December 2008: Ahead.

The MANOVERBOARD Telegraph, No. 26.

This issue of the Telegraph, will tell you about our holiday schedule, a list of new websites we've launched in 2008, and how to get your hands on our 2009 calendar. I'd also like to tell you about two new designers and developers working at MANOVERBOARD.

New websites

2008 was a busy year at MANOVERBOARD. Not only did we gather many new clients in both the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, but we continued to provide design services to dozens of clients who keep coming back for more. And while I love getting new clients, it's even better keeping existing ones happy and making them happier.

The following is a list of some of the websites we launched or re-launched in 2008:

• Generation: Full re-design of Al Gore and David Blood's investment firm, based in London
• Organza Market: Winnipeg's best natural and organic market
• Shared Assessments: A new site for outsourcers and vendors focused on streamlining the vendor risk management process
• B3 Resources: Online resource for Birthright Israel
• EKO Asset Management Partners: Investment firm focusing on environmental markets
• Smallbiztechnology.com: Full revamp of very active business technology blog
• Verdeo Group: New and growing firm investing in growing carbon market

Note that this does not include a lot of identity, branding, and print work we also completed in 2008. Some of these will soon appear on our site, which is sorrily out of date!

2009 MANOVERBOARD calendars

Yes, it's that time of year, folks: the new MANOVERBOARD calendars are almost here! In fact, this will be our seventh year of producing these little guys. If you haven't seen them, you can take a look at last year's calendar [pdf]. Essentially, they are 6 × 8 ½" glossy, printed cards with all 365 days of the year (366 in 2008) shown in one fell swoop. Clients rave about them. Each year features a different bird in flight or resting—this year's graphic is by illustrator and design partner Sam Posnick.

If you want a physical copy of the calendar, please let me know! I'd be happy to put you on the mailing list.

New teammates

MANOVERBOARD is growing. After much searching, I'm very honored to be working with two extremely talented designers and developers.

William Dodson provides serious programming chops, including expert-level Javascript, Ruby on Rails coding, and content management customization. He works and resides in North Carolina. Rachel Noto provides superb CSS coding and PHP programming and front-end design support. She works and lives in Vancouver, B.C.

With William and Rachel on board, it will mean faster turnaround and increased technical capacity for site design projects.

Michael Barrish, in Brooklyn, N.Y., continues to provide expert hand-written code and to assist in the invaluable processes of growing the business, working with clients, and developing services.

Looking ahead

For most of us, the new year holds much economic and financial complexity and anxiety. But innovative, thoughtful marketing and opportunity typically come during tough times. As Seth Godin noted back in March, "Change (and the fortunes that go with it) is almost always made during the down part of the cycle."

We will do everything we can to help by keeping our current rates as low as possible for existing clients. As well, we'll continue to provide inexpensive, yet customized and branded, email newsletter services; let us know if you're interested. We're looking forward to many new clients, a number of new services, and more regular Telegraphs.

Thank you for your continued business. And see you in the New Year!

Best wishes,

Andrew Boardman