HTML Writers Guild Newsletter
Volume 5, Number 21, 21 November 1999
http://www.hwg.org/
mailto:editor@hwg.org
Table of Contents
1. Governing Board News: Welcome Marshall Jansen and Chris Higgs!
2. Guild Establishes Accessibility Policy for Official HWG Sites
3. New Orleans Volunteers Wanted for Builder.Com Live, Dec 7-11
4. Schedule of Online Classes for November, December, and January
5. Volunteer Opportunity: List Guides Needed!
6. Display Your Guild Affiliation with a HWG Membership Certificate
7. November's Town Hall Meeting is This Tuesday (Note Day Change)
8. HWG-News and You: Subscription Info, FAQs, Sponsorship
This issue of HWG-News is sponsored by:
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1. Governing Board News: Welcome Marshall Jansen and Chris Higgs!
(Leanne Phillips, HTML Writers Guild Secretary, secretary@hwg.org)
The HTML Writers Guild is pleased to announce the appointment of
two new members to the Governing Board, Marshall Jansen and Chris
Higgs. They have been appointed to terms ending February 2002.
(One additional position on the Board remains open; interested
Full members may apply by writing to gb-search@hwg.org.)
Marshall Jansen works for National Computer Print, Inc. as their
webmaster (http://www.ncprint.com/), after working his way through the
ranks of Operations to Programming, to finally becoming the entire Web
Department. Marshall became self-taught in HTML when he realized that
COBOL might pay the bills, but it would never be fun. After a few
succesful forays into the freelance web design arena, he convinced his
company that he was the perfect fit for the currently open Webmaster
position.
Marshall created the Guild's online course in Javascript programming
and has taught it since November 1998.
Chris Higgs is a lecturer at the University of Melbourne in Australia,
and is the first non-North American member of the Guild's Governing
Board. He is also the webmaster for the university's Institute of
Land and Food resources (http://www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/).
Since July 1998, Chris has served as the Guild's List Guide Manager,
leading the team of volunteers who help members use the HWG's
discussion mailing lists, and has been a frequent participant in the
Guild's monthly Town Hall meetings.
The Guild welcomes Chris and Marshall to the Board and thanks them for
making commitments to serve!
2. Guild Establishes Accessibility Policy for Official HWG Sites
(Kynn Bartlett, President and AWARE Center Director, kynn@hwg.org)
The Governing Board has recently voted to approve a policy regarding
the accessibility of HWG-operated or co-operated websites. This policy
requires that all official Guild sites be at least minimally accessible
to our members with disabilities.
Our definition of minimal accessibility is based upon the World Wide
Web Consortium's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). WCAG
defines three levels of checkpoint priority, and Guild policy requires
at least single-A WCAG compliance, which means all priority one
checkpoints.
In addition, the Guild may establish other accessibility requirements
beyond single-A compliance on a case-by-case basis; while we require
valid HTML on all Guild-operated sites, we haven't yet codified any
additional accessibility requirements, although this discussion is
underway.
The Guild's policy on web accessibility also covers any sites provided
by external partners that bear the Guild's name and symbols, and are
designated as official Guild services. (Exceptions may be made on a
case-by-case basis for specific sites, at the option of the Board.)
Our goal is to both increase the accessibility of our own services and
serve as an example to other websites of a clear and consistent
standard for web accessibility using the W3C's work.
For more information, please see:
The Guild's Web Accessibility Requirements
http://www.hwg.org/opcenter/policy/access.html
The Guild's AWARE Center on Web Accessibility
http://www.awarecenter.com/
The W3C's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
http://www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT/
3. New Orleans Volunteers Wanted for Builder.Com Live, Dec 7-11
(Frank Boumphrey, Vice President of Special Events, vp-events@hwg.org)
We're going to New Orleans -- and you're invited!
The HTML Writers Guild Speaker's Bureau is pleased to invite Guild
members to the Builder.Com Live conference, which will feature HWG
sponsored presentations by Frank Boumphrey and Kynn Bartlett.
In addition, we are looking for local or attending Guild members to
assist with staffing of the Guild's table at the conference.
WHEN AND WHERE
* Builder.Com Live!
New Orleans, Louisiana
7-11 December 1999
http://www.builder.com/live/
WHO AND WHAT
The best web design sessions all under one roof in the heart of the
ultimate fun city! HWG presentations include Frank Boumphrey who
will tell you how to "Use ASP to Access XML Data Stores" and the
panel "You Can Build It, But They Won't Come If They Can't:
Accessibility and Your Site" with Kynn Bartlett and others.
HOW
To volunteer to help with the booth, please send email to:
mailto:vp-events@hwg.org
Unfortunately we are unable to provide transportation or hotel fees
for booth volunteers, so we ask that only local members or members
already attending the conference volunteer. Volunteers should be
familiar with the Guild's projects, including membership information,
the AWARE Center, and our online classes program. Anyone assisting
with the booth will receive our gratitude, a HWG t-shirt, and an
invitation to all HWG special events in New Orleans!
