My Internet experience increased dramatically when I took upon myself to create a website for a writing group I had recently joined. I knew nothing about building a website and HTML confused me in the most annoying manner. Searching for a free website building site gave me a headache and I even had a nightmare or two with high-tech, visual monsters running back and forth, screaming terms I spotted in advanced levels of directions.

Was I nuts, I thought to myself? How could I create a website for the group when my previous Internet experience involved email and reading stories on Yahoo! Yet, I mustered through the road to success and happily announced the birth of our first real website, at the next meeting.

It was truly like having a child all over again. My first attempt was messy and I cringe when I think back at the labor of creating it. It took approximately eight hours less than what I actually spent delivering my first daughter. The color of the pages was too dark and the text too light. The writing was enough to cause shock among the other members.

There were times my pictures did not stay in place, files refused to upload and the popup ads created headaches. Each change brought me closer to success; yet, each victory also reminded me of why I keep a bottle of Tylenol handy. Sometimes, I laughed at the hilarity of teh work, and other times, I wanted to scream. My neighbors, the ones that are close at least, probably thought I needed practice for Halloween!

However, I progressed and they stood with me. I continued to adjust colors and backgrounds. Several times, I changed to a new site and found myself expressing, "words no good woman should ever use" each time I had to explain why the address changed again and I sent out numerous emails! I believe a roller coaster ride has less turns, sips and flips than my website building journey.

I cannot tell you how many times changes took place and through them all, the members encouraged me and held on tight for the ride! When they sensed a need for tune-ups, they spoke and when they felt my frustrations, they praised and offered ideas.

Through it all, we eventually developed a site everyone liked and could use. We did it as a team, not as individuals. Together, we offered samples of our writing, pictures of members and at events, and a tribute to one talented member we lost way too soon.

Then, I gave it all away as I left the group in pursuit of a dream. Yes, someone else has the fun of gaining Internet experience and I am sure, there are times the journey is bumpy, dips and turns without warning, and causes thrills. Do I miss it? Sure, sometimes I do because the Internet is an awesome place for learning new skills, information and more. Who wouldn't enjoy it?

Learn more about this author, Patti Mcquillen.
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