Cleaning Your Local Castle

Cleaning Your Local Castle - "Strong arms and a supple neck are vital requirements for this job."

St Michael's Mount windows undergo a spring clean before re-opening: Window cleaners from Mousehole were tasked with giving St Michael's Mount a spring clean The windows of an iconic West Cornwall landmark were given a spring clean before it re-opened to the public last weekend.

The day before the public were allowed back inside one of Cornwall's most famous castles, Crystal Clear Cleaning, based in Mousehole, sent a team of three dedicated cleaners to take on the all day job.

The team had to have a head for heights, as the castle's highest window is approximately 50 foot from ground and a further 250 foot above sea level. They took their equipment across the cobbled Causeway in the early hours of Saturday March 12 and used specially purchased 60 foot long poles to carry out the momentous task.

A spokeswoman for St Michael's Mount said: "They cleaned most of the 174 castle windows, which take quite a battering over the year from the salty wind. "Strong arms and a supple neck are vital requirements for this job."

Power Of Credibility With Your Logo

We make judgments based on first impressions of surface traits, from a person’s looks to his or her dress. The same holds true with the company logo and landing page design.

THE POWER OF CREDIBILITY BASED LOGO/WEBSITE DESIGN TO ACHIEVE HIGHER WEBSITE CONVERSION RATES (by Dr. Bill Haig): I recently co-authored post doctorate research and an academic paper for the “International Journal for Human-Computer Interaction”. The paper concludes that a credibility based logo in conjunction with a credibility based landing page will increase conversion rates significantly. If not, over 90 percent of visitors will leave within 10 seconds according to Google Adwords:

“So you refined your keywords, optimized your bids, and written AdWords text ads that pull in tons of targeted clicks. But after looking at your Google Analytics reports you realize that your landing page has a bounce rate of 91%. This means that 91% of the users coming to your site are quickly glancing around and leaving deciding this site isn’t for them.”

Like most perception at an early stage, this is a visual thing. We make judgments based on first impressions of surface traits, from a person’s looks to his or her dress. The same holds true with the company logo and landing page design. It is all about trusting and feeling the company is competent. Collectively the stems “trust” and “expertise” work together and are known as a single word, “credible”. We judge the company behind the website “credibility” from a few visual cues at first glance. This is called “surface credibility” and is part of the study of Source Credibility Theory.

HOW DOES “CREDIBILITY” WORK IN LOGO AND WEBSITE DESIGN?

On the upper left hand corner of most websites is the company logo. It has design elements which communicate “trust “and “expertise”, again the two elements of “credibility”. The landing page also has design elements which communicate “trust” and “expertise”. The impression of site “credibility” will cause a visitor to move on within the site. The impression of site non-credibility will cause the visitor to leave. This is the conclusion of our research and academic paper.

What makes a credibility based logo design and credibility base website design? The logo and the landing page must non-verbally communicate “expertise” and “trust”. My 2007 Ph.D. dissertation on credibility based logo design states that if a company logo is designed to symbolize the company business, the assumption is that the company is an “expert” or is “knowledgeable” or is “competent’ about the company business.

For the “trust” factor, if it is important to know that the company can do the business it is in. An aerospace company wants to be known as on the cutting-edge of the business, has forward thinking management. Then the design form of the logo communicates these traits non-verbally in a contemporary design form. Other companies may want to express other trust traits which are expressed with another non-verbal form. This gets a bit tricky but a good design firm can do it.

For example, the design of the Crystal Clear Window Cleaning logo is highly credible. Note the logo symbolizes “window cleaning” the company expertise. The contemporary design non-verbally communicates trust that the company uses the latest window cleaning techniques and has a high service image which it does. The logo is also bold and simple which dynamically makes the credibility point.

Note too below that the Housen Painting logo symbolizes “house painting” the company expertise. The contemporary design non-verbally communicates trust that the company uses the latest paints, which it does, and is very efficient, which it is. Again, these trust traits are non-verbally communicated in a contemporary design style.

