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HotWired: Webmonkey
http://www.hotwired.com/webmonkey/
If a million webmonkeys sat at a million computers typing feverishly,
would web site construction be fully explained? The answer is yes, but
you only need a dozen or so of these monkeys. Webmonkey has employed the
best of the vanguard of Californian cyber-gurus and dished up an expansive
offering. All the latest tricks abound, presented in a clear yet humorous
and casual style. Dynamic HTML, mouse-overs, database integration, multimedia
& design tips. This reviewer almost stopped here for the rest of the
surfing session!
Verdict: The secrets of Web Construction are here... move to California
and employ a team of geniuses. --SS
Net Worth: *****
Digital Design Communications
http://www.sequel.net/~eagtarap/index.html
Philippine-based DDC presents a little too haphazardly to be taken seriously
as a place to find web construction tips. Although there are a few tid-bits
of information, good advice and some worthy links, the whole site comes
across as one built by a pre-web graphic art professional who has just
discovered the internet, has had a few visions for it, but lacks the man-hours
to complete the dream. He is obviously getting gigs designing sites, and
is trying very hard to offer a truckload of stuff here, but I think he
needs more staff to tie the load down, as it's blowing everywhere.
Verdict: The biggest lesson you'll learn here is how wrong things can
go without a good team effort. --SS
Net Worth: **
glassdog
http://www.glassdog.com/design-o-rama/
The world is being taken over by graphic artists, I'm sure of it! This
festival of mouse overs, java, and cascading style sheets will make all
but about 2.5% of web designers green with envy. Fear not, glassdog are
quite secure in their abilities, they are happy to impart some of their
knowledge to you. The chances of you ever pulling off a site like this
are almost zilch, even given the great tips, but you may glean some ideas
about web philosophy from their rather left-of-centre dissertations. Web
do's and don'ts, as well as a 'designers on design' feature are well worth
the read, along with all the technical stuff and a run down on what they
use. As they say at the glassdog, however, "no-one can tell you how to
make your Web page but you. Tools are just tools."
Verdict: Colour coded coolness. --SS
Networth: *****
Web Page Design For Designers
http://www.wpdfd.com/wpdhome.htm
Mr Joe Gillespie makes it easy for the thousands of un-webbed professional
graphic artists and designers to make the transition to the new medium.
His wealth of experience, combined with his untiring efforts and attention
to detail has created a gold mine of strategic lessons in weblifying your
already brilliant designing abilities. Joe has the high-flying credentials
that make his effort here axiomatically well executed. Case histories,
typography, graphics, palettes and navigation are some of the topics covered.
There is no HTML here, just lessons in what the web is from a designer's
point of view. The only criticism could be that the site is a little too
steeped in traditional design, and lacks the whizz-bang coolness of other
sites. I guess it comes down to what the client wants and so far, Joe's
multi-billion dollar customers seem pretty happy with his work.
Verdict: Joe jumped into the computer revolution, and only his accountant
can imagine just how high he jumped. --SS
NetWorth: *****
DZine
http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/gallery/dzine/
Essentially and e-zine about web design, put together by students of design,
DZine attempt to provide a link between aesthetics and technical accomplishment.
It is a collection of essays, more than anything else, plus technical
tips on CGI/shockwave issues, advanced HTML and Java, and a nice guide
on the process of creating a site from scratch. The funny thing is that
the site itself is pretty devoid of design excellence. They talk the talk,
but do they code the code?
Verdict: Bookmark this site... then sell your computer. --SS
Net Worth: *
JZ Presents - Ask Doctor Web
http://www.zeldman.com/faq.html
Another gun HTML programmer (this guy loves raw code in text editors),
Jeffrey Zeldman has been spending many a spare moment throwing this baby
together. It's his hobby away from the world of advertising, so you could
excuse him for his excessive creative writing and jocular style. He has
set the site up as if he is being interviewed, which, I guess he has,
via hundreds of emailed questions. The questions are diverse and involved,
covering cascading style sheets, multimedia, content, tools and tricks.
An entertaining and informative read from a guy who knows his stuff from
the ground up, although one gets the feeling that perhaps by refusing
to leave the text-based editing alone, programmers are missing out on
new developments or at least restricting themselves to a narrower view
of possibilities.
