Boodie Title Shadow Bud

Can. Ch. LD (Canadian Champion Literacy Dog) Canadian Flag

HTML .etc

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 notebook tab icons created in Paint Shop Pro 5.01 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. Georgia O'Keeffe School was the source of inspiration for our background design.

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

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

Mailing List is a service of Listbot. This is a free service offered by LinkExchange. Great idea for schools or other educational sites to keep visitors informed so they'll come back again and again.

Counter was provided by LinkExchange's FastCounter . 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.

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