Hi Morty,

I'll PM you the address of my web page. I don't promote it much because of certain unpleasant people and other things I'll explain. I've found it extremely useful in introducing myself to new people, and besides, it's fun just learning how to do fun tricks with HTML. Many times I've posted unlinked-to pictures for people to see.

Just for fun I've read all kinds of web design advice and tutorials. I believe that with a lot of time, amateurs can produce an attractive page. I've learned things about colors and design (and fonts!) that I never knew before.

Just a few things I've picked up (I don't necessarily apply them):

1) Content is the most important.

2) Backgrounds are generally a sign of an amateur. Dark backgrounds should be used with care.

3) Put a link back to the home page on every page. Also put the name of the person/company who is responsible for the page along with contact info on the home page.

4) Try to make all pages similar stylistically.

5) Most people don't like embedded music. I personally like it...thus use it. I especially like to have a background MIDI while I read song lyrics.

6) Keep the graphics small enough that loading is reasonable. Or provide enough content for folks to read as the graphics are loading.

7) If you want people to print out info, use black colored letters. Some people don't have color printer cartridges.

8) Baby boomers (like me) like large print. There are a gazillion different fonts which all indicate a different mood (like colors.)

9) Funny things happen when the same page is viewed with different browsers. Also, notice that Max wrote the first page of Mudcat to look good on 640 X 480 resolution as well as on 800 X 600. I just go for the latter which I think your page did also.

10) You shouldn't make people read a long horizontal line. Notice how Max has short newspaper-column-type lines on the first page of the Mudcat?

11) I've found typos on nearly 90% of the personal web pages I've viewed. (Even notified Max of one on this site.) Just for fun (and minor profit) I've proofed several business pages for friends.

Just a quick look at your page...I really like the picture. And the fact that I have something to read while it's loading is good. Something about the links I found difficult to use/understand.

Later...

Mary

PS ...from Web Pages That Suck (a book on web design) --- there are only three simple reasons for creating a Web site:
1) To make money
2) To disseminate information or opinions.
3) To stroke your little ego.