Can. Ch. LD (Canadian Champion Literacy Dog)

HTML Stuff

Editor of choice was HTMLpad. This is a complete, straightforward and easy to use piece of software. It does an amazing amount but keeps things simple. Not WYSIWYG but allows you to edit to the smallest detail.

Browser of choice is Netscape 4.0. This site should also work well with MSIE 3+ (let me know if it doesn't). We prefer to use Netscape at this point.

Design - Tables were used not only to monitor the presentation of content, but to enhance the user interface design and navigation around the site. A template was constructed and used as the basis of each page. Each time a new page was begun it was saved using "File-Save As..". It contained the JPEG of Buddy, the main title, the side menu bar (graphics) as well as a text bar and page update script at the bottom and captions for the scrolling ticker. The display resolution is 640 x 480.

The navigation bar was constructed using individual button icons created in Paint Shop Pro 4.14 (using the "buttonize" feature). Paintshop Pro is a great program for not only designing icons but converting images between various formats. The main title was drawn, also with PSP, using the "drop shadow" effect. Windy's Fashionable Page Designs was the source for images used to make the background and buttons. We used graphics from one of Windy's designer sets.

Interactivity - Buddy is really a cute dog and kids should love writing to him. However there is more to this site than just his pretty face. We offer:

Sight and sound with graphic and midi files
A theme oriented approach (Christmas/Holiday at this point)
Choice of stories to write
Publishing of stories
Participatory puzzles or games for skill reinforcement
Email and form-based communication to write and submit
Guestbook to provide instant feedback on the writing

Crescendo is a plugin used to play midi files. They sound great. The Javascript used in conjunction with Crescendo offers an alternative to browsers and non-Mime compliant servers that offer challenges to the webmaster. Only drawback is that not all users have this and need to download it. Once you do, you'll never go back.

Guestbook provided by Lpage (formerly Guestbook World). This is free and relatively easy to install. Provides signing and viewing capabilities.

Counter was provided by Page Counter . Again, free and easy to incorporate. You can decide on the type of ad you wish them to place on your counter.

Javascripts (I'm becoming proficient with Cut and Paste) were used to automate these functions:

Random Quotes: Literacy tips that change when the page is reloaded. Draws from a base of comments you can provide
Music: The midi/browser/server controversy (see above)
Page Updates: Saves time by inserting automatic updates, then sending out a cookie (Webmaster loves chocolate chip) to the visitor and advises them if the page has changed since their last visit.
Scrolling Ticker: Scrolling captions preview the page.

Print References always come in handy:

PC Novice Guide to Building Websites (Vol.5 Issue 10), Sandhills Publishing, 1997
The 10 Secrets for Web Success: What it Takes to do Your Site Right, by Bryan Pfaffenberger & David Wall, Ventana Communications Group, Inc., 1996.

Online References are great to get ideas and inspiration as well as for troubleshooting:

Comments or questions about this site should be directed to the Webmaster.