About this Site - Coding & Design
This site was originally created on 27 February 2002. It serves two primary functions:
- to allow me to learn web-site programming and design, which I am teaching myself in my spare time
- to allow me to post my genealogical research interests and files.
It may, from time-to-time, serve other purposes as well.
Visitors will note these two main functions do not always work hand-in-hand. I do hope the genealogy files posted here will benefit as large an audience as possible. But, not all genealogists have the latest computer equipment with up-to-date web browsers. I do not fault anyone for that. However, I cannot limit my training in web design simply to meet the requirements of the ever-decreasing number of people still using outdated browser software. As the warning on the Welcome page states, this site is best viewed using the latest browsers. It can be viewed with older browsers but it won't quite format correctly. Fortunately, though, it is still quite legible both on-screen and in print.
Website Development:
I began teaching myself HTML in late February 2002 after a friend demonstrated the basics to me. Once I began creating my own pages, I decided to post my efforts to the world wide web for all to see. This allows me to become familiar with file transfer protocols, permits others to view my efforts and offer constructive criticisms and pointers, and exposes my work to a multitude of other browser types and resolution settings, again with the idea of attracting helpful comments.
I do not use any web design programs (visual editors) such as Front Page or DreamWeaver. My personal belief is that manual coding will better help me to learn and understand the basics of HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, Javascript, etc. For a beginner, the use of visual (WYSIWYG) editors does more to teach one how to use the software itself then the codes, functions, and processes behind it.
I use either Notepad, TextEdit or Text Wrangler as HTML editors, depending on whether I'm using my Window's-based desktop or my MacBook Pro. Graphics are created using PhotoShop CS3, which also serves as my primary RAW converter and image editor. I am currently using the latest version of Firefox as my default browser, and maintain copies of the latest versions of Opera, Safari and Internet Explorer (PC only) for design testing and various other purposes. But for a few minor differences (namely Microsoft's continued refusal to conform to W3C standards), the latest browsers tend to display pages in an identical manner. I understand that some people still rely on older versions of the web browsers: they may not see these pages as intended.
My pages do incorporate some Javascript but, with the exception of my photography site, do so only for analytical purposes. For the most part, disabling Javascript will not adversely affect my sites.
As I learn more of the concepts and functions of web design, regular visitors can expect to see changes in the site's lay-out. These may be barely perceptible or they may involve a major re-design of the entire site. Such alterations will not affect the genealogical material posted to the site.
Web Design Resources:
My main reference book is "HTML for the World Wide Web, 5th Edition, with XHTML and CSS" by Elizabeth Castro. She does a wonderful job of both presenting the basics as well as providing information on more advanced functions and features. Beginners who may get confused by the references to XHTML and CSS may want to try to locate a copy of the 4th edition of her book, which concentrates much more on the basic HTML.
I use Cascading Style Sheets: The Definitive Guide (2nd Edition)" by Eric A. Meyer as my primary reference for CSS. I also use his book "Eric Meyer on CSS: Mastering the Language of Web Design" as a supplementary guide, especially when I need to reference working examples of CSS. Designed for intermediate to advanced users, it is a good follow-up to the basic CSS discussed in Liz Castro's book. This book has a companion website that provides all the projects, code, and errata. Eric Meyer maintains his personal website at Meyerweb.com. It contains links to his CSS Information page as well as his cutting-edge CSS design demos at CSS/Edge.
My reference for Javascript is "Javascript for the World Wide Web, 4th Edition" by Tom Negrino and Dori Smith. This book is now in its 5th edition, as reflected on the website. I would highly recommend any of the Visual Quickstart Guide titles from Peachpit Press for novice web designers.
A good on-line reference for both novices and more advanced programmers is the HTML Goodies website. It contains many good tutorials as well as tips, tricks, and free code for many of the neat format and design features that you've seen on the web but didn't know how to do.
Web Design Philosophies:
My primary design philosophies were simplicity, ease of use, and a standardized appearance within each individual site. I still adhere to these basic principals.
Web Design Portfolio:
Obviously, this personal site was my first design effort. It continues to be the most up-to-date of my websites. However, in order to save space, I have simplified the design considerably: thus, it no longer employs many of the techniques I have learned along the way. I have sacrificed form in favour of function which, in the grand scheme, really isn't all that bad...
In late 2002, I had the opportunity to work on my first commercial site. It was developed for my then employer, 3D Design Inc. The experience was rewarding. It was simple and straightforward, yet incorporated a couple of design features that were new to me at the time. And, it is always a little more demanding when you are designing to meet someone else's criteria and expectations. Unfortunately, they have since (Dec 2004) switched to a commercial site designer so my original design is no longer available for viewing.
In April 2004 I completed an upgrade to the New Brunswick Genealogical Society website. The primary purpose in the re-design was to "modernize" the look and feel of the site. Secondary considerations included a more efficient grouping of the various sub-pages and the ability to expand upon the site content while maintaining a consistent format and navigation system. The NBGS site was the first of mine to employ CSS to any great extent. It was also the first to use CSS to accomplish certain functions normally done with Javascript, since the use of Javascript and other scripting was not permitted by the site host. I maintained the site, as NBGS Webmaster, until I relinquished the role in early 2010.
Another commercial design was completed for Shannon Security Ltd. The main criteria for this site were simplicity while maintaining a "professional" look and feel. It subscribed to my personal design philosophies of: common interface, ease of use and ease of maintenance. Both the XHTML and CSS were W3C standards compliant to maximize cross-browser compatibility. And, while designed for use with newer browsers, it "degraded" properly in older browsers, maintaining navigation and content even though the appearance was not the same. The client, Shannon Security, ceased to operate in 2007 when the company merged with another firm.
More recently, I undertook a major upgrade to my photography site. However, neither the design nor the coding were my own. Given my time constraints, my limitations as a web designer, as well as the fact that it is much easier to purchase and personalize templates from various online sources than design my own sites, I no longer actively build my own sites from scratch.
My complete portfolio may be viewed on the Web Design section of my Services page.
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