July 27, 2001

Dear Rebecca:

It was wonderful having you visit and interacting on many levels. I wanted to comment particularly on the Academic or Professional aspects of my learning experience in this communication.

You are a natural instructor and educator. I learned a tremendous amount, surpassing my expectations and know it will be a long time as I review what we went over and restudy the material until it all sinks in. You had the "Lesson Plans" superbly organized. I thought the approach was entirely appropriate, especially for someone with the relative lack of sophistication that I had from a Design standpoint.

Beginning with basic principals was the best way to start. Looking up terms on the Internet not only taught me how to explore the vast resources of the Web, but also that there were different definitions of terms depending on viewpoint. Gradually working from that point, through various vocabulary terms and concepts, practice exercises, fun times with shapes and games, finally to colored crayons was a unique and appropriate way to get concepts across before trying to dive into details.

The analysis "Work Shops" were particularly valuable once terms such as Usability, Brand, Design, and Scalability were understood. I finally began to understand what a reasonable and even good Website was all about.

Finally, the mechanics of planning, conceptualizing, laying out and executing a page design, let alone an entire web was invaluable. Something as "simple" as a PhotoShop mock-up was something that even though I had read about, had totally escaped me, in terms of actual execution. I began to understand that I must learn to use some of the tools, such as Front Page or GoLive!, the way they were intended, to get the most out of them.

I know there is a ton of information that I can "mine" from our sessions together upon further review. My initial step will be to reorganize the information, placing all the material I got from my Internet searches along with your lesson plans in an even bigger notebook for ready access and reference as I update the information further. I also plan to upgrade my version of Photoshop from the Educational Version.

In closing, I commend you for your understanding of exactly what I needed. What I learned from you in three too short days was wonderful. You had it planned perfectly and executed the plan to perfection. I am truly happy with everything that transpired and look forward to an enduring Alliance as we move forward. I will continue to update you on progress along many fronts and opportunities and thank-you once again for your outstanding teaching. I will be happy to write a forward or contribute an acknowledgement to the book that you MUST now write.