Chapter 4: Focus on Web Design

Visit a Web site that interests you. Write a one page summary and reaction the the Web site you chose to visit. Address the following topics:
a. Purpose     b. Intended Audience    c. Does the Site reach its audience?     d. Helpful to you?     e. Colors used?     f. How did the use of colors enhance the site?

   The site I chose to write my summary on is JugglingStore.com. While I was trying to come up with a site that interests me, I was having trouble coming up with ideas. The sites that were coming to mind didn’t seem to be the kind of interesting site that I expected to be typical for a summary like this. Then I realized the humor in my thought process. This is supposed to be something personal. And while I wasn’t thinking an online store was probably the typical choice, I think that’s all the more reason to pick one! There is a lot of thought process, and reasoning that goes into the design of these sites! Much of that is why we buy from them, instead of a similar seller.

   “JugglingStore.com is one of the largest retailers of professional juggling supplies and circus arts equipment in the World.” They offer a wide variety of products that cover the range of skill and style. This it not just your 3 ball juggling either! This site includes anything and everything that is considered juggling from balls and clubs to footbags, poi, and yo-yos!

   The site’s intended audience is jugglers, young and old, beginner or performer! They have great products no matter your skill set or price range!

   I, as a juggler, have clearly been “reached.” They rightly make juggling look cool, hip, and fun! They have great selection, as well as great descriptions that can help you make the right choice based on your wants/needs!

   As I said above, this site has been very helpful to me! I have “bought” from them on multiple occasions! Also, if I need any more products, or simply information on a specific style of ball or beanbag, jugglingstore will be the first place I will go!

   They have a nice red, black, and white color scheme! Aside from this color combination being one of my favorites, I think it works really well for the site! Also, the wide variety of product colors really give a cool color pop to the site! All the colors work together to give it a bright, fun, cool, and non-clownly feel! They look sharp and interesting, but in no way distracting to the focus of the site: the objects awaiting the hands of a manipulator! 

Chapter 3 Web Research: CSS tutorials

  "There is still much for you to learn about CSS.... Use a search engine to search for CSS tutorials.
  Choose a tutorial that is easy to read. Select a section that discusses a CSS technique that was not covered in this chapter."

-CSS Structure and Rules
 This was a pretty detailed, but easy to read tutorial!
It covered several things that we haven't learned yet, such as contextual selectors,  inheritance rules, and pseudo-classes and pseudo-elements.


*-Zen Garden: The Beauty of CSS Design*
 "A demonstration of what can be accomplished visually through CSS-based design."
 Ok. This isn't actually a tutorial, but it was so interesting that I had to post it!
This is an amazing example of just how important CSS is, and the power of what it can do! 
Go check this site out! Not only will you be inspired, but you can view the css that is used, and learn from seeing how these professional designs are accomplished!


-Adding a touch of style
 "This is a short guide to styling your Web pages. It will show you how to use W3C's Cascading Style Sheets language (CSS) as well as alternatives using HTML itself."
 I like how this tutorial is set up! It features large, easy to read text and examples, color-coded code, and great visual examples of colors! It covered mostly the things that we learned, but has a little bit extra (such as some new design features) I also like how he covers not only the "how", but also the "why" aspect!

Chapter 2 Web Research: Html and Xhtml tutorials

There are many HTML and XHTML tutorials on the Web. Use your favorite search engine to discover them. Choose two that are helpful.

a. What is the URL of the Web Site?
b. Is the tutorial geared toward the beginner, level, intermediate level, or both levels?
c. would you recommend this site to others? Why or why not?
d. List one or two concepts you learned from this tutorial.

W3 Schools
a. http://www.w3schools.com/
b. Definitely both! They have a lot of good information from HTML, to XHTML, to CSS (and more)
This includes basic, as well as more advanced tutorials.
c. Yes. I really liked how much information they have, and the very visual and involved method they use to teach the material!
d. I didn't really look through one tutorial specifically, but just looked around. However, I think this is the first site I will go to if I have a question as we go along, or want more information on a certain subject.


Lynda.com
a. http://www.lynda.com/
b. Also both. This site has some detailed video training that would be helpful to both.
c. I would, but not on all conditions. They have a couple of free video lessons, but most of their videos require a payed membership. The site, and the training they offer seems great. However, it would depend on how serious someone is, whether I would recommend that they sign up, or go somewhere like W3 to get free lessons.
d. One of the free tutorials I watched discussed text editors vs. word processors and also syntax highlighting. 

Web Research: Internet Society

The Internet Society takes an active leadership role in issues related to the Internet. Visit the site at http://www.isoc.org.


a. Why was the Internet Society created?


"We are dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the Internet for the benefit of people throughout the world.

Furthermore we…

• Provide leadership in addressing issues that confront the future of the Internet.
• Are the organisational home for the groups responsible for Internet infrastructure standards, including the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the Internet Architecture Board (IAB).
• Act as a global clearinghouse for Internet information and education.
• Facilitate and coordinate Internet-related initiatives around the world."  -http://www.isoc.org/isoc/

b. Determine the local chapter closest to you. Visit its Web site. List the Web site URL and an activity or service that the chapter provides.

-The Colorado Chapter of the Internet Society (http://www.coisoc.org/)

-The Colorado Chapter (as well as most or all of the others I'm sure) provide many ways of providing information on what they are doing. Members and non-members alike can keep up to date through updates, emails, actual meetings, as well as on Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin! This is a neat and handy way to stay updated and involved!

c. How can you join the Internet Society? What does it cost to join? Would you recommend that a beginning Web developer join the Internet Society? Why or why not?

"You can choose between two types of individual membership levels. You can become a…

• Global Member which is free, or a…
• Sustaining Member and pay an annual membership fee of $75

Both levels give you the opportunity to actively participate in Internet Society activities." -http://www.isoc.org/members/

All you need to do to join is fill out a membership form, choose your type of membership, and join right there on there sight!

For someone who's really getting into the Internet and Web Development, even a beginner, I would say yes! It sounds like it can be very beneficial! If you're not as serious, I would at least recommend something such as 'liking' them on facebook. The information you will receive can certainly benefit your learning experience! Come on! It's free! Why not!?