I hope you find that this guide to HTML is totally unlike any other guide you've run across. My approach is to pass on those things I've learned in the process (sometimes painful) of creating my own web site. I have used a large number of reference sites on the Internet and a few good books to help me get through the HTML coding. But I was always frustrated by the lack of a single, cohesive reference that I could use to answer basic questions I had.

I've been following some newsgroups on HTML authoring. I have tried to answer questions posed by some of the newcomers. But in giving my answers, I realized that my original dilemna was continuing. My answers consisted of a series of sites that, put together, would answer most of their questions - if they could work their way through the more technical discussions of the various aspects of creating a page.

So...realizing that there are many 'HTML Guides' out there...I decided that one more wouldn't hurt! I have drawn heavily on the references available to me and I have listed them in my Acknowledgement. I think these selfless authors deserve a great deal of gratitude for the work they have done. But now it's my turn in the barrel.

• I have a very straightforward bias in my presentation.
• I am not a purist by any stretch of the imagination.
• I do believe in good coding style.
• I definitely feel that the message must be presented so that it interests the reader.
• I have slowly been converted to the idea that I am not in control of the final appearance of the document.
• I have realized that Netscape is not the only browser out there.
• I've given up on trying to compete with the big companies, the movie sites and all the glamour sites that startle me when I pull them up.

It's back to basics, the technical creation of a web site. Learn all of this and you'll have a foundation upon which to build an excellent site.

One caution -- building web sites is very addictive. It's so easy to get caught up in the building that you forget why you're doing the site in the first place. Keep in mind the message you are trying to convey. Try to remember your loved ones on birthdays and anniversaries. And if your dog starts barking at you when you come home then maybe it's time to take a little break from the Internet (but not too long -- you can always get a new dog).

How to Use This Guide

I organized my material in a way that I wish I had seen it. I start out with the assumption that you are very impatient and want to get your site available immediately. You can't wait to join the millions of other 'cool' people that have their very own URL.

Once your immediate urge is somewhat satisfied then we can sit down and talk about what web pages are all about. There are two chapters that provide some background and food for thought as you turn to the task of adding to your site.

Then I take you one feature at a time through the enhancements you will want to make to your pages. I start with a simple matter of creating links (isn't that what the web is all about?) and carry right on through Netscape's frames. I'll tell you about JAVA (unless I get a chance to use it and learn something useful).

For the really serious authors I'll show you where and how to validate your pages to make sure they conform to some standard or another. Some of these resources can actually point out some of your keying mistakes as well (it's called LINT). Believe me, it can really save some time trying to spot the forgotten punctuation.

What's the use of publishing a page if nobody knows you're there? So publicize it. I'll show you ways to get posted to directories, let the search engines know you're alive and other ways to get your site in front of the surfers.

I've just touched the tip of the iceberg. There are thousands of sites on the Internet that cover advanced how-to topics. I'll let them do it -- for now -- and I'll tell you how to get to them. I also acknowledge the key sites that helped me in my research for this guide. You'll be able to visit them as well.

Finally, a feature I would have found most useful, a set of Appendices that list the HTML tags three different ways linked to a full description of each tag.

Enjoy! And if you want my honest opinion of your finished (or in-progress) site just let me know. I'm full of opinions and I need to get rid of some of them!

Other Guides and Tutorials

Speaking of opinions - I have looked at some other sites that offer HTML instruction, reference and guidance. After completing this work (a much bigger task than I first thought) I fully appreciate the effort others have invested in their work. I offer my view of the world to the web authoring group, hoping that someone may find something useful in it. I'm not out for profit or competition. I know that sounds a little corny but that's the way it is. As I run across other tutorials I'll list them here so you can check them out for yourself and eventually find all the information you need.

On that note, I would like to point you to a site -   HTMLementary™ produced by P.J. LaBrocca. It is very easy to navigate with contents on the left and examples and explanations on the right. Navigation buttons are always in view at the top. When you get down to doing color stuff be sure to check out the WebColorCalc™ from the same site! You'll be glad you did.

Another site you can look at is - Webmonkey - HTML Reference produced by the folks at HotWired. I know it's commercial (but free) but it offers a quick reference cheat sheet. Maybe it's what some of you are looking for. I like a little more information personally.

If you have a favorite I'll be happy to add it to this section. The more the merrier.

Michael T. Rusk
Comments to author: mrusk@radix.net

All contents copyright © 1996-1997, Michael T. Rusk
All rights reserved.

Revised: December 03, 1997 10:51 -0500
URL: ./htmlgd/whatoffr.html