For a while now, I've been thinking of rethinking the direction of e-eAsel. The more I talk to other artists, the more I am forced to accept that the world of software is still daunting to many. So I'll be taking a break from my crusade to make things like Content Management Systems less scary, and returning to the basics by writing reviews of web services which can be useful for artists. I plan to start with various photo-hosting/photo-sharing sites, then move on to video-hosting/video-sharing sites.

I've been shamefully neglecting this site for a while, and am working on some new content. In the meantime, you can read my notes from the Technology in the Arts conference on my blog.

The Technology in the Arts blog has a good summary article on online artist registries. They have reviewed Saatchi Online, which I have been meaning to do for a while. I agree with their comments about Saatchi Online---although it's being run by a successful and professional gallery, the gallery's online manifestation isn't up to par.

Documentation for ArtDatabase has been restored to the website. Note that it is now in the main site, and the wiki sub-site no longer exists.

The forums have been reactivated, and user registration is open again. Registration is only required if you want to participate in the forums. If you have any feedback, you can either post in the forums or contact Julianna directly. 

e-eAsel is having some problems with the redirects for the wiki pages. The content of those pages will be integrated into the main site over the next few days.

ArtDatabase v1.2 is now available for download.

The architecture of the tax calculations in the Order form has been significantly reworked. The tax amount is now a variable in the Order form and table, rather than in the calculation macro.

After much consultation with users, I have come to the conclusion that the original scope of e-eAsel was too ambitious (at least at this time).

I had started this project with the intent of showing artists that technical expertise is not a requirement for creating their own professional website. And although I still believe that to be true, most artists who seek help with their websites are ones who are not confident enough with their technical abilities to attempt managing their own websites from step 1.

With that in mind, and the increasing demands of other commitments, e-eAsel will currently be the home of ArtDatabase and some articles to help artists with their software and website needs. I hope that this will evolve more into blog of resources for artists.