Verdict: Doctor, doctor, give me the news, I got a bad case of HTML blues.
--SS
NetWorth: ****
Professor Pete's Page
http://www.professorpete.com/
Looking at the web and web construction from a business point of view
is the approach taken here by the good professor. It takes the form of
a tutorial, beginning with an introduction, which is basically an overview
of what the internet is, and some statistics on usage. Three lessons follow,
covering what the internet could mean to you, the owner of a business,
defining your needs, and designing a site. The professor's knowledge is
evident in the writing, but the design of the site is very plain. The
information is succinct and poignant, especially if your understanding
of the power of the web is less than clear. The good professor has then
decided to mark a few sites for excellence, and link you to them as examples
of what he is talking about.
Verdict: Internet 101, the prerequisite to any further study. --SS
NetWorth: ***
Top Ten Ways To Tell If You Have A Sucky Home Page
http://www.glover.com/sucky.html
With a title like that, you'd think this was going to be a zany and wacky
site, filled with giggles galore as you poke fun at other people's bad
taste. Actually, it is a light-heartedly presented, but very informative
lesson in site construction. The top 10 might not be too funny either,
if you suddenly realise that your own web site contains a lot of these
terrible things! What is great is the "sucky to savvy" section, where
each bad web design element is pulled apart and you are shown how you
can improve your ghastly mistakes and make the "suck-o-meter" read a little
lower. There are lots of smart tips too, and the whole thing is very easy
to understand. The graphics are kinda cute as well. The wackiest thing
about this site is the guy who created it. Go see his trip to Disneyland!
The site itself is very sensible indeed
Verdict: Highly handy hints for homepages --SS
NetWorth: *****
Top Ten Mistakes in Web Design (Alertbox May 1996)
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9605.html
Another top 10 site, with a few repeats here. There are some great insights
here, and if you follow the link back to other Alertbox columns, you will
find yourself browsing through some pretty fascinating reading. Covered
are such topics as the web's impact on our lives, the challenges that
face us as we hurtle into the information age and the implication of various
aspects of web technology on our lives. It may give you the insight you
need to develop your own web presence with a perspective on the future
that many other pioneers don't seem to have. It's a computer, Jakob, but
not as we know it.
Verdict: A deep existential search into the whole web concept thing. --SS
Networth: ****
BUILDER.COM
http://www.builder.com/
Part of the family of CNET web sites and services, this site delivers
to the extent that one might expect from an internet giant. Content is
massive while navigation remains easy. This is a one-stop resource for
anything remotely concerned with web construction. You can go straight
to the top software companies from here and download trial versions of
the latest goodies. Whether you are a developer, designer, business owner
or casually interested surfer, this site delivers kilotons of weightless
electrons to build your very own cyber office tower and mansion.
Verdict: The bricks and mortar, plumbing and roofing, paint and wallpaper
of cyberspace, --SS
NetWorth: *****
ZDNet InternetUser --Site Designers
http://www.zdnet.com/products/iu/designers/
Another 'essentials' site for web designers and builders. This mammoth
is split into areas ranging from basics to advanced web users. There is
a designers chat area, so you can discuss problems and ideas. Any site
like this, which is heavily sponsored and highly commercial, is going
to have plenty on offer. You will no doubt find, though, that when you
get to the juicy bits, you're going to have to pay real money for a book
or a CDROM to get what you need. Sure, it's all here, but perhaps you
could get a lot further along your own learning curve elsewhere on the
net before you need to shell out too much cash. Verdict: Check it out,
then head for the check out. --SS
NetWorth: ****
AndyWeb
http://www.andyweb.com/
The "home of website tips and tricks" offers some free button and ruler
graphics for you to use, style tips, HTML tips, Photoshop tips and more,
in a stylishly presented award-winning site. Andy's graphics have a certain
look to them, which you might like, but I don't recommend you go filling
up your home page with them. The site was in a redesign phase at the time
of review, so no doubt you will find more than I did when you go to look.
It's another case of not enough hands making unmanageable work, I suspect.
Verdict: Bookmark and reload regularly it could be worth it. --SS
Networth: ***
Webmaster Territory
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~bako/webmaster/index2.htm
With a very nifty but simple mouse-over menu, this site encourages you
to become part of the Webmaster revolution. You, too can become a webmaster,
and with their backgrounds and textures, animated icons and Java applets,
it should be that little bit easier. Still a little "under construction"
the future of this site looks rosy. I'd like to see thumbnails of the
backgrounds rather than a framed page and a text list of their names.