In addition to the logo, however, the Housen Painting website below continues communicating credibility on the landing page with the credibility based logo and landing page design working together. Tom Housen’s photo and examples of successful jobs continue Tom’s “expertise” and “trust” as the source of the website message. In contrast, many websites have happy customers which is nice but these are receiver or customer oriented, not source oriented.

Blog note - this website is now defunct.

Accordingly, our research found significant increases in conversion rates with test respondents as they trusted and perceived both Crystal Clear Window Cleaning, Housen Painting as expert and trustworthy enough at first glance to interact.

This resulted in high conversion rates up to 60% in our research. That is what is necessary for significant company website sales. Both companies are very happy with the results of their credibility based logo and landing page design.

I did not reinvent the wheel about source credibility. I just applied source credibility in communication persuasion to logo and landing page design in my Ph.D. and post doctorate research. Here is how credibility works when people persuade, such as salespersons, in our everyday living. Source Credibility Theory (SCT) works in all communication persuasion and is based on the same linear model:  Credible source>message>channel>receiver

For example, I am (presumably) the credible source for this article. The message contains the words I am using. WebProNews is the channel of communication. You are the reader or receiver. As a website, the company is the credible source. The message is the text. The computer is the channel of communication. The visitor to the site is the receiver. In all cases, the more credible the source, or company, the more likely persuasion will occur. Ergo, the more credible the logo and website working together, the more successful the website will be.

Both the Housen Painting and Crystal Clear Window Cleaning logos are examples of using credibility "expertise and trust" applied to logo design. Most logos do not do this. Just look around and I will prove my point.

Also, the Housen Painting website example extends the company credibility traits to the design of the landing page and subsequent secondary pages. My post doctorate research paper shows that a credibility based logo working together with a credibility based landing page produces higher trust and expertise than just the logo alone. Our research result was higher conversion rates every time.

Why is this a breakthrough in website design?

As stated, most websites do not use a credible logo or a credible landing page in their website graphics. The problem is like Google AdWords says: over 90% of visitors leave a website within the first 10 seconds.

This problem is now solved if companies and designers will learn credibility principles applied to logo and landing page design working together. Think about it. Websites today are like automobiles in the early 1900s. New advances occur each year. Applying Source Credibility Theory to the company logo and landing page design working together is a major breakthrough in website conversion rate performance and presumably sales.

Here is a link to the whole post doctorate research paper mentioned in this article.

Window Cleaning Business Premises & A Napa New Start

Cutchogue Residents Fear Crystal Clear Cleaning Will Disrupt Neighborhood: Mattituck-based window cleaning company plans to move from Route 25 location to mixed business/residential area just south of the Cutchogue Fire Department on New Suffolk Road. The owners of Crystal Clear Cleaning Corporation want to relocate from Mattituck to Cutchogue, but the proposed move has left some Cutchogue residents “astonished.” The Cifarelli family, owners of the window cleaning company, first applied to the Southold Town Planning Board for site plan approval this past July to renovate an existing two-story, 2,400 square-foot garage in limited business zoning at 1335 New Suffolk Road in Cutchogue. The renovation would accommodate company offices, which are currently located in hamlet business zoning at 13000 Route 25 in Mattituck.

The application includes the construction of turf-block parking area for the company’s work vans, but there are no plans to change an existing single-family dwelling on the site. Though other businesses, such as assisted living home Peconic Retreat and Freddy’s House, a bed and breakfast, operate among residential houses located on a strip of New Suffolk Road just to the south of the Cutchogue Fire Department, Cutchogue resident Elizabeth McGrath said she was astonished that the Planning Board would even consider approving a business like Crystal Clear in her neighborhood.