4. Schedule of Online Classes for November, December, and January
(Ann Navarro, Online Education Director, classes@hwg.org)
The Guild's Online Education program features a wide variety of
classes in the field of web creation, taught by experienced fellow
members! All classes take place on our interactive classroom server
that allows you to participate and learn according to YOUR schedule!
Why not give yourself a holiday treat and take a Guild class today --
you deserve it!
Introduction to HTML 4.0
Dates: December 6, 1999 - January 21, 2000
(7 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h101.10.html
Leave your WYSIWYG editor behind and explore the nuts and bolts that
make web pages function!
Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets
Dates: December 6, 1999 - January 21, 2000
(7 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h151.7.html
Add a little style to your web design! This popular course covers
CSS 1 and 2, which can enhance the appearance of any web page!
You'll learn which CSS rules are -- and are not -- supported by the
major browsers, and more!
Developing Dynamic Web Sites with ColdFusion 4
Dates: December 6, 1999 - January 21, 2000
(7 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $50 Full members, $80 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/db221.1.html
Add dynamically generated content to your Web Site! Allaire's popular
ColdFusion lets you incorporate database-backed Web sites into your
design arsenal. With your knowledge of HTML, a basic knowledge of
databases such as Microsoft Access, and your own Web server, you're
on your way!
Business Writing Basics
Dates: December 13, 1999 - February 4, 2000
(9 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/b101.5.html
You may be good at HTML tags, but that's just half the equation!
Learn how to make your content sizzle in our writing course!
Beginning Programming with Perl
Dates: December 13, 1999 - February 4, 2000
(8 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p101.5.html
Learn the basics of the Perl programming language, system
administration, and a variety of other tasks. The course will cover
the fundamentals of the language, preparing you for a variety of
scripting projects. (Please note that this is not a CGI course.)
Using Macromedia Dreamweaver - Part 1
Dates: January 3, 2000 - January 31, 2000 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a131.5.html
This one-month course is designed to allow you to master the basics
of the popular Dreamweaver web creation tool during Macromedia's
one-month free trial period.
Practical Web Management: Creating an Effective Web Site
Dates: January 3, 2000 - February 13, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/w201.3.html
Covering everything from personalization to usability studies,
this course is a perfect fit if you're struggling with how
to manage your new or growing website!
Creating Web Graphics with Paint Shop Pro
Dates: January 10, 2000 - February 18, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/g201.4.html
Release your inner artist! This graphics course will teach
you to create your own stunning images for use on your website,
using the Paint Shop Pro program.
Introduction to JavaScript
Dates: January 10, 2000 - February 25, 2000 (7 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p151.6.html
The Javascript language allows you to add interactivity to your web
pages -- this course will teach you the basics of programming in
Javascript for multiple browser types.
COURSE FEES
Course fees are based on membership level; Full members receive a
discounted tuition price, while Trial members pay the standard price.
Full membership is only $40 per year, so upgrade your membership
before registering, and save money! Payments may be made online via
secure transaction; all figures are in U.S. funds.
A certificate of completion is available for an additional $5;
the request needs to be made at the time of registration. Textbooks
(when required) are separate and may be purchased through the Guild's
online bookstore, The Bookmark. Books should be purchased before the
first week of class! In addition, students should have regular access
to the web and the ability to post completed assignments on a
public (non-Intranet) web server.
Sign up today through our online enrollment forms or get more
information at:
http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/
5. Volunteer Opportunity: List Guides Needed!
(Melanie Trivett, List Guide Manager, lg-manager@hwg.org)
The List Guide Program is in need of a few good people!
The program's purpose is to maintain the quality of the discussion
lists. List Guides also help list members with problems or questions
they can't ask on the lists. To be successful as a List Guide, you
should be familiar with the HWG and its resources and like to help
people.
There are a few requirements for this position. You should currently
be a member of the HWG and have no recent suspensions from the lists --
a recent suspension being one that occurred within the last three
months. You should also have at least 6 to 12 hours available each
week for List Guide duty. A reliable email account is a must.
If you're interested, please take a few minutes and send the following
information to . This information forms your
application to the List Guide program.
1. Name
2. Age
3. Email address
3. Alternative email addresses you may have used on HWG
mailing lists
4. List or lists you would be most interested in serving on.
(Depending on availability)
5. How long you've been a member of the Guild (estimates are
fine)
6. Areas of HTML or web design in which you have experience.
Please indicate level of expertise and give examples of
work (URLs only) or other information to give us an idea
of what you know.
