HTML Writers Guild Newsletter
Volume 6 Number 17, 11 September 2000
http://www.hwg.org/
mailto:editor@hwg.org
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Our Newsletter Sponsors: O'Reilly, TheShortList.com, OpenAir.com
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Table of Contents
1. Member-Submitted Tips: Cross Platform Compatibility
2. HWG Co-Sponsors Accessibility Symposium
3. August Town Hall: Thursday, September 28th
4. Upcoming Online Classes: Take an HWG Class!
5. HWG Events in Your Future: STC Pan-Pacific Conference
6. Why Did I Get This Email? And Other HWG-News FAQs
(How to change your email address, how to unsubscribe, and more.)
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This issue of HWG-News is sponsored by:
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1. Member-Submitted Tips: Cross Platform Compatibility
(Marshall Jansen, HWG-News Editor, hwg-news-tips@hwg.org)
The Guild's foundation is members helping members, sharing our expertise
and knowledge to improve our skills in the craft of web design. Everyone
has something to teach, and something to learn!
In keeping with that spirit, the HWG-News Newsletter HWG-News features
member-submitted "tips" in each issue, in the space between articles and
announcements. What happens if your tip is selected? Each issue, the
first-place winner will receive a free HWG t-shirt. Runner-up tips will
be also listed in the HWG-News newsletter as space permits, and
submissions will be posted on the HWG web site.
The topic for this issue, as announced last issue, is:
Cross-platform compatibility
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a PC, a Macintosh, and a Unix
machine, each running multiple versions of the most popular browsers
on thier desks. What are some of the pitfalls to avoid when designing
web pages so that your pages look good in all environments?
Well, we only got one tip this time. Not a very good showing, I'm afraid.
http://www.hwg.org/opcenter/newsletter/tips/
Complete rules and information (including size limits) are also listed
at the URL above -- please read it!
This issue's winner was sent in by Vicki Riggins.
[HWG-News Tip: Speeding up download time --------------------------]
When using scripting languages, be sure to comment out code for those
browsers that do not support it. If programming Active Server Pages,
it is best to use JavaScript on the client side versus VBScript which
is the default on the server side since recent versions of Internet
Explorer and Netscape both support JavaScript. Frames should be
avoided, as some browsers do not support frames. Most browsers
(even character-based browsers such as Lynx) support tables; however,
tables within tables should be avoided. Always put "alt" tags on
image sources.
[-------------- Submitted by Vicki Riggins ]
If you have suggestions for upcoming HWG News Tip topics, you can
send those to hwg-news-tips@hwg.org. We're going to take a break from
tips in every issue, due to the lack of response recently, and will
be moving to a monthly article.
2. HWG Co-Sponsors Accessibility Symposium
(Kynn Bartlett, AWARE Center Director, aware@hwg.org)
The HTML Writers Guild is proud to co-sponsor the Universal Web
Accessibility Symposium 2000, to be held on October 31, 2000 in
conjunction with the WebNet 2000 World Conference on the WWW
and Internet in San Antonio, Texas. Speakers will include the
director of the Guild's Accessible Web Authoring Resources and
Education (AWARE) Center.
The Universal Web Accessibility Symposium will address the
legal and technical requirements for universal accessibility
to the Internet, and will explore the connections between access
by aging adults (the fastest-growing demographic group using
the Web) and physically challenged individuals. Specific topics
include:
* Resources to make information originators' job
responsibilities clearer regarding accessibility
* Legal mandates for universal accessibility
* Verification standards for web accessibility
* Web accommodation techniques for seniors and
physically challenged individuals
Speakers will include Cynthia Waddell, ADA Coordinator for the
City of San Jose (and AWARE Center advisory board member); Dinah
Cowen, Director of the Department of Defense Computer/Electronic
Accommodations Program; LTC John Hill and LTC Curt Carver,
Assistant Professors, West Point; Cyndi Rowland, Director of Web
Accessibility In Mind (WebAIM), Utah State University; Kynn
Bartlett, AWARE Center Director, HTML Writers Guild; and others!
This Symposium is sponsored by the Association for the Advancement
of Computing in Education (AACE), Southwest Texas State University
College of Health Professionals, the HTML Writers Guild, and the
Institute for Quality Improvement in Long Term Health Care at
Southwest Texas State University. Mette Baker is the Program
Coordinator, and Dr. Deanie French is the Program Chair.
For more information on the Symposium, please see the following
web sites:
http://www.awarecenter.org/uwas2000.html
http://www.swt.edu/~df12/accessiblity/symposium.htm
In addition to the Universal Web Accessibility Symposium, the
Guild is also represented at the WebNet 2000 conference by Frank
Boumphrey, who will be presenting a workshop on XML. For
details on WebNet 2000, please see:
http://www.aace.org/conf/webnet/
Questions and inquiries can be directed to Kynn Bartlett at
kynn@hwg.org, or to Dr. Deanie French, Program Chair, at
elearn@Deanie.org.
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This issue of HWG-News is sponsored by:
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3. August Town Hall: Thursday, August 24th
(Frank Boumphrey, VP of Special Events, vp-events@hwg.org)
Note: Last issue we said that the Town Hall meeting would be the 31st.
