Wings of Mercury
Putting *you* on the Web!
I started Wings of Mercury Web Designs in the spring of 2000, just before ending my career as a radio news anchor.
One of the things that sets me apart from other Web designers/developers, is my willingness to work with you in all aspects of your project, from answering your questions about how the Web works, to ensuring that you are happy with the finished product.
This is your Web site that we're building and I understand that. It's my job to bring your vision to life on the Web, whether it's an online store or a Web presence for your business or an informational site to tell the world about you.
What I bring to our partnership, is years of experience with the Web, with layout, with writing, and with people, as well as an insatiable curiosity and a desire to learn all I can about the technology that makes the Web possible. All of this, combined with your vision and knowledge of your business needs, helps us create the site that will work best for you.
Crafting *Your* Site
I have long considered myself to be a Web craftsman, a term which is becoming popular now in Web design circles. To me, craftsmanship means building something with care and skill and attention to your needs, not just picking a pre-fab template and adding your logo to it.
Accessibility and usability are of utmost importance on the Web. I focus on Web Standards, and on assuring that your site works with all browsers, on all monitors, on all operating systems, and that the site is as accessible as possible to all of your potential customers. We will use whatever tools we need to create your vision, whether that's a graphics program or Flash or scripting or a database-driven content management system to allow you to maintain the site yourself.
Maintaining *Your* Site
I know how frustrating it can be to have to wait for changes to be made or to feel that you are not being heard by a developer and I go out of my way to keep that from happening. I offer a standard turn-around service for minor maintenance of 24 to 48 hours. (An additional expediting fee covers changes made on an emergency or rush basis.)
Hosting *Your* Site
Sorting out the details of registering a domain and choosing a Web host, setting up an e-mail newsletter and managing and maintaining your site can be daunting. I provide advice and support in helping you navigate the maze.
Some Background.. About Me
While Wings of Mercury Web Designs emerged in 2000, the seeds were planted in 1995, when I encountered the wonders of the Web, while employed as a radio news anchor at WMAQ in Chicago. WMAQ turned out to be the last stop on my 23 year career as an anchor and reporter, a journey that took me from college at Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism to my first radio jobs in Northwest Indiana (Lowell and Crown Point), and then on to Chattanooga, Indianapolis, and Boston before Chicago.
I spent 12 years at WMAQ, where my special assignments included anchoring our gavel-to-gavel coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial. I also had the great privilege of partnering with Pat Cassidy in the mornings for several years.
topAn End - and a Beginning
When WMAQ went dark on August 1, 2000, Pat moved on to WBBM-AM but I wanted to try something new. So I hung up my headphones and focused on a different form of broadcasting - over the Internet. I have never been sorry and I have never looked back.
I had been taking classes in computer programming and Web development at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, since 1999 and continued my re-education, completing a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Internet/Web Development in December, 2005. I continue to work with the PUC department of University Relations, doing Web development.
As the Web Turns...
Things move fast on the Web, and I make it a point to keep up with developments and trends. I take classes in the technology I need to make sure that I am able to provide you with the best options for your site.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about my services or if you are interested in a quote. And thanks for dropping by!
Pamela Riesmeyer
topClient Comments...
JoyousJournies.com and Wendy Jordan Reiki
“When I supplied a scenic photo for my Website banner, I had no idea that Pam would take the colors, the mood, and the graphic elements to design an absolutely beautiful website. As a Reiki Master, it was important that we set a mood, and give people a 'feeling' about who I was and what I am doing. Pam did an unbelievably beautiful job of creating this easy-to-use, great-looking site. People all over the country see it, and their first comment is how unique it looks.
As someone who knows very little about the Web, Pam took me step by step thru the options and decisions regarding layout, pages, information response, PayPal, etc.....things I would not have been able to organize myself. She's a pro with wonderful ideas, a big heart, and very reasonable prices.”Wendy Jordan
Abel berumen, Photography
“If I had to use one word to describe Pam Riesmeyer/Wings of Mercury it would be AMAZING. I have been a professional freelance fashion photographer for the past five years. The minute my Web site (abelphoto.com) was posted, my business increased 1000% . Such success wouldn't have been possible without Pam's deep knowledge of the Internet inner workings.
In today’s market, a Web site is essential. The key is her understanding that the concept 'a one-size fits all Web site' is not the appropriate business model. Her sensibility and understanding of each customer's needs is second to none. No egos, no waiting on hold, no waiting for that elusive e-mail response. Her attentiveness to me and my project was impressive. Thank you Pam, for turning my business around.”Abel berumen
Illinois Alliance for Animal Owners Rights and Jeanette James, ESMT
“I have found Pamela Riesmeyer, Wings of Mercury Web Designs to be outstanding. She has gone the extra mile, been responsive to all my needs both for my own personal website and the IAAOR website.
She is as prompt as possible in updating the Websites, offering suggestions and creating ideas as she can be. I have often recommended her to others and will continue to do so in the future. You get what you pay for in and in Pam, you get quite a bit.”Jeanette James (President, IAAOR)
Florida Alliance for Animal Owners Rights
“Wings of Mercury web services have been great for our association. Their willingness to make continual improvements and revisions to our web site on demand with overnight service has been key to our satisfaction with their service. If you want responsiveness and an eye for quality in design, you’ll love Wings of Mercury!”Nancy Stephens (Past-President, FAAOR)