Avoiding Making a Bad Web Page

Exercise #1

After going through my pages and the list of 'pet peeves', I have to say that the only one I can think would be true of my pages would be the 'construction' sign. That's why I chose to make my own and let it say coming soon. It was simply a place holder for the coming weeks, so if someone clicked on the link to that page, they didn't get white space.

What Is Meant By Web Page Design?

I'm still working on number 4 of the list in this category. But then again, this one can be subjective. There are those out there who do not like backgrounds at all, then there are those who love a pretty background. I just try to be tasteful with my graphics. I also usually try to make the background fit the mood of the page.

Planning a Well Designed Page

Exercise #2

My virtual notebook pages fit more than 1 category. They are personal in nature, academic to a degree, some creative expression, and some informational value.

Exercise #3

My target audience will be different depending on which section of these pages you visit. My VU pages have a target audience of family, friends, classmates, and instructors. These would need a bit more formal tone than my family pages, which are intended for family and friends. However, if I had professional purpose pages, then I would need to be even more formal for that audience.

Exercise #4

Right now I have my pages separated into three categories: education, family, and friends...each with it's own subcategories. Eventually, I will be adding a writing category, as I am an aspiring writer, and a genealogy category. I pretty much know what I want to convey on these pages. This may grow and change over time, but that's all part of growth, right?

Turning Ideas into A Great Page

Exercise #5

I have a different look for each category on my pages. But I keep to a theme on each subject. For instance, all my html pages have the same theme, all of my psp pages have the same theme, etc. I'm considering toying with the sidebar navigation, but that would not work on a page with a border, unless I put it on the right side. An interesting thought.

There is also the possiblity of putting a link at increments to go back to the top and one to take you to the navigation area as well.

Exercise #6

Considering the fact that I am planning on an ongoing effort to learn, learn, learn, and show my progress here, I think I can say that I can and will keep updating my pages. Just not my virtual notebook, I want to be able to see a contrast as I learn.

Review Your Page

I cannot say that my page is perfect. But it is the best that I know how to do at the moment. I've tried to make sure that everything needed is included. I run my code through 2 validators, W3C, and WDG. I did however fond something interesting. My pages are at geocities.com, they have a banner on them, on the side, however in Opera the banner does not show up, at least I get a look at what they would look like if I upgrade.