure the best possible outcome for clients. Asking for a “discount” or a service that “won’t break the bank” often means that professionals have to compromise on the tools and resources they use, which can directly impact the quality of the service you receive.

Ongoing Training: Industries are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date requires continuous learning and professional development. Whether it’s attending workshops, obtaining certifications, or simply keeping up with industry trends, this ongoing training is crucial for delivering top-notch service. When clients seek out services at rock-bottom prices, they’re often ignoring the ongoing costs that professionals incur to remain at the top of their game.

The Value of Experience: Experience isn’t just about years on the job—it’s about the depth of knowledge and the ability to anticipate and solve problems quickly and efficiently. This kind of expertise can save clients time and money in the long run, but it comes at a cost. Expecting to pay less often means sacrificing this invaluable experience, leading to potential issues down the road.

The Real Cost of “Cheap”
It’s tempting to go for the lowest bidder or the professional offering the steepest discount. But remember, cheap often comes with hidden costs—subpar results, extended timelines, and even the need to redo the work. In the long run, these “affordable” services can end up costing far more than you bargained for.

So, the next time you’re looking for professional goods or services, consider the true value of what you’re paying for. Instead of focusing solely on price, think about the experience, tools, and training that go into delivering a quality product. After all, you wouldn’t want a doctor who trained “on the cheap,” or a lawyer who offers “discount” legal advice—so why settle for less in other aspects of your life?

Invest in quality, and you’ll see that the best doesn’t always come cheap—but it’s always worth it.

Domain Name

Your domain name is your brand’s cornerstone on the internet. If an agency has complete control over it, you essentially have no say in its usage. Here’s how you can reclaim it:

Continue Reading

A single point of failure (SPOF) in the context of a website and a web server refers to any critical component whose failure would result in the entire system becoming unavailable. Here’s a detailed description of such a scenario:

Continue Reading

The integrity of “All Inclusive” agencies is generally high, with the majority of these businesses operating ethically and focusing on the best interests of their clients. They aim to help brands grow their web presence and manage their branding effectively, without engaging in any nefarious activities. Web Tweeks works directly with some of these agencies and will recommend them for the customers who insist on keeping everything in one place.

Over the past 15 years, I have encountered numerous instances where companies have relied on all-inclusive web presence agencies to manage their online operations. While these agencies promise convenience by handling everything, from domain registration to website updates, this approach often comes with significant risks and drawbacks.

Continue Reading

Concerns about Using Web Hosting Resellers

Web Tweeks works directly with several resellers and we will recommend them when appropriate to do so. They are solid, well grounded and experienced entities who we personally know and trust.

When choosing a web hosting service, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with using web hosting resellers as opposed to purchasing hosting directly from the hosting provider. Here are some key concerns.

Continue Reading

The Importance of Redundancy in Web Hosting

In the world of web hosting, businesses often rely entirely on their online presence for revenue and operations. This encompasses websites, emails, orders, and sales leads. Given the critical nature of these functions, the choice of hosting and the implementation of redundancy are crucial. Here’s a breakdown of common hosting options and the inherent risks:

Continue Reading