furl - styled vs basic html

The example of the the styled version of the same information shows how usability can be increased by a few small styles being added. The content is exactly the same but the interface makes it a lot easier to comprehend - and the color scheme tends to engage us more. There is also the many added features that fit the 'web 2.0' moniker. Being able to have a more functional and interactive experience is becoming more and more prevalent and almost expected now.

5 'Rules' for writing online

1. Simple is better? People tend to read differently online- more of a quick scan so writing should be geared towards this and kept simple with important content obvious.

2.Let the user feel they are in control. Expected behavior from a link or navigation button helps a user feel in control of their browsing and helps trust issues.

3. Text size style and contrast should be considered for ease of readability.

4. Keeping file 'weight' down to improve loading time of pages.

5. Accessibility considerations for users such as sight impaired or elderly.

Blogs Blogs Blogs!!!

I have a few blogs I really enjoy reading - not everyday but maybe just once a week. Its always interesting to read some one else's perspective on issues and I find the blogs to do with web design and technology are helpful and informative. Its easy to understand why its such a phenomenon. I imagine if you had 100 followers - or 1000? It would be motivating to make the next post!

The first blog I discovered was from a high school teacher working in a really rough school in the Bronx, NY. (It was a few years ago and I cant find the link anymore - sorry!). It was a fascinating insight and really articulate journal of a completely different culture and experience. I feel that being able to read different peoples recordings gives us an idea of others lives and experiences.

I am also finding myself reading blogs that I may glean some information from and then hardly viewing again. I also discover some that are so good - but then the author may lose interest or just become defunct - its kind of annoying if you want more!

I go through phases as well - I will read someones blog a lot and then lose interest - not necessarily because of the subject matter

site rebel

I have been studying towards a career in web design but I also want to produce sites that really challenge the norm - like abstract and unconventional sites that may serve no purpose except to mystify and challenge viewers. Just to toy with the technology and explore ideas that could be adapted to a 'real' site. I think of it as using HTML and CSS and other applications as a medium like someone uses watercolours or oil paints. The amount of cool stuff we can do is always increasing - check The FWA site for example. Mostly Flash based it shows the amazing possibities and direction we are headed for interactive design. 

webpage

Page up!

OK- I posted basic page and if I get some time I will make it look better! It is w3c compliant and all the tags are semantically correct. check it out rebelbassnz.com

ICQ sucess

I almost forgot! I logged into ICQ the other morning and had a chat with Bee - nice to meet you Bee! I am keeping msn turned off whilst studying - and Skype at a minimum!

Blogs vs HTML

Maybe I am a control freak - but I love to use HTML and CSS and have full control over the appearance of any of my published material online. As opposed to Blog templates. Apparently Wordpress is a little more flexible and I have to say all of the functionality of adding and joining others blog sites can require some programming skill - and time! I guess it just depends what you are aiming to do - and how much time and effort you want to put into a project.

Chat

So I have installed IQC and I already have Skype, MSN, Gmail Chat and Facebook has its inbuilt chat application... however! I have not been able to connect with my fellow students- mostly because we are online at different times - which led me to thinking about the how different forms of communication suit different purposes.

For example if I post on the forum (blackboard) I usually get a reply quickly from a range of different people. Emailing is good but I may miss out on a bit of information that someone could contribute like on the forum! Chat would be good if were online similar times.

Second Life

By day Im just plain old Raphael - but by night I AM Lonewolf Buccaneer!!! I have only had a quick look around my second life world but I could see myself spending some time exploring the virtual world and experiencing what it has to offer.

Hopefully I dont become completely addicted and forget to eat, sleep or lose track of the real world? Im sure this must have happened to people? I was going to post a screen shot but I havent 'modified' myself to my high standard yet!

Chatting

I have facebook, skype, msn, gmail chat, a myspace and have used irc in the past. The thing I noticed is I use all of these to communicate differently. For example I use my gmail chat almost exclusivly for business, the myspace for networking with other DJs and musicians, the skype to talk with friends mostly based in Europe, and Facebook to keep up with my friends back in NZ.

They all have advantages, and the functions and appearance seem to suit each kind of communication - probably because of the way I have been using them. The opportunities that have opened up with this new instant form of communication is really beneficial and I wouldn't like to imagine a world without them!

Usenet

I am now a member of the group 'flash aussies'. Flash being a program used to create a lot of animated content you see all over the net these days. I am really interested in it and await my first communication.

Usenet

The telnet of the internet communication world!

Lists and Forums

Maybe its my short attention span - I can see the advantage of lists- more personal and focused on a particular subject or common interest, but I found my list 'experience' to quite mundane? - no disrespect to the 'listers' out there! I appreciate the advantages and how people could value this form of communication.

I have been a contributor on a particular forum for a few years and I feel I have benefited immensely from contributions and discussions concerning a subject that all the forum members are interested in. It can get heated and opinions are sounded but it is also a extremely valuable source of information and knowledge that people are willing to share.

So - in retrospect it depends on the kind of information and how you would like to interact - with a group - select members - or personally - as to which form of communication suits.

Module 2 - Email Tasks

Messages contain an address- but not always an appropriate one- some people use different addresses to avoid spam, unsolicited or unwanted mail. Information regarding whether it is a reply or has forwarded from another source. If the sender has added other recipients and not enabled bcc (blind carbon copy) you can view names addresses of the other recipients.

The cc and bcc functions both have advantages and can be used effectively. Making others addresses visible can be good for group communication as is using reply all whereas hiding addresses can be useful too, depending on circumstance.

Its always a good idea to make attachments easily accessible - whether this involves providing the important information simply as text in the email - or converting to a more common file type. Also just checking the receiver has applicable software can avoid problems.

Filter rules provide the advantage of being able to automatically purge unwanted or unneeded messages that would normally just take up space, whilst still retaining a copy for future reference. Grouping mail is also an efficient way to keep correspondence organised and accessible. As for replying punctually - it is usually dependent on the matter contained.

Trace complete after 19 'hops'

The curtin host IP address is 134.7.179.56

ping took approx 77ms with 32 bytes of data

CAPITALIZATION MATTERS!!!

The FTP protocol provides a logical and user friendly protocol and must have made a lot of people happy when first implemented! More akin to searching through a windows based system with folders, and sub folders and the ability to move and view folders singularly.

Telnet Observations

Telnet/Star Wars and people with too much time on their hands! Although we can access relevant information in a fairly broad manner, the need for a user interface and data retrieval system is obvious! Telnet would have been cutting edge when conceived and we take for granted how far technology has progressed to make it easier to access information and databases worldwide. I am however a big fan of Star Wars in all forms so I enjoyed blinkinlights version immensly!

5 tips for new bloggers!

1. Choose a nice font!
2. Keep it simple - stupid!
3. Update regularly
4. Spell check!
5. Break up long posts