Try your luck, you might find just the thing you are looking for to spruce
up your drab web.
Verdict: A bit light on the tips, but a good library of pics. --SS
Networth: ***
Beyond the Bones of HTML
http://www.avalon.net/~librarian/bones/
Here is another on-line tutorial by a self-appointed expert on design
and web construction. It seems the web is teeming with geniuses. Trouble
is, they all seem to be able to tell you what looks bad (as if you didn't
know) but these tutorial sites are rather dull in their design. Sure,
there are tips and tricks, tips and tricks, and the odd trick and tip,
but really, these guys are teachers, not doers. I'd rather learn from
someone who can strut their stuff in the real world more than in a classroom.
It might be time for some kind of standard of excellence to be introduced,
but then again, why not let every man and his dog think he's a genius.
At least he feels good, even if no one else cares.
Verdict: A design tutorial, with the emphasis on ..uh... nothing --SS
NetWorth: **
A Style Guide For Those With No Style
http://www2.hawaii.edu/jay/styleguide/
That includes the person who made this site! Yet another self-confessed
style expert here, telling you how bad blinking text looks on a web page,
and why you shouldn't use yellow text on a white background. When it comes
to what you should do instead, the ideas and examples are as plentiful
as smorgasbords in Somalia. The site is as plain as flour and deep as
a paddling pool. Well-meaning, but leave it to the real masters.
Verdict: Like the title says, follow this style guide, and you will have
no style. --SS
Networth: *
Webpage 101
http://www.timtv.com/webpage101/
This site doesn't promise anything more than it delivers. It is a good
beginner's course in basic HTML. It starts from complete scratch and moves
you through the fundamental elements of web page programming. Even though
there are many WYSIWYG web editors out there, it doesn't hurt to go through
this course, just to get an understanding of what this whole web page
phenomenon is founded upon. Soon it may all be hidden completely, so if
you get in now, you may have the jump on the point and click web moron
of the future. If you want to get a web page up really quick, you are
sent to a few sites that offer a web wizard service, but try the raw text
first.
Verdict: Thanks for all the advice, now my web site looks like crap. --SS
NetWorth: ****
Vlib - The Web Developers Library
http://www.stars.com/Vlib/Providers/
Serious stuff here, for web developers who have been indoctrinated into
the world of HTML years ago. Now they move into CGI, Forms, databases,
PERL, SGML, VRML and any other 'L the geeks of this world can invent.
This is a professional resource, and as such is a goldmine of information,
software, tutorials, advice, links and glossaries. It's a complete library,
as claimed. You can be assured that the cutting edge stuff is well represented
here, too. Not that anyone knows how to use it! If you are confused, you
can bone up with the many books available here.
Verdict: Here are the REAL tips and tricks. Hundreds of them! --SS
NetWorth: *****
The Web Design Resource
http://www.pageresource.com/
A nice and friendly place to brush up your web design repertoire. Many
sections are included here. It's not hard core programmer land, just handy
helpful advice for anyone who is travelling the steep learning curve of
webology. A nice feature here not found on a lot of sites like this is
the area about promoting your site. Join their mailing list, chat with
others, follow links, and generally fill your brain and your web page
with goodies that might just push your hit counter over the 25 mark.
Verdict: Helpful, easy to follow, just like your site will be one day.
--SS
Networth: ****
Laurie McCanna's Free Art Site
http://www.mccannas.com/
Understandably, this website is getting a lot of hits. Its author is also
the author of a top selling "how-to" book about web graphics. It's a bit
of a misnomer, as there aren't too many free graphics here, but there
are certainly plenty of free tips and hint on a wide variety of graphic-related
issues. Programs such as Photoshop, Corel, Paint Shop Pro are given plenty
of web time, along with how to create your own font, links to free graphic
resources, and a nice 911 graphic emergency section, for those troublesome
times you may have in your favourite application. Once you visit here,
you may well wish to buy the book.
