A simple vertical menu digg-like using CSS and javascript to show/hide sub-menu.

Highly customizable message boxes with the mootools framework

The simplest way to do justify the labels in the form using Jquery

An easy to use hint box script for forms using Jquery

Scrolls a collection of phrases of your choice across the screen, with various sizes for perspective.

In their own words

“Resources for designers – by designers”

Why it might be a killer

Skout is incredibly simple to use and provides a no-frills interface while remaining sleek and stylish in its own right. The exhaustive categories are literally chock-full of relevant links which provide helpful and innovative ideas for web design.

Some questions

Where are the credentials for the design team that compiled this site? There should be some bios of the creator(s) to lend more legitimacy to the collection of links.

What it does

Whether you’re an aspiring web designer or a seasoned veteran, you likely find yourself in need of new ideas and inspiration. Apart from browsing the web and making note of certain sites which are particularly well executed, there isn’t always an easy and efficient way to see what other designers are doing. However, sites like Skout provide a one-stop shop for all your web design needs and desires. Skout is a vast and thorough source of everything from fonts to stock photos, to frameworks. Using Skout is simple; just pick your way through upwards of one dozen different categories; Skout provides links to sites like TinyURL, Ruby on Rails, and iStockphoto. There are literally dozens of links under each of Skout’s design categories, and you can also submit your own site if you feel that Skout has overlooked something. There’s even an “inspiration” category which provides links to other design sites and blogs to serve as your muse.

Updates

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What it does

BGPatterns is a fairly small, but quite handy design tool for creating patterns, textures and designs. When you first enter the site, you’ll notice four main tabs—these are your main creating tools: colors, canvas, image and rotate. Under the image section is a selection of patterns and photos which can be tiled and scaled to your liking. From there, you can change location and opacity. Next, you can redo the back ground color using a sliding palette tool. There are five different canvasses to choose from and each can be resized; you can also fine tune the texture opacity. Finally, there’s the rotate tab which is for rotating your image, of course. Your designs can be previewed in the image window on the right hand side. Each design can be downloaded and saved to your very own ‘my patterns’ folder. BgPatterns is free for anyone to use. Check out the pattern gallery and vote for your favorites.

In their own words

“Just small usefull tool to create patterns.

Experiment with pictures, colors, textures and transparency to get best result.”

Why it might be a killer

BgPattern is a very simple, yet extremely practical tool. No real skills are needed to use it. In fact, you can have a brand new pattern for your website or blog in a matter of minutes; it’s also free to use.

Some questions

How many new designs are added each week? What’s the business model?

Updates

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Michael Arrington / TechCrunch:
MySpace Opens Up The Data Pipe With Full Launch Of Data Availability  —  MySpace was the first of the Big Three to announce tools for third party sites to integrate MySpace user data into their services (called, collectively, Data Availability).  A day later Facebook announced Facebook Connect …

What it does

Startups are nothing new, nor or they confined to the insulated walls of Silicon Valley. Today, they have a global reach from Bulgaria to Australia to Baltimore. If you’ve ever wondered what the global startup spread looked like exactly, you might want to have look at StartupWarrior. Startup Warrior is a mashup of Google Maps and Crunchbase, the TechCrunch made database of technology companies. You’d be surprised how many startup hubs there actually are. There might be one in your neighborhood. It’s a good way to scope for jobs or decide whether to start your own tech company. If you want you’re startup on the map, simply update it on Crunchbase. The Startup Warrior index is refreshed weekly.

In their own words

“StartupWarrior shows the locations of computer technology companies across the globe.

Use the map to find a startup job, explore your neighborhood, or decide where you should start your own company.”

Why it might be a killer

Startup Warrior is a simple, yet informative little mashup that lets you see the global startup spread. It can be helpful for finding startups in your neighborhood or for finding a job.

Some questions

Does it really cover all the Crunchbase startups? Is it accurate?

Updates

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What it does

Balsamiq Studios has just rolled out their Mockups for Desktop plug in. This tool, the first plug released in a planned series, is designed to help users create a better UI to manage their projects more easily and efficiently. Like other Balsamiq plug ins, Mockups is designed to work in Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. To support this tool, the Balsamiq site has devoted links to support, tutorials, and samples, fully explaining the uses and benefits of the product. In one quick click, users can either download the demo, or buy the complete system and instantly install it right onto their own computer.

In their own words

“Mockups For Desktop allows you to work on your UI wherever you are, regardless of your Internet connection. It works on planes, at coffee shops, and wherever you like to do uninterrupted work. Import and Export features ensure seamless integration with all the other versions of Mockups, for when you get back online. Plus you can load and save multiple mockups files, use all keyboard shortcuts and lots more.”

Why it might be a killer

Balsamiq’s Mockups is a well-developed UI testing and creation platform that all users are bound to love. The site offers basic support to users who may be in need. An explanation of forthcoming plug ins may be useful so that users know what to expect from future developments.

Some questions

What additional benefits may other plug ins offer? What support can be introduced for them?

Updates

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