In spring of 2001 I attended a computer and technology fair at the Buffalo Marriott Hotel. There I visited the Silver Star booth, which was occupied by Bob Hubbard and two other members of the Silver Star design team. At that point in time I had already, without success, spent approximately two years searching for a company that could construct the type of web site I had in mind. My search included some of the so-called “big-name” web design companies that had advertised prominently on the radio, on television and in the newspapers. None of these companies could provide me with the web “solution” I was looking for. One such company told me that what I wanted to accomplish was “impossible”. Another company assured me they could easily accomplish what I wanted by using a combination of Microsoft Excel and HTML code. They offered to develop a prototype of what I was seeking. After months of trying, they admitted they could not develop the type of site I wanted, but instead offered me a very poor alternative. I declined. Thankfully I did not enter into a contractual agreement with this company while they experimented with the prototype.

When I explained to Bob and his team what I wanted to accomplish they were quite confident they could satisfy my needs by using a combination of database and web design software. Although I was skeptical from my prior “shopping” experiences, I first obtained a couple of references from other Silver Star clients, then decided to give Silver Star a shot at my project. I am extremely happy that I did!

Silver Star was very patient and exacting in determining exactly how I wanted my site to look and function. They then proceeded to do exactly what they promised. My project turned out to be a bit more “involved” than we originally thought it would. It actually required the use of FIVE different software programs. Two of the programs, the database and a Basic routine, required Silver Star to obtain some assistance from independent contractors. Bob coordinated the subcontracted work with his own, then provided me with a total “solution” that I am very happy with. In spite of the additional work (and, no doubt, additional expense) required, the project was still completed within a very reasonable period of time and at the price that I was originally quoted.

When the site was up and running Bob was very patient installing the necessary software on my home computer and training me on its use. He has also been extremely responsive to my telephone calls with questions or with pleas for help.

The web site and Silver Star’s web hosting service have always functioned well. However, in early 2004 I asked Bob to redesign the site for me, primarily just to give it a “fresh” look. Bob was very astute at listening to what I wanted the revised site to look like and then added some insightful ideas of his own. These conversations were all conducted in relaxed telephone conversations. He constructed the “revised” site for me in a short period of time. I am very pleased with the look of the “revised” site.

In early 2005 my computer suffered a hard drive crash, probably as a result of a virus. Because I was negligent in keeping complete and current backups, I totally lost some of the custom programming that Bob had installed on that hard drive. After my repair technician installed a new hard drive Bob worked painstakingly with him over the telephone to get my programming reinstalled and running again as soon as possible.

Bob always answers the telephone or returns my calls and E-Mails promptly. He is very calm and personable and never acts like he is too busy to talk with me, even though I am sure I have interrupted him more than once when he was in the middle of a project.

If you find yourself in need of web design or web hosting services please give Bob Hubbard and Silver Star Web Design your serious consideration. Of course if I can provide you with any additional information regarding my experience with Silver Star please feel free to contact me at (716) 691-6090, or send me an E-Mail at mike@comicbookdeals.com

Sincerely,