CKCS Web Publishing SIG

Review: Where do I start?

• Internet access
• Utilities (html authoring (free/shareware, purchase), graphics util, FTP
• Learn basic design principles (HTML tags, image handling)
• Find server space
• Create and publish (FTP)
• Maintain

Things to think about before developing a new website...

• Clarify your goals.  Surveys indicate that people use the net primarily for: information-gathering, education, work, shopping, entertainment, "wasting time." Which of these purposes do you intend to serve?
• Define your audience.  Who are they?  What are they interested in?  Where are they?  What is their connection speed?  What browser are they using?  What language do they speak?
• How much support will you need (input from others, tech support, time commitment, etc.)?

You should also consider your privacy.  Since your website is accessible to millions of users, carefully consider the level of personal detail that you want to offer.

Steps in the web site creation process:

• Decide the structure of your site and the layout of the pages.
• Create the text for your pages.
• Convert text to HTML.
• Graphics?
• Test your site.
• Upload to server (FTP or online upload page - depending on your web host).
• Publicize your site (link exchange, search engine optimization, tell friends and community groups, etc.)

Essential elements of a website

It is helpful to learn the basics of HTML.  Even if using a web editor to create pages, errors will occasionally creep in that require correction of the basic HTML code.  An excellent overview of HTML tags can be found in the classic "Bare Bones Guide to HTML".

Each website must contain the following elements:

• Opening HTML tag
• Head
• Title
• Body
• Closing HTML tag

Most tags work in pairs, with an opening and corresponding closing tag.  Put HTML tags in ALL CAPS for clarity.

To create a basic page, following these steps:

1. Open Notepad (or Mac text editor equivalent).
2. Enter the elements of your basic page.
3. When finished, save the page as "index.html" (lowercase)

Miscellany

A note about fonts... Arial family fonts read best on screen.

View source...

HTML examples

Browser-safe color chart

Other recommended resources:

Web Site Design Made Easy, by Dennis Gaskill

The Non-Designer's Web Book (half.com, Amazon) by Robin Williams (not the comedian)

Lexington Public Library

http://www.geocities.com/ckcs_web_pub/

http://www.unc.edu/courses/jomc050/idog.jpg