Verdict: Free art SITE, not free ART, silly --SS
NetWorth: ***
The Web Developers Virtual Library
http://stars.com/
Part of the web developer's library feature earlier in these reviews,
this is the master page for all thing web. An on line encyclopaedia which
covers anything you might care to wonder about, and a few things you might
not have even heard of. This is the business end of web construction,
so if you are a beginner, or even intermediate, perhaps you should just
keep on clicking. If you bookmark it, by the time you are ready to understand
it, these guys will be downloading stuff from Andromeda.
Verdict: If you are in real deep, dive deeper. --SS
Networth: *****
BigNoseBird
http://bignosebird.com/
It seems that as a rule, if the people who are offering web construction
advice have a sense of humour, their advice will be of a higher standard.
This is a case in point. Smart advice, heaps of free stuff like scripts
and graphics, and more information than you can poke a feather at. BigNoseBird
is more than just a web construction site. It covers so many aspects of
the internet with a few bonus services thrown in, that you'll have to
bookmark it and return to the nest often, to preen your talents, and fly
above the competition.
Verdict: Birds don't have noses. Who cares, beakmark this site anyway--SS
NetWorth: ****
Developer.com
http://www.developer.com/
With a name like this, unless it was registered by a photographer or a
real estate mogul, you would expect a seriously happening site for seriously
happening web developers. If this is you ("of course it is", I hear you
say) then go see for yourself. We are talking UNIX, C+, C++ C++++, D##,
X**, and all the jargon you can poke a glossary at. Jobs are available
here in this elite world as well as all your usual resources, links, classifieds,
directories etc.. All those ways this wonderfully developed web has been
created by you, the genius, to make the world a better place.
Verdict: As a child, you were an early developer, as an adult, you earn
$100K+. --SS
Networth: *****
Guide To Web Style - Welcome
http://www.usec.sun.com/styleguide/
From the offices of Sun Microsystems, comes their very own "cookbook"
on web site design and construction. Comprehensive, of course it is, covering
such lesser covered concepts as why the hell you want a web site in the
first place, and who the hell is going to look at it. Netiquette is touched
on as well, along with a healthy dose of all the standard stuff all the
other sites are doing. The author has tried very hard to keep his job
at Sun, and I think he should feel quite secure. Check it out, all the
recipes are here.
Verdict: The Sun is shining, and so will your website. --SS
NetWorth: ***
Project Cool Developer Zone
http://www.projectcool.com/developer/
One of the co-founders of Project Cool is the originator of the "Cool
Site of the Day" award. These guys have been in there swinging since those
heady early days of 1994. The vision is to create a powerful network of
web designers, to further the future of the web away from the huge multinationals
and towards the true visionaries. You could be one of them, so get cool
and visit this site. In their words "anyone can build a great website",
and help is at hand.
Verdict: Project Cool is a web hot spot. --SS
NetWorth: ****
WebReference.com (sm)
http://www.webreference.com/
You're sitting there. You're half way through constructing some multinational
corporation's website, but you have hit a brick wall. The banner ad code
you just banged up isn't slick enough. Enter WebReference. A vast ocean
of webographical netology. There would be very little this site couldn't
do for you, the webmaster. The front page alone has enough links to keep
your mouse click-happy for weeks. If it's not here, it probably sucks.
Verdict: Say goodbye to the rest of your life, you'll be spending it here!
--SS
NetWorth: *****
The SiteCreator Channel
http://www.btinternet.com/~mike.bednarek/sitecreator/index.htm
A nicely laid out front page takes you to all the web stuff on offer.
This site is concise and comprehensive, and has quite a bit of Java stuff
on it. Check out the site map, it's an applet that sets out the site like
Windows Explorer - nifty. It will also show you how much is available
for you here. Part of the Java WebRing, you can jump from here to hundreds,
maybe millions of Java sites.
Verdict: What they have should keep you occupied for a while. What they
don't have, they link to. --SS
NetWorth:
Internet.com
http://www.internet.com/
From Mecklermedia, the internet media company comes the domain name to
end all domain names - internet.com! Obviously this is a giant of the
world wide web scene, and the site holds up well. The emphasis is on media,
so it is a bit more on the news, press releases and industry report side
of things, but there are still plenty of resources. If it happens, you
will find out about it right here. If you want it to happen, they will
tell you how.
