Name of your website?ASLdeafined.com
Your name?
Paul Fugate
Your Location (city, etc)
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Please give us a short summary of your website?
ASLdeafined is an online, educational website for anyone to learn American Sign Language. There are over 3,000 video words in the dictionary, themed lessons, quizzes, and activities, and much more.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
As a teacher for the deaf, I saw the need for parents of deaf children and the community to learn sign language. Contrary to popular belief, many parents with deaf children do not sign well. Therefore, I created an online program for ANYONE to learn to sign.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
My first website was http://www.ASLdeafined.com, launched March 30, 2009
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The name "ASLdeafined" refers to the American Sign Language Deaf IN EDucation
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
ASLdeafined is the only website out there that offers the unique lessons, videos, activities, and quizzes. It also allows the user the custom their own site, allowing for a personalized progress chart.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Our goal is to keep ASLdeafined going, adding more activities, features and games. Eventually would love to have an all deaf staff....
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Our time will eventually pay off. But, that is not our priority. Our priority is for people to learn sign language to communicate with their family, friends, and loved ones.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
First, we would hire a complete staff of deaf people for videos, development and research. We would add a program from www.vidyo.com on to our site. The cost for that is $150,000.00 dollars. Yikes! Also, we would add other fun and exciting activities....
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes. We would definitely keep up with the demand. We already have people willing to help with the site.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Some programming issues and costs. But, nothing too major.
What has been your biggest challenge?
ASLdeafined is a partnership company. The biggest challenge has been agreeing on all of the development and changes. However, the disagreements have made the site even better.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
We are just beginning to promote ASLdeafined.com
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It has been a wonderful experience and continues to do so. I love it.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
It has been up and running since March, 2009. It will run indefinitely.
Are you glad you developed http://www.ASLdeafined.com?
Yes. I am very please with ASLdeafined and how it turned out. All of the work that was put into creating this website is well worth it.
What is your website address?
ASLdeafined.com
