You can view a demo of all the buttons here.

The code for this can also be downloaded:

The CSS
The HTML

I use the term CSS3 term loosely here as we all know the specification still isn’t finalised and us developers rely on browser specific properties for each common CSS3 implementation. So i’ve tried to accommodate and support as many browsers as possible with these. Unfortunately, my patience and knowledge could not stretch to fully supporting IE8 backwards; we can only do so much with proprietary IE filters for applying gradients but for the rest … i’ll explain later in the post.

So, i’ll explain the techniques which are common to all our button styles, then further explain how we get the extra glossy effect in the last three.


<a href="" class="glow-green">Click here!</a>
<input type="button" class="glow-green" value="Button"/>
<input type="submit"  class="glow-green" value="Submit"/>


Pay with a Tweet is a concept by Innovative Thunder which  encourages music artists, publishers and consumer brands and the like to sell products for the price of one whole Tweet.

Their website allows you to create your own Download Button to place on your site, allowing users to buy whatever you’re selling, merely by clicking the button and posting a tweet from their Twitter account. You provide the initial information when setting up the button such as the download link and the Message and bit.ly link you wish to display in the tweet.

This is an example of a ‘Forced  Viral’ model which does well to promote a product, or a site across social networks.

Given some thought, this is something you could take advantage of in order to promote yourself as a freelance web designer or to promote your clients…

Laters

Springwise “scans the globe for the most promising business ventures, ideas and concepts that are ready for regional or international adaptation, expansion, partnering, investments or cooperation” .

Keep a close eye on the Media and Publishing industry section as there are always new stories about up and coming social sites, such us this very interesting concept of getting users to pay for products with just a tweet.

Laters.

Thank goodness then, for the true geniuses (genii?) out there, busy forging the path ahead, through the overgrowth of confusion, lapping up every new technology, api they come across and spitting out amazing blogs, tutorials and tips for the rest of us to consume.

I can only dream of being as technically and creatively as these guys. So I settle for just that. Here are five web design resources every freelance web designer, in my opinion should be following and absorbing on a regular basis.

1) Smashing Magazine RSS Feed

I’m acutely aware of how popular this magazine is; everyone I speak to wax lyrical about Smashing Magazine’s well written, informative articles on coding, design, photoshop tutorials, graphics inspiration etc. Their aim is “to inform our readers about the latest trends and techniques in Web development.” They do it and they do it well. It should be the staple of your daily, web RSS diet.

2) A List Apart RSS Feed

A List Apart is a highly respected online magazine dedicated to exploring the design, development and meaning of web content and are advocates of web standards and best practices. A highly recommended and authorative resource which most of you should already know about!

3) Web Designer Wall RSS Feed

The Web Designer Wall is, dare I say it, a whisker over-designed yet beautiful site run by Nick La, who also runs N.Design Studio and Best Web Gallery. The site boasts informative design and programming ideas and also features a job board for pcking freelance design and development jobs. I feel a bit guilty for suggesting it’s over-designed now… who am I to judge?

4) Net Tuts+ RSS Feed

Net Tuts+ is one of my favourite resource, in fact the Tuts+ series covers any creative subject you could think of including VectorTuts+, AudioTuts+ and PsdTuts+. The site is clean and the tutorials are extremely informative and thought-provoking. There is also the opportunity to subscribe for a small fee in order to get access to a whole host of extra information.

5) DZine Blog RSS Feed

I actually found it difficult to come up with a fifth option as there are so many great resources out there. I settled for DZine, as it is a general design resource and great inspiration as well as useful tips and tutorials on desing in general.

So, that’s my list of fab five. feel free to shoot me down for my choice!