“Why would you approve something this commercial in a residential area?” she asked the board at a monthly public meeting on Monday night. “This is outrageous … every other building on the block is a residential house. My head is spinning about this.” Lisa Cifarelli (pictured) of Crystal Clear Cleaning said at the meeting that though her company has locations on the East End, California and Florida, the proposed Cutchogue office is hub for telephone calls and office work and that only eight vans will be parked at the location. “The fact is, this is limited business zoning, and there are pockets of limited business in the neighborhood,” she said. “The road is already highly trafficked — I am actually shocked about how many cars go up and down that stretch. I don’t think my business will have much of an impact.”

Cifarelli’s attorney Patricia Moore said that the vans would leave the location between 7 and 9 a.m. and that offices hours would be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as they are currently in Mattituck. Cutchogue resident Stacy Paetzel said at the meeting that she too did not think Crystal Clear Cleaning would be appropriate for the neighborhood on that section of New Suffolk Road. “I’m concerned about the intensity of the use — there has not been a traffic study,” she said. “This is at the end of the day a residential neighborhood, and we’re just trying to protect it.” The Planning Board closed the public hearing but will accept written comments for the next two weeks.

Comment on news site: The truth of the situation is that these properties are going to become multi-family dwellings to house the Cifarelli's workers , Already two families are in one house. The existing garage is to be expanded to accomodate their office and other space. The main house also has a garage that can be added to for more housing . This information is NOT speculation, Mr. Cifarelli has stated that he intends to house his employees here. I am sure he has more than two. This is clearly an investment property and I am sure they will want to maximize the potential of every square foot. Who could blame them ?

Jason Koch of Absolutely Clear Window Cleaning works on a window in Silverado Plaza. In his previous career life, Koch taught gymnastics.

Absolutely Clear Windows owner helps out: Jason Koch, owner of Absolutely Clear Windows, knows how to extend a helping hand to others. With more than 20 years of gymnastics experience under his belt, Koch (pronounced “cook”) worked as an instructor at Flip City and Tumble Town in Medford, Ore. before moving to Napa in 2005. Two years ago, Koch started his window cleaning business, specializing in services for real estate and local homeowners. True to his interests, he also runs Napa’s Best Kids Gymnastics, where youngsters can learn how to roll with life’s punches. “I’ve taught a lot of kids how to handle themselves and bounce up after taking a spill,” he said.

In March of this year, Koch learned that a member of his church, Carlos Samojluk (pictured), had passed away age 51. Samojluk had run a successful business, Wine Country Window Cleaning, in Napa for the past 16 years. According to his wife, Karen Samojluk, her husband had more than 250 business accounts in Napa and also serviced more than 85 homes. A fellow church member and family counselor, Tim Fredrick, suggested that Koch meet with Karen Samojluk to see if there was anything he could do to help her maintain her husband’s customers and provide some income. “Jason always had a good heart and I thought he could be of assistance,” Fredrick said.

After they met, Koch, along with Samojluk and her son, Nicholas, made joint visits to many of her husband’s customers to clean their windows and explain the new working relationship. One of those customers was Leilani Slack, owner of Bloom and Boom salons in Napa, who admitted she was “devastated” to hear about Samojluk’s death. “Carlos was always ready to listen and hear how I was feeling,” she said. “He was the sweetest, kindest man; an awesome window cleaner. Someone you could always depend upon for help or advice.”

Slack first met Koch when he came to her shop with Karen Samojluk to explain the new arrangement and was impressed with his thoughtfulness. “I knew Jason felt sympathy for the family and he went out of his way to help them. He is such a nice guy,” she said. Koch, a strong supporter of environmental issues, doesn’t drive a car. He covers his appointments on a bike, carrying his cleaning tools on a backpack and bike rack. “Carlos had many commercial accounts in Napa,” Koch said. “And, without exception, they loved his outstanding service and told stories about his friendly, caring personality. I worked hard to make sure they knew I was just as committed to them.”

