By: Silverfire
What is it that makes people create really crappy pages,
ESPECIALLY about Sailormoon? I don't understand this at all. What
drives these people to scramble information, direct link, blind us with
terrible font colors, etc? And many of these mistakes can be easily changes
with just a little effort. And it really irritates me that people keep making
the
same mistakes over and over again.
Direct Linking
Major no-no. People it can not be stressed enough how bad this is. Direct
linking makes your page and the page your linking from SLOWER! People
are not going to wait around forever for an image to load; they are going to
move elsewhere. And if a person has to pay for their page and you direct
link, then you are driving the cost of their page up as well (if I remembered
how exactly this worked I would tell you but I don't, I know it has something
to do with bandwidth). Take a hint; download the image to your page.
Copy Cat
Copying another pages layout and info and graphics is also something that is
not done. People put a lot of time and effort into the way they write
something, edit the images, and to have someone go and copy it for their
page is very frustrating. Not only that, but it sets you up a prime target for
review pages such as the AQ or Small Lady. And who would want to be at
the mercy of their sarcastic, dry humor? Take the time to present the
information in your own, original format.
Busy Layouts
Layouts that are too busy are also a distraction. By busy I mean lots of
pictures. Or maybe they have a background that is too bright and you can't
see the text. Mixing colors that should be together (example orange and
purple). These things can either blind the visitor, or make them leave in a
hurry. Small simple, fast downloading images, easy to read text are keys to
at least keeping the visitor there so they read what you placed up. Don't
think that good images are a substitute for text either. Just because the
graphics are pretty, but the information sucks mean you have a good page.
Nothing is a substitute for good, well thought out content.
Grammar, Grammar, Grammar
Spelling, punctuation and sentence structure is important. And it is
really easy to correct if you take the time. I use Windows to spell check and
grammar check, and if that fails I get a friend to help me proofread.
Correcting simple grammatical errors helps your page look sharper and
makes it look as if you really understand what you are talking about.
False Information and Mix Ups
These are perhaps some of the WORST mistakes I come across. When
I was new to Sailormoon, I stumbled upon pages that mixed anime with
manga, and original with dub. I got names mixed; info mixed, and story line
confused. One page reviewed by the AQ in March tells how Jupiter
'becomes the Queen's Own and her sole protector'. That to me sounds like
the person is mixing Mercedes Lackeys, Heralds of Valdimar with the
anime. Everyone is the protector of the Princess.
It took me a lot of time and research to get everything sorted out
again. That is why this stuff is such a danger. It seriously confuses those
who are new to the series, and irritates those who are more knowledgeable.
Take the time to research the information. Look for information that is
consistent with other pages. If you are not sure about something, e-mail and
ask someone. Go to message boards and forums, and chatroom. All it takes
is a little time and effort to get everything clear as crystal. Do your
homework, and don't confuse others.
Other Mistakes
There are other mistakes people make. And like all mistakes they are simply
errors that common sense can correct. If you make an image gallery either
thumbnail it, or is that is too much time for you, link the image and give a
brief description. Give credit where credit is due. Create a page thanking
the people that helped you, that you got info, or images, or graphics from;
and provide links to those pages. Ask before you download. Sometimes
people don't mind if you take a little of their wording, but it is polite to ask
permission first.
There are pages all over the Internet that provides help with HTML image
editing, and more. Go to these pages, take tutorial, practice what you learn.
All these things can help you avoid making tragic mistakes that could get
you targeted for a review from a review group.
Comments on this article can be sent to: Silverfire.
