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Wanna Play With (Web) Building Blocks?

Ever since the Internet came onto the scene, there have been two basic schools of thought about the best way to build a web site: Using the actual HTML code, or using a site builder/editor. Both sides have pros and cons. This article will explore and compare the BASICS of both options.

HTML Code: Pros

In my opinion, the best thing about HTML is that it gives you total control over what your web site will look like: background color, font, page size, placement of each item it's your call. Once you get familiar with the dozens of HTML commands, you can create almost anything you want and have a very usable, aesthetically pleasing web site. The other great thing about HTML is that it's super-easy to learn (assuming that you are willing to put forth a little effort). All you need is Notepad, or any other basic text editor.

HTML Code: Cons

You should use HTML only if you don't mind detail work. If even one character of code is missing or misplaced, your page will not display the way you want. Also it takes a while to type in the exact codes, but the tried and true "copy & paste" can alleviate this problem somewhat.

Site Builders/Editors: Pros

With FrontPage, DreamWeaver, AdobeLive, and other such programs, you don't have to worry about dealing with the nitty-gritty of code. Most of these editors give you the option of using WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get"), so you can see any changes you make as you work on your site. Almost anything you type into the program will be instantly converted to HTML, and if something you want doesn't work, hopefully the program will tell you. Most if not all of these editors are self-contained.

Site Builders/Editors: Cons

The biggest headache I have with site building software is that they limit your creative options. They usually have a medium to large number of templates to choose from, allowing various backgrounds, fonts, item placement, and even themes and animation. But what if you don't want your links in the upper left? What if you don't like frames? What if you don't like the font they use for headings? Some software packages allow HTML editing by hand, but some don't.

Suggestions

If you decide that you want to learn HTML, get yourself a book, or go take a class, so you can get some hands-on experience right from the start. Yeah, there are plenty of decent websites that show examples and give tips, but a book or a class will give you a better overall view of the WHY and HOW of building web sites.

Whether you build with a pre-packaged editor, or with HTML, do your homework and find the best HOST for your site. After all that hard work building your site, using just the right colors, fonts and other exacting specifications, you don't want to rely on a host that crashes constantly, makes it tough for visitors to reach your site, or slaps gaudy ads all over your site without your permission. I realize that securing a quality host may cost a bit, and I admit that there are a few good free hosts out there, but in general, you get what you pay for. Be careful.

Remember: You are showing your photos, business, journal, illustrations, whatever to the world. You want to make the best impression possible, right?

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
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