The Carlos Samojluk story doesn’t end there. Karen still carries her husband’s death with a strong sense of loss and pride. She speaks of his commitment to his family, his customers and the community in general. She revealed that Carlos’ organs were donated after his death, including a liver provided to a woman in Northern California. “He will live on with them and with us,” she said. As for Koch, reports from old and new customers — including the kids he trains at his gymnastics center on Trower Avenue — conclude he has the character and balance to turn this latest hurdle into a smooth and safe landing on his feet. “I want to make Carlos proud,” Koch said.

Window Cleaner Takes Sh*t from President Obama

Feces splattered on Douglas County Democratic headquarters. Pictured: Erik Haeber of Crystal Clear Professional Window Cleaning cleans off the window in front of a life-size cut-out of President Barack Obama.
A window case displaying a life-size cutout of President Barack Obama was pelted with a bucket-sized load of feces early Tuesday at Douglas County Democratic headquarters in downtown Roseburg. The excrement appeared to have been thrown from some kind of container as it coated the window at 827 S.E. Cass Ave., covered the eaves and was visible on the ground. “I was shocked to see it,” said Jean Patricia, a Democratic Party volunteer who discovered the vandalism when she arrived at 10 a.m. to open the office. “You'd think people would have something better to do.” The incident is the latest and most serious act in a recent string of vandalism on downtown streets, police report. And the Republican Party headquarters has not been immune, according to a party member.
Splashing the feces on the Democrat's window was a cowardly act, said Dean Byers, chairman of the Douglas County Democratic Party. “This is where people choose to take the dialogue,” he said. Byers added that if whoever responsible had the guts, “they'd call me out and ask me to debate them.” Other incidents have been reported on a smaller scale downtown in recent days, according to the Roseburg Police Department. Sgt. Aaron Dunbar said someone smeared feces on the window of the Blend Clothing store at 556 S. E. Jackson St. last week. In a second incident, someone defecated in the doorway of the store. There have also been incidents of vandalism at Republican Party headquarters at 642 S.E. Jackson St. in recent weeks, according to longtime Republican Tom Hatfield, an alternate to the state Republican Central Committee. There has been evidence of public urination and vomiting at the building, Hatfield said, which he prefers to think is tied to the homeless population downtown. But there have also been incidents specifically targeting the building, including matches jammed in the front lock, soaped windows, and even buttock marks left on a window. Two years ago, a window was shot out. “That was disturbing,” he said.



Hatfield denounced the incident that occurred at Democratic headquarters. “I think it's unfortunate people choose to express themselves that way,” Hatfield said. “We do have a First Amendment that allows good and reasonable discourse, and that should be allowed. This is inappropriate. This is out of line.” Linda Hellenthal, chairwoman of the Douglas County Republican Central Committee, also criticized the act. “It's a shame. There are much more civilized ways to express to express unhappiness,” she said. “What a deplorable way to express an opinion, if that's what this was. It doesn't tell us anything about what they might be angry about. All it does is require a lot of cleanup.” Sgt. Dunbar said police are investigating the downtown incidents, but at this point don't have a lot to go on.
The window that was plastered at the Democratic Party headquarters only contained the Obama cutout. The main display window that contains photographs of Gov. Ted Kulongoski, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio and other prominent state Democrats, was not touched. “The fact they chose to focus on the Obama image seems to suggest a racist statement,” Byers said. Last November, Obama received 38 percent of the presidential vote in Douglas County. Republican John McCain carried the county with 58 percent.
The incident took place sometime before 7 a.m. Tim Beaty, the owner of the American Family Insurance agency two doors down from the Democratic headquarters, said there wasn't anything amiss when he came to work at 3:30 a.m. He left later for breakfast and noticed the feces attack when he returned to the office about 7. The vandalism was the third in the past two months targeting the party headquarters. Someone filled the front door keyhole with solder last month, said building owner Byron Frazer, who also owns Garden Valley Realty, located next to the office. Later that same month, someone glued a couple of flyers denouncing both Obama and former President George W. Bush for the war in Iraq. Beaty said he wished people had more respect for differing views. “Whatever your political views are, this isn't something you should be doing,” he said.