1. July 1998Thane Terrill Using the Web Thane B. Terrill Summer 1998

2. July 1998Thane Terrill Know your message Wanting a web page for your organization is no different from wanting a paper-based publication: you must know what you want. 4 Know what you want to say! 4 Who is the audience? 4 Understand the advantages and disadvantages of your format. Just as a book is different from a flyer, web pages also differ. A computer display has unique advantages and disadvantages that must be considered.

3. July 1998Thane Terrill Limitations to consider 4 a web page is not a page -- it's should not be treated the same way a piece of paper is treated a computer screen has only a fraction of the resolution a piece of paper has and thus can contain much less text 4 one can use or misuse color very easily -- the more powerful the tool, the more dangerous it is 4 text, sound and video are very difficult to copyright -- a real problem for those wishing to earn money from what they place on the Internet

4. July 1998Thane Terrill Web etiquette 4 Identify yourself and provide opportunity for feedback 4 Be considerate of users with slow modems 4 Avoid wall-to-wall text 4 If you use jargon, define it 4 Test your web site on many browser versions and at multiple screen resolutions 4 Avoid using low contrast situations: like yellow type on white background or small type over a busy pattern 4 Never use blinking text 4 Avoid scrolling whenever possible

5. July 1998Thane Terrill Web hints 4 Form follows function. If you know what you are doing, that knowledge should suggests the content and style of the web site. 4 Content is king. Graphics are nice -- especially if they relay important information -- but information is what most serious users want. Heavy use of graphics can frustrate people who regularly visit your site. 4 Pay attention to download times. Most web developers have very good connections to the Internet and many users have very poor connections to the Internet. Remember: it's the user the counts.

6. July 1998Thane Terrill Web hints 4 You don't control your environment. Your publishing will look different depending on the browser and on the computer being used. Review your site on as many systems as possible so as to avoid surprises. 4 Beware of the "latest thing" in web design. Your developer may want to learn new things, but the user may not be so interested. 4 Your work is never done. If you think you're going to finish a web site, don't bother to start. Web sites are always dynamic -- except of course for the bad ones.