Verdict: These guys organise the trade shows all the others attend. Say
no more. --SS
NetWorth: *****
WebDeveloper.com
http://www.webdeveloper.com/
Another section of the gargantuan internet.com world, this is the specific
section dedicated to web construction. It's all one and the same here,
just one huge mind-boggling whirlpool of jargon, technology and corporate
architecture of the once alternative world of cyberspace. You'd better
catch up here if you want to compete with the big boys.
Verdict: The Web is developing faster than Paul Keating ever imagined.
--SS
NetWorth: *****
Site Builder Workshop
http://www.microsoft.com/workshop/default.asp
Microsoft tutorial site for you and your Microsoft Internet products covers
everything you could care to mention. If you bought the product, you'd
probably come here anyway, according to the instruction manual. As much
content and help as there is here, and as interconnected as the products
are, the site is so humourless and dry that I'd much rather learn my stuff
elsewhere.
Verdict: Where do you want to go today? Somewhere else. --SS
NetWorth: ****
DevEdge Online
http://www.miracles.win-uk.net/LifeAfterDeath/
Netscape's answer to Microsofts answer to Netscape's answer to Microsoft's
...well, there is a lot going on here, as with their opposition, so I
guess you just choose your team and go with it. The information provided
here is well set out from the Front Page, and you, the Explorer can Access
their entire Office full of Word's on developing websites that Excel.
As a Publisher, your Outlook will improve and you will Recycle a lot less
of your old material. Many Windows of opportunity.
Verdict: Seriously, the technology here is hot, and is well worth a visit.
-- SS
NetWorth: *****
Web Developer's Journal - Web News and Reviews for Suits, Ponytails, Prop
Heads
http://www.webdevelopersjournal.com/
The humour is here so it follows, like I said before, that the juicy info
is here too. "Suits" get web business and marketing tools, "PonyTails"
get cool graphics and design stuff, and "Propeller Heads" get all the
programming tools they need to stay on the cutting edge of Poindexterism.
Being a journal, you will be well advised to bookmark this site as it
will constantly be updated with the latest trends and news of life in
cyberspace. It may be worth joining the email list, just to stay in touch
with these dudes.
Verdict: Whatever your bent, these guys are bent enough to cater to you.
--SS
NetWorth: *****
Web Review
http://webreview.com/wr/pub
This magazine is right into finding out what's really happening out there
in the world of freelance web design. Besides offering a bunch of technical
help for you to "master the medium", they take you to sites that might
inspire your own creativity. Since freelancers are catered for here, the
advice is much more supportive and nurturing, as they understand that
you might not have a mega-budget, or a team of geniuses working under
you.
Verdict: Join your comrades, freelancers unite! --SS
NetWorth: ****
MSC Resource Centre
http://www.michaelshea.com/resourcecenter.htm
Although this site has good intentions and a slightly different slant
on things than some sites, the content is not really here in great enough
quantity to rank it up there with the cream. One thing they do remind
us about is the cost of web construction, and that maybe this should be
considered while we dive headfirst into internet mania. If you're not
going to make money out of it, perhaps you'd be better off taking a nice
holiday on a tropical island.
Verdict: Worth a peek. --SS
NetWorth: ****
HotSyte - The JavaScript Resource
http://www.serve.com/hotsyte/
Dedicated to the much talked about Java element of web programming, HotSyte
has a fair swag on offer. Founded on the belief in an open exchange of
ideas, they hope to demystify Java, and make it useful enough and problem-free
enough for everyone to use. If you are into Java, this "Syte" is into
you.
Verdict: HotSyte is cool. --SS
NetWorth: ****
JavaScript World
http://www.jsworld.com/
The name says it all. This is the one stop Java shop where the facts,
figures, info and a whole swathe of scripts for you to steal for your
own use are provided. Subscribe to the newsletter to remain up to date
on developments, and pick up the hot gossip from the experts on how to
do the phat, fly and funky Java shuffle.
Verdict: It's a Java, Java, Java, Java world.--SS
NetWorth: ****
Webmaster-resources
http://www.webmaster-resources.com/
A very practical approach to the concept of web design. They take a good
overview of the whole process and include how to increase traffic to your
site, using mailing lists, promotion ideas and other factors much less
concerned with computer code and much more about the whole business of
having a site of your own.
Verdict: Neat, practical, helpful. Good enough to visit. --SS
Networth: ***
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