Hello! My name is Justin Michael, and I created Core Assistance to help you succeed online.

If you have a question that isn't answered here please let me know so I can answer it.

What is Core Assistance and how is it going to help me?

My goal is to make Core Assistance the go-to resource for people who want to learn how the web works in order to build or enhance their own website. There's a ton of information about building and maintaining websites scattered all over the place, but most of it has major problems. Core Assistance is designed to be a refuge from wasting time wading through outdated, inaccurate, confusing, and unappealing information.

The resources I provide here are kept up-to-date, they're clear and comprehensible, and they will empower you to take control of your destiny online, no matter where your expertise lies. Success is built on a solid foundation of knowledge; Core Assistance is here help you build that foundation.

Why is having a website so important?

The web is designed to be owned by everyone, with each of us entitled to our own piece of it. You can choose to hand control of your piece to others, putting your trust in companies that may not have your best interests at heart, or you can choose to take control and truly own a piece of the web. If you choose the latter, the web will be a better, richer, and more valuable place because you have something unique and special to contribute.

Why should I trust you?

I've been designing and building things on the web for over twenty years. I know, that makes me sound old (or at least it did when I typed it!), but I got started early. I remember relishing the time I spent using the Apple IIs, Macs, and PCs my grade school had. The first web browser I ever used was Netscape Navigator 3 in 1996 during my first year of high school, and I've been spending much more time than I probably should online ever since.

Over the years I've created tiny websites, huge web apps, designed and built APIs, created WordPress themes and plugins, built web-connected iOS apps, and more. I've designed a lot of things, from logos to user experiences. I've written a lot, from documentation to prose. I've produced and edited various podcasts. I've managed both people (software developers) and machines (servers). I've worked for companies and organizations big and small. I've also done the freelancing thing.

In short, I've been around the block more than a few times, and through it all my favorite thing is to work with individuals or small organizations to help them accomplish their goals, overcome their problems, and succeed. If it sounds like I have some knowledge or expertise that can help you please get in touch.

Wait, you've been a designer, developer, and writer? Are you some kind of unicorn?

I'm one of those rare people with the ability to bridge the gap between the creative and the analytical. That ability has allowed me to succeed in various positions and disciplines over the years. More importantly, it allows me to communicate effectively with all kinds of people with all kinds of perspectives, mindsets, and approaches. Effective communication is key to any successful endeavor, which is a big part of the reason I've chosen to teach people through Core Assistance.

And, while I have been called a unicorn by several people over the years, I do not have a giant horn or the ability to spontaneously produce rainbows (unfortunately).

What's powering this website?

Some of it is powered by WordPress running a custom theme I purpose-built for this site, and the rest is hand-coded HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and a dash of PHP. I'm using highlight.js for code syntax highlighting and a self-hosted install of Matomo (formerly Piwik) for stats with the "anonymize visitors' IP addresses" and "support Do Not Track preference" settings turned on, because I respect your privacy and don't want to be creepy.

Where should I go from here?

If you're still curious about something, want to hire me to do some awesome things for you, or would just like to say hello please don't hesitate to contact me.

You should also check out today's new tip or trick to help you improve your website.

Thanks for stopping by!