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One of the things I wanted to do in retirement was keep my brain working and find a way to put some of my years in technology to good use.

After more than 40 years working in technology, I’ve accumulated quite a few skills along the way. But technology doesn’t sit still, and I thought retirement would be a good time to brush up on some of those skills, learn what has changed, and add some new ones.

So that’s what I’ve been doing.

I’ve been spending a lot of time getting back into web development and working with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, VS Code and the tools used to build websites today.

And somewhere along the way, I started thinking:

Why not turn this into a little retirement venture?

Nothing huge. I’m not trying to build the next Microsoft from my spare bedroom. I don’t want 500 customers, a staff of 47 people, or a corporate office where someone named Chad tells me we need to circle back.

I simply thought it would be fun to take what I know, combine it with some new skills, and build affordable, professional websites for small businesses and individuals who need a web presence without spending a fortune.

And that’s where Old Guy Web Works came from.

After quite a bit of work, I finally have a website for it.

Old Guy Web Works

Now I Need Some Honest Opinions

I’ve been looking at this website for so long that I’ve reached the point where I can’t tell whether something looks good or whether my brain has simply become accustomed to it.

So I’d like you to take a look.

Pay attention to the layout, colors, fonts, navigation, spacing and overall appearance.

Does it look professional?

Is it easy to understand?

Does anything seem out of place?

Is there something you would change?

And please don’t feel obligated to tell me it looks great just because you know me.

I want honest feedback.

If you think something sucks, tell me.

Preferably explain why it sucks, but I’m willing to start with “Kevin, that sucks.”

Take a Look at the Portfolio

While you’re there, check out the Portfolio page.

I’d particularly like you to look at the Sidney Project.

That’s one of the projects I’ve completed and it gives you a better idea of the kind of website I’m hoping to build for others.

I’m also looking to add two more projects to the portfolio, and I’m willing to build those two websites for free for small businesses, organizations, or individuals who need a basic website.

The arrangement is pretty simple: I build the website at no charge, they get a website, and I get another real-world project for my portfolio.

Seems like a pretty good trade to me.

And I Need You to Test Something

One last favor.

Go to the Contact page and send me a message.

It can be completely generic. Something like:

“Hi Kevin, I’m testing your contact form.”

What I really want to know is whether the whole process works properly.

Does the message send?

Does the thank-you response appear?

Does everything look right?

Is anything confusing?

This is one of those things that’s difficult to test by yourself because you already know exactly what is supposed to happen. I need people who don’t know what is supposed to happen to tell me what actually happens.

So, Have a Look

This little project is really an experiment for me.

I’m taking years of experience in technology, brushing up on some skills, learning some new ones, and seeing if I can turn that into something useful—and maybe make a few dollars along the way while enjoying retirement.

So take a few minutes and have a look:

Old Guy Web Works

Check out the pages.

Look at the colors and fonts.

Find the Sidney Project.

Try the contact form.

And then come back here and tell me what you think.

What works? What doesn’t? What would you change?

I genuinely want to know.

There’s a big difference between looking at your own work and having someone else look at it.

And if you find something I’ve completely screwed up…

Please tell me.

I’d rather find out from my readers now than from my first paying customer later.