It is not the 31st, but the 24th of the month. We are sorry for any
confusion this might have caused.
Town Halls are informal affairs, where you can talk to the governing
board, ask questions, and generally let you opinions be known in a more
public forum than email. We hope to see you there!
The details on the June town hall meeting are:
24 August Town Hall Meeting
Date: Thursday, 24 August 2000
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.
4. Upcoming Online Classes: Take an online class!
(Ann Navarro, Online Education Director, classes@hwg.org)
Through a web-based interface, we offer a broad series of online
classes designed to teach you the skills you need, in a way that fits
your busy schedule. Our instructors are your fellow Guild members,
chosen for their expertise in their field and their willingness to
pass along their experience to you.
Upcoming courses you can take include:
Creating Web Graphics with Paint Shop Pro
Dates: September 18, 2000 - October 29, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $40 Full members, $70 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/g201.8.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 Cascading Style Sheets
Dates: September 18, 2000 - October 29, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $40 Full members, $70 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h151.12.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!
Implementing Java Applets in your Web Pages
Dates: September 18, 2000 - October 15, 2000 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h171.5.html
Designed for the beginning student with some knowledge of creating
HTML files by hand or with a WYSIWYG editing tool. This class will
show you where to go to get applets for your pages, and how to
customize them using parameters. This is NOT a programming class!
Applets will range from simple 'ticker style' text applets, to
animations, and to Java games.
Introduction to HTML 4.0
Dates: September 25, 2000 - November 5, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $40 Full members, $70 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h101.20.html
Leave your WYSIWYG editor behind and explore the nuts and bolts that
make web pages function!
Macromedia Flash Wizardry,A Master's Course
Dates: October 3, 2000 - Novemebr 12, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $120 Full members, $150 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a222.2.html
Take your Flash skills to the next level! This class takes you beyond
the basics and into the lesser known aspects of Flash.
NOTE: Completion of A131 (Using Macromedia Dreamweaver) is a required
pre-requisite for this class.
Using Macromedia Dreamweaver - Part I
Dates: August 28, 2000 - September 24, 2000 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a131.7.html
Designed for the student who wishes to evaluate the Macromedia
Dreamweaver 3.0 web design tool. The publicly available 30 day trial
version will be available for students to use for this 4 week intensive
course. Topics will include: layout and visual design, tools for creating
tables, frames, and forms, implementing style sheets, and adding
javascript or behaviors. New features in version 3.0 not mentioned in
the current text as they pertain to these topics will also be covered.
Intermediate JavaScript
Dates: October 9, 2000 - November 19, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $80 Full members, $110 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p152.2.html
Increase your JavaScript knowledge! In-depth instruction
on form manipulation and syntax, plus weekly tips on
creating your own interactive on-line order form!
NOTE: Completion of P151 (Introduction to JavaScript) is a
required pre-requisite for this class!
Introduction to JavaScript
Dates: October 9, 2000 - November 19, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $40 Full members, $70 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p151.11.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.
Sites that Sizzle: Web Animation with Macromedia Flash 4
Dates: October 16, 2000 - Novemebr 26, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $60 Full members, $90 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a221.7.html
This course covers the exciting world of Flash 4. You will learn
to draw, create, import and manipulate vector objects, making them
come to life in frame-by-frame animations and on multiple layers.
ASP Databases for the Web (New Course!)
Dates: October 23, 2000 - December 3, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $80 Full members, $110 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/ms221.1.html
The first of a three-part series on using ASP with Databases on the Web.
At the end of the course students should have an understanding of how to
access a database through the Web, and how to read, modify, and update
this database using HTML forms and ASP.
NOTE: Completion of both MS101 (ASP for Non-Programmers) and MS102 (
Programming with ASP) are required pre-requisites for this class.
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. A
certificate can be requested after class is completed for $10.
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. HWG Events in Your Future: STC Pan-Pacific Conference
(Frank Boumphrey, VP of Special Events, vp-events@hwg.org)
As part of our ongoing Speakers Bureau program, we are pleased to
present this list of upcoming industry events at which the Guild will
be participating. More information can be found at our events page:
http://www.hwg.org/opcenter/events/
* STC Pan-Pacific Conference
Honolulu,Hawaii
October 18-21, 2000
http://www.pan-pacific.org/
Chris Higgs will be giving a talk on XML.
If you are attending this event, please stop by and introduce
yourself to our HWG representatives, we'd love to meet you!
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6. Why Did I Get This Email? And Other HWG-News FAQs
(HWG-News Newsletter Editor, editor@hwg.org)
This newsletter was edited by Marshall Jansen .
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 more?
A. The newsletter is the Guild's administrative bulletin to the
membership; beyond the HWG News Tips, we don't include specific
information on web creation. 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: How do I change my email address for Guild mailings?
A: Full members can update their membership profile at any time by going
to this page: http://www.hwg.org/member/profile.html. If you don't
know your password, contact the password support team
for help. Trial members can send email to
to change their email address.
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 (334) 928-4542. Discounts are available
to Guild Business and Corporate members, as well as for multiple
placements. The Guild's newsletter reaches over 119,000 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 2000, HTML Writers Guild, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Published twice monthly via email and WWW.