Website validated!!!!!  Note the 59 errors are all google (mainly) - well works in all browsers I tested the site on!!  What the??##$!!

Website…….

Here is the link to website.

http://utopiandream.uuuq.com/stonefest/index.html

Tutorials and CSS markup….

Catching up on last 3 videos….also trying to fathom CSS - now I understand it since I have seen a few good example websites.  Now to work out how to code!

CSS and graphics for final site….

This week I have been experimenting with Painter X to get some cool graphics on my site - two reasons for using Painter - I want to learn Painter X and I also think it has some advantages over PS.  I will still use Illustrator to do my links/icon graphics.  Also some more news - thanks to stimulus package I lashed out and bought the 4x6” Wacom Bamboo Fun - I would get a 12” if money wasn’t a problem but the bamboo seems to be quite good in any case.  Also has the advantage that it is quite portable and could move with my mininote if required. Oh yeah this model comes with a cordless/batteryless mouse that you use on the tablet surface like a mousemat if you wish.  Another plus when used with a notebook.  Here is my first ever tablet image using the Wacom.  See next post.

Basic HTML markup….

The basic HTML markup was done last week in class.  Geoff had some good hints on how to code it so that converting to CSS is easier (ie unordered lists and using as little html as possible).  I also explored the CSS templates in Dreamweaver.  Will look at favourite sites to see how they use CSS.  Also reading more of the textbook.

Design reference notes….

7 key characteristics of the 5 web sites are:

1. Easy to read and navigate
2. Generally not overloaded with graphics (inhabitat however is slow due to ads)
3. Main page is accessible by clicking the logo of the site
4. Design wise they are simple but effective
5. They are updated often
6. Have a search feature
7. Have multiple sponsored links to relevant businesses or deals

Inhabitat again.  This image shows Inhabitats main failure - the width of the body text is quite narrow, formated for older SVGA rather that XGA displays.  The width seems to be there more for the advertising than the news.  See all the blank green space on the RHS.

Engadget.  Example of what I was talking about. See right hand side vs left.

Website done….

Well the website is finally done.  Praying for a pass.  Not very happy with site but it works.  CSS looks like fun if only I could use it properly!  Other websites look awesome.  Tried to get my two title graphics done by css style but no success.  Had to quit and do it using plain old html and graphic tricks.  CSS style used is simple but works.

Blog customisation….

Just finishing the blog customisation.  Changed background and font.  Might try 1 or 2 more things…..don’t want to change the look too much.

First ever Wacom tablet touchup image.

HTML Markup…..

Basic markup done.  Now to check on CSS features and capabilities.

Now to strip data from Stonefest…..

I wonder how long this will take?

Well that only took a few minutes to save as page source - however Safari would not let me save the site as an html web archive…….page source/html version is all I needed anyway.

Now the next step is to import relevant text into dreamweaver.

And finally WIKI.  We all use it.  Don’t deny it.  I use WIKI as a first port-of-call for finding out about a topic.  Usually leads to more relevant and better referenced material.  Always good as a cross checking reference source.  It is google-esk in its performance (due to lack of extraneous graphics, advertising, and java).  It is Gutenburg like in its significance - whereas GB let the masses read on the cheap and educate themselves, WIKI allows the masses to do the reverse!

Inhabitat.  Eco design at its best.  This website showcases concepts and actual products in all the design fields.  The sites main drawback is it is quite slow to load.  Possibly due to all the advertising on the site.  Updates seem to be sporadic - best to check only weekly or fortnightly.