7. Time availability including current work/school status
8. Any special qualifications or skills that may be an asset
to the List Guide program
9. Why you think you'd make a good List Guide
We look forward to hearing from you soon! For more information on
the HTML Writers Guild's discussion lists, please see:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/mailinglists.html
6. Display Your Guild Affiliation with a HWG Membership Certificate
(Kynn Bartlett, HTML Writers Guild President, kynn@hwg.org)
The Guild is pleased to announce the availability of Membership
Certificates for Full members of the Guild!
These optional paper certificates display your membership status in
the Guild and are suitable for wall display. (At the present time,
certificates are only available in English.)
Any Full member of the Guild is eligible for a certificate, which
is dated with the term of membership (one year) covered by your Full
membership.
Rather than increase the cost of Full membership for everyone, the
Guild has chosen to make these membership certificates available
for an additional cost of $5 to cover printing, shipping and handling
when renewing or joining as a Full member. Members who do not wish
a certificate are not required to pay.
If you need an additional certificate, or if you are not renewing or
paying your membership dues, a membership certificate is available to
you for a $10 processing and shipping charge.
For more details on the new membership certificates, please see:
http://www.hwg.org/member/cert.html
7. November's Town Hall Meeting is This Tuesday (Note Day Change)
(Fred Barnett, HWG Assistant Secretary, fred@hwg.org)
Each month, the Guild provides an opportunity for real-time discussion
and chatting via HWG Interactive. These monthly meetings are hosted by
members of the Governing Board (with most of them in attendance),
and give our members the chance to voice your views about the HWG.
Due to the (U.S.) Thanksgiving holiday, the November Town Hall meeting
will not be held on the fourth Thursday of this month, but instead on
Tuesday of that same week. Here are the details for November's meeting:
23 November Town Hall Meeting
Date: Tuesday, 23 November 1999
Time: 6:30 p.m. PST, 9:30 p.m. EST
Server: HWG Interactive, http://interact.hwg.org/
IRC: irc.hwg.org, port 6667
Channel: #townhall
To connect, either go to the URL above and use the Java-based client
available via the web, or use your favorite IRC client and join channel
#townhall.
We look forward to meeting you there!
ADVANCE NOTICE: The December Town Hall meeting will also be held on
a Tuesday -- the 21st of December -- instead of a
Thursday.
8. HWG-News and You: Subscription Info, FAQs, Sponsorship
(HWG-News Newsletter Editor, editor@hwg.org)
Some questions you may be asking:
Q: Why did I get this mail?
A: You received this newsletter because you are a member of the
HTML Writers Guild. This message came from hwg-news, the Guild's
mandatory mailing list for all members. If you need more information
about hwg-news, please see the List Charter at:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/hwg-news/index.html
Q. Why doesn't this newsletter talk about web design or HTML?
A. The newsletter is the Guild's administrative bulletin to the
membership. If you are interested in the topics of Web design
and HTML, then you might want to subscribe to some of our
discussion lists devoted to those topics. More information on
the Guild's offering of discussion lists can be found at:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/mailinglists.html
Q. How can I find out more about Guild activities?
A. The Guild has set up a one-way announcement list, HWG-Announce,
that carries bulletins of day-to-day Guild business. For details
on how to subscribe, please see:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/hwg-announce/
Q: How do I unsubscribe from hwg-news?
A: Since this is a required list in order to maintain your
Guild membership, unsubscribing is the same as resigning from
the HTML Writers Guild.
If you have your Member ID and password, to resign your membership
in the Guild and to unsubscribe to hwg-news, visit:
http://www.hwg.org/member/resign.html
Fill in the pertinent information, and submit it.
If you don't have a Member ID, or have forgotten your password, send
mail to:
mailto:lost-password@hwg.org
with a Subject of: Resign membership
In the body of the message, provide the following information:
* Your email address(es)
* Your member ID if you have one.
* The list of discussion lists you are on.
Please remember that unsubscribing to hwg-news automatically
resigns you from the Guild. If you have problems with unsubscribing,
please contact the password support team
for help.
Q: Can my company advertise in the Guild's newsletter?
A: Yes; the Guild is offering sponsorship opportunities in HWG-News
on a limited basis. If you are interested in advertising your
web related product or service here, please send email to
advertising@hwg.org or call (714) 526-4963. Discounts are available
to Guild Business and Corporate members, as well as for multiple
placements. The Guild's newsletter reaches over 107,000 web authors
worldwide each month.
(Note: The Guild does not make our member database available for
third party use. We have a strong privacy policy and will not
release our members' personal information; our mailing list is
not for sale. Any questions regarding the Guild's advertising or
privacy policies can be directed to advertising@hwg.org.)
Q: What if I want to comment on this newsletter?
A: The HWG-News Mailing List is a "Read-Only" list -- please do not try
to reply to this message directly.
If you wish to contact the editor of this newsletter, you may do
so by sending email to editor@hwg.org. Each article begins with
the contact information for the author as well.
Copyright 1999, HTML Writers Guild, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Published monthly via email and WWW.