Stressed Out Over Web Design

I have designed web sites for years, but I quit (not by choice) because of my OCD issues keeping me off my computer for much of, if not more than, a year. So, I've been trying to get back into it, and while HTML is still pretty familiar to me, I've found that CSS is like Greek almost. It's upsetting me greatly, because originally, it came pretty easy to me, with only a few bumps in the road. Now, it's making me crazy, because things that seem like they should work, don't, and I'm frustrated with how complicated the most simple things to do aren't simple at all.

I liken it to when a person has had a terrible accident, especially a trauma to the head, and has to relearn walking, tying shoes, or things once familiar. It feels so weird, because I used to be good at CSS. Not the best, but I could get done what I needed to get done.

I just needed to get this off my chest. The program I used to use I can't afford anymore, and that made it easier, but now I'm just using a text editor. Sometimes I want to break down in tears.

Maven, although I don't know CSS, I do know some of this frustration due to my training in web design. Would you be able to elaborate on how the OCD affects your use of the computer, if you feel like you could, if you don't mind. If its not ok that be fine.

Maybe someone here will be able to extend some clues as to what to do around the CSS.

Hunny


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Sorry about the frustration. Hope you are able to find a solution.

How are you doing, Maven?

I used to have obsessive-compulsive issues, when I was around 12 especially, but nowadays I think of them as obsessive-compulsive skills.

I've worked as a programmer in various languages though lately I just program my own stuff. What's always helped me the most has been (a.) lots of experimenting and (b.) keeping detailed notes or, when possible, making the computer generate the detailed notes for me.

When I'm starting a biggish project from scratch, I do a little bit, save a copy of what I have, and try it out. I make notes in the copy I'm working on of what needed changing, then change it and try it again. Whenever I get one part apparently working right, I save that version, then add other parts and debug those the same way.

When everything's going smoothly and I seem to be on a roll, I can often get away with adding several steps at once. The possible downside is that if inexplicable problems show up in the result, I may need to back way up and try those same steps one by one till I see which one causes the problem to start happening.

For me, the most important thing to avoid is deciding that I just can't deal with that particular language or application or programming environment -- unless of course there really is something else I'd be better off doing.

Good luck with the Cascading Style Sheets, Maven!

(((Maven)))
I am sorry you are so stressed out.

I am one of those old time programmers of assembly language back in the dark ages of computers. Wish I had gone into web design as I love to design & get things working in a creative environment rather than a military communication evironment.

When all else fails, take it one step at a time & see what happens. Seems like that envorinment is a little easier to do that in rather than like the communication's systems....we worked in units, but huge units had to come together for debugging process. We could drive signals through the hardware to test small areas of the program, but it was a major process when the whole thing was a military communication shelter that had to work together without crashing planes.

Best wishes.....I know how frustrating it can be.....maybe you can figure out a way to get hold of that program that makes development easier.....sometimes reducing stress is worth the money if at all possible.

Good luck
Debbie