How hard is it to update your blog?  Easy, simple, fast as sending an email.  How hard is it to find time to update your blog?  Very difficult, apparently. 

Several projects have been keeping me too busy to blog.  We've been working on a discipline tracking system for a Missouri school which has been difficult but very interesting.  The database relation tables are fairly complicated and have reminded me just how important database design is to any programming project.  We've spent more time on database design than on actual coding, and, honestly, it should work that way on every project.  The more time and effort you put into database design, the less time you will have to put into coding.

Another project is actually not a project, but a new business.  We've started working with libraries to create circulation management systems.  We currently have two libraries using the system and it seems to be working well.  Our goal is to create a mid-range system for small libraries.  One that has a number of features that the larger systems have (barcoding, patron history, etc.) but without the huge price tags that put these systems out of reach for smaller libraries.

For BlueChalk intranet users, we only have one small update to report.  The technology and building systems have been updated so that apostrophes do not cause a problem in the technician comments entry pages.  Thanks to Ron Spicer from Affton Public Schools for pointing out this problem.

Thanks again to all our loyal customers.  I will definitely make an effort to update the blog more frequently!