Is this where I go to get an answer to my spreadsheet question?
No. This document contains answers to questions about the Web site you're currently viewing. To find out how to get an answer to your Excel questions, click here.
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Who's responsible for The Spreadsheet Page?
Me -- John Walkenbach. My company is called J-Walk and Associates, Inc., and I'm the only employee.
Just who are the "Associates?"
Well, my 16-year old daughter sometimes helps out filling software orders. And uh... That's about it.
Are you hiring additional employees?
No. If this company gets to the point where it requires additional staffing, it's time to downsize. I'm the sole employee because I like it that way.
Can you really make a living doing something you like to do?
Yep.
What's the purpose of The Spreadsheet Page?
Basically, this site exists as a vehicle to promote my books and software. My philosophy is that people won't come to a Web site unless it offers good stuff for free. Therefore, I've filled the site with lots of spreadsheet tips, files, links, and related material. It started out simple, but it's sort of mushroomed over the years.
Although I do sell a few products, the vast majority (99%) of the material at this web site is completely free.
How long has this site been available?
The Spreadsheet Page first appeared on the World Wide Web on February 16, 1996. To figure this out in days, enter the following Excel formula:
=TODAY()-DATE(1996,2,16)
How many "hits" does the site get?
It varies quite a bit. On average, about 5,000 - 6,000 unique visitors come to The Spreadsheet Page each day. The most popular day is Wednesday; the least popular is Sunday. On average, 25,000 - 30,000 pages are served each day.
How often do you update the site?
I try to add something new about every 7-10 days. Sometimes it's more frequent; sometimes it's less frequent.
Why does the site look so good?
Mainly, because it's simple and does not include much hype. And, I've tried to avoid all of my web browsing pet peeves. Basically, I've set it up to be the type of web site that I would like to visit.
My eyesight is failing. Can I make the fonts larger?
Yes, if you're using Internet Explorer, choose View - Font Text Size. If you have a wheel mouse, press Ctrl while you spin the wheel. Most other browsers also support user-selected text sizes.
Do you accept contributions to the site?
Sure. If you have something (a file, a tip, a joke, etc.) that you think is appropriate for The Spreadsheet Page, let me know. Or, if you have a spreadsheet-related web site, I'll be happy to add a link.
How many web sites contain links to The Spreadsheet Page?
According to alexa.com, more than 1,500 sites contain a link to The Spreadsheet Page. I think that number may be inflated. Alexa also reports that The Spreadsheet Page ranks in the top 60,000 Web sites. Yeah, right...
Do I need permission to add a link to The Spreadsheet Page?
Of course not! And feel free to do "deep-linking" to specific documents. However, if you do add a link to this site I would appreciate it if you let me know by e-mail.
What software do you use to maintain this site?
I use Microsoft FrontPage 2002 as my main HTML software. Downloadable files are zipped and converted to EXEs with ZipMagic. But lately I've been using Installshield's Package For the Web. For original graphics I usually use Adobe Photoshop Elements.
Where is the site hosted?
The Spreadsheet Page is hosted by Verio.
Why does this site focus mainly on Excel?
The main reason is because Microsoft essentially owns the spreadsheet market. To reach the maximum number of people, I also focus on Excel. And, I happen to think that Excel is the best spreadsheet product available. Unfortunately, it's getting to the point where it's the only advanced spreadsheet available.
How did you get to be such an Excel wiz?
Mainly, by using it everyday, exploring the online help thoroughly, and not being afraid to try new things. Also, I use lots of trial and error -- a technique that I consider to be essential to mastering any spreadsheet software.
Can I send you my spreadsheet questions?
You can try, but I really don't encourage it. I get quite a few e-mailed questions every day. Sometimes I'll answer the easy ones, and (if the question is intriguing enough) I sometimes answer the more complex ones. If the question is rude or unfriendly, I just ignore it. If the question is poorly phrased, too complex, or I'm too busy, I usually reply with a standard message.
What's the standard message?
My standard reply is:
Greetings:
Sorry, but I'm not able to respond to your email question at this
time. Normally, I'm happy to answer questions (especially from
readers of my books). However, the amount of email is simply
getting out of control. I receive 15-20 questions per day, and I
simply don't have the time to send a personalized reply to complex
questions anymore.
I would like to direct you to the following web site, which lists
a number of excellent sources for help with your spreadsheet
problems.
http://www.j-walk.com/ss/help/
The spreadsheet newsgroups are the best source of assistance.
You'll usually get an answer to your question within 24-hours,
often sooner. I monitor these newsgroups regularly, and I
frequently reply to questions. As you might suspect, I would much
prefer to reply to a newsgroup because it will benefit more
people.Also, consider using http://groups.google.com/ to search the
newsgroup archives. If it's a common question, you'll almost
certainly find the answer in the archives.
What's the deal with your PC World column?
For about three years, I wrote the monthly "Here's How: Spreadsheets" column for PC World magazine. The one-page column consisted of tips and answers to questions submitted by readers. The final column was published in the August, 2000 issue. I get the impression that PC World thinks that readers are only interested in internet-related topics.
Most of the tips published in that column are available in the Excel User Tips section.
Do you do any spreadsheet consulting?
Yes, when time allows. Follow this link for more information.
Do you plan to create a similar site for other Office products such as Access or Word?
No way. It's difficult enough to keep up with spreadsheets!
How about some behind-the-scenes photos?
Sure. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, check out the photo below. The secret is managing the Web server. Once that sign was posted, things really started to hum.
