aPlatypus/success

My favourite list of things to NOT do on web sites. I'll give people a bit of history, this list is not unique. The by-line date is Feb-2007. That frightens me, it is new. After 13 years with a World Wide Web (WWW), people still need to itemise these gaffs!!

Here is a condensed version. The original is kind of fiesty and a tad 'non-positive' at times.

1. Never resize browser window.
2. Home page is a home-page, not a "start here" place marker.
3. Match your web site to your audience.
4. Use XHTML .. .Flash is for being "flashy" not for web sites (sorry Al Gore).
5. Stick to 'standard looking' navigation/menu models.
6. Make it web relevant, not a 'print product' on the net.
7. Content is king -- use text, pictures, and (marketing) copy to communicate.
8. Match the current technology, Firefox, Opera, IE, W3C validators. (Think. What does your market use?)
9. Mixed bag: No flashing text, pop-ups, no "front page" (it isn't a shop), no flash intro, font download, etc.
10. Make music -- "upon request" and (turn it off)-enabled.
11. Text navigation prefered over images and stuff.
12. Consider and plan your sitemap.
13. Make browsing capability available.
14. Set adn adhere to some load-time standards -- Make it a feature!! I agree with this comment MOST pages are absolutely too slow.
15. Loud and clear message -- don't hide it.
16. Use a logically, obviously organised "story" to inform and attract.
17. Recommending flash for video shows.
18. 
    Do not hide information in 'mouse over', state it clearly and directly. Mourse overs are for surprises.
19. Think first -- plan before you do that. Design and then go away and think first.

There are extras idea from other readers -- I can pretty well stand by each one. The caveat is that these are for sites wanting to sell goods or pass on a message. If you just want to have fun and amuse yourself. Do anything you please! Kiearr'wo ... Will.

This page is full or cool reminders about important things in life and living.

"If A equals success, then the formula is: A = X + Y + Z, X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut. " ~ Albert Einstein

""There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them."" ~ Dr. Denis Waitley

There's a couple of samples. Lots of stumblers have found this page, so if you like it ... click on the "pages like ..." link, and read on. ... Will.

I support Save the Children. So does iDonate ... What are you supporting? ... Will.

... you may recognise the face -- this links to various wisdoms from one of the channels with 'source'. Fair blows me aside, really ... Will.

You gotta keep this site in the public mind (by definition)... Want your organisation to flourish? It could be a club or your private passion, these things worked for such successful organisations as the christian church, islam, amway, google, budhism, firefox ... The list of things WOM works for is endless.

One really big thing I notice with people in general and businesses and claients in particular is there is often NO strategy to generate or produce word of mouth. Hobby groups and clubs are the worst at this! Many seem to think that their passion is (a) private, (b) not of interest. The way I see it, if you are doing it you already know TEN GOOD Reasons you enjoy your business, our club, your religion, your organisation or cause!
Aloha ... Will.

This is a wonderful resource and mine of information. It goes up there with my favoruite little referecne book from teenage years: "Auatralian Bush Craft", full of practical solutions outside those supplied by commercial concerns. Fantastic! ... Will.

Everyone has a favourite. The reason I like Save the Children is because they are community improvement based around "... projects have direct benefits for children in their communities." Creating change from the grass roots.