The NewVista News

As the number of websites continue to increase exponentially, the number of web-pages is exploding in parallel. It’s interesting the type of material people choose to put on their web-pages, and HOW they present it. With web-pages, folks suddenly have access to powerful tools for the mass dissemination of information; — the kind of tools that previously were only available to experts and specialists. The result, in both cases, has been some wonderfully valuable and creative work — AND… a whole lot of pure uh… “drivel??”

So the question arises — what are the qualities that make a good web-page? At the technical level, there are several HTML style-guides that discuss proper syntax, and how to make sure a page displays properly. At the more abstract level, well, here are some thoughts on what characterizes the good web-pages, and what to avoid.

Number one, a good web-page shouldn’t be boring. Nor, should it be a page of “links” and nothing else of consequence. What’s the point of going to an individual page if all you see is a clipped listing of the places on the Web that person has surfed recently? – Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t necessarily put lists or links in your pages. The point is… what makes a web-page truly distinctive is the material on that page, NOT the other pages it links to.

Of the pages that do feature lists of links prominently, — the best are the ones that add some value by providing helpful descriptions or grouping sites in some intelligent way.

Layout and Design — Good pages don’t overuse images for their own sake, and also have a consistent layout and organization. The more extensive the page or pages, the more important it is to have navigational aids like “tables-of-contents.” —  Also, don’t go overboard with slow-loading graphics, and be sure to optimize the graphics you use by making them smaller and using fewer colors.

Original Content – This overlaps to some extent with the point above; — but is worth elaborating. One of the main things that makes a web-page good is that it is unique. Given the vastness of the Web, what makes pages unique is generally the CONTENT the web-author brings to the page.

“Depth” — The best web-pages always give you a sense that there is something beneath the surface, and that exploration will be rewarded with new discoveries. This doesn’t necessarily mean the LENGTH of the pages; it’s more a matter of using content in an intelligent way to expand the impact of the material you do have.

Creativity — The HTML markup language gives everyone creating web-pages the same set of basic tools. Good web-pages combine those tools in new and innovative ways, and give Web surfers a reason to check them out rather than other, similar pages. The Web gives you an opportunity to have your work viewed by literally thousands, or even millions of other people around the world — make the most of it!

“Personality” – The web-page is YOUR statement on the Internet. It should give people viewing it a sense of what YOU have to say. This can mean the obvious, like “subject-matter” information, or more subtle forms of content that demonstrate your view and outlook on the given subject. Don’t feel that you have to do the same thing some other web-author did; — make your web-page(s), YOURS.

By the way, please let me state that I don’t necessarily hold my own page up as a perfect example. Though I DO try to implement the ideas I describe here. Remember, ALL pages ALWAYS need more work. Think of it as the “constant pursuit of perfection.” — Send me your comments! – If you are interested in some of the design decisions that went into our web-pages, I don’t mind sharing them with you; — specifically on why my pages look/read the way they do.