last updated: august 25

introduction

HTML 411

There are many steps that must be taken to create a successful web page. It takes time and effort. Below is a small guide I have written up to help you out.

01. [Learn the basics]
To make a page, it is vital to have a grasp upon the workings of hypertext markuplanguage, more commonly known as HTML. There are many places to learn the simple basics. For example, try The Neopets HTML Guide (http://www.neopets.com/help/html1.phtml), or Lissa's HTML Help Site for Kids! (www.liaaexplains.com). These are two great pages to get tons of information and to refer back to when in need of reminders. As you continue practicing HTML more and more, you will learn tricks and helpful codes. You'll start to memorize the simple tags and move on to more and more advanced coding. HTML with what you use to build your page and supply all the content needed. Your page is built out of tags, so it's very important you know how to use them.

02. [Decide on a theme]
All pages need structure so that the content and such fit together smoothly. Many common themes include: Pages devoted to your pet and its life, help sites, lab ray journals, or a page dedicated to some area or group of items on Neopets. If you do not choose a theme for your petpage, your content will have no focus. Nor will your graphics and images. This is can cause problems, so make sure you develope your theme. Your theme could be just about anything! Just try and keep it neopets related due to the fact thats its on the neopets server.

03. [Design the layout]
Layout is one of the most important parts of a page. It's where people look and go "Wow!" or "Eck." Try going for the most original layout you can possibly stretch your brain to imagine. There are many ways to make a layout. You could make your layout out of tables, divs, div style boxes, or even something more creative! But make sure you do not steal someone else's layout and claim it as your own. Designing your layout also includes the task of deciding on a color scheme. The colors of the layout should relate to the theme you choose for your page. Remember that layout is the true test of your HTML skills, so don't expect to make a layout if you can't write a table code.

04. [Code the layout]
This could be just about the hardest part of making your page. It is also where your knowledge of HTML codes come into play. Take your layout step-by-step. Periodically update/save your work and check on it to see if everything is looking the way you want it to. When coding, try putting tabs, line breaks, and spaces inbetween codes that differ in section, type, or kind. This will help you to keep organized and not get confused with your work. Also, a very important detail to remember when coding would be to always end tags. Don't start a center tag and never finish it with a /center. Forgetting to end tags can make it very difficult to pin-point problems in the future.

05. [Write your content]
Writing content can also be considered a very hard part of your page. Keep all the content related to your theme. The content should be seperated into the different areas of your layout. The common content sections normally include: Story, friends, family, likes and dislikes, awards, and links. But if you want to give your page that extra kick, try thinking up some new and crazy content idea to spice up your page and make the reader enjoy!

06. [Make and add your graphics/art]
So you can draw, eh? Well! Time to show it off..draw tons of pictures of things relating to your theme and put them all over your petpage. They'll add bunches of life to it! But, for those few (me) who can't draw to save their life, you'll just have to make graphics. Don't know how? Scroll down and check out my graphics guide! Adding graphics to your page is very important...it adds the vib to it. If all someone sees is writing & text... they're not going to like it. Graphics will make your page stand out. But make sure to never steal art or graphics from anyone and use them.

07. [Undo, redo, change, and edit]
Now is the time to add the icing to the cake! You've spent forever on your page and it looks great. The content it perfect and the layout rocks. Now, just to add the finishing touches! Many little things you could add include: A guestbook, a counter, a thank you section, music, linking patches, and a navigation system. These things aren't needed, but they will always add an extra shine and glimmer to your already wonderful page. Don't forget to create links that people can take for your page. This is how you score hits and get people to see your page. Make a 88 by 31 pixel banner or a 50 by 50 pixel patch and put the code out for visiter to take if they really like your page.

08. [CSS]
In my personal opinion, a page either lives or dies depending on CSS. CSS stands for Cascading style sheets. It's a very useful tool for making your page more pleasing the to viewer's eye. CSS codes are capable of many things, but are most commonly used for: Coloring the page's scroll bar, coloring links, changing the hover design over links, changing the font through out the whole page, or adding some tricks to your page. If you truely have a grip on the functions and codes of CSS, you can use it as a shortcut to quicken the coding of your page by hours! Don't forget CSS! It's a very important key element to your page. For more help on CSS, visit Css help's page!

You're done! I hope my HTML and page building guide was somewhat useful to you! I myself took all these steps to creating all of my pet pages. You should too. If you think your page is worthy, check out Alia's page to see her award and try applying. Good luck! Neomail if you need some coding help!

GRAPHICS 411

This is a guide for making graphics. Not as detailed as my HTML guide, but the simple steps that are needed are explained.

01. [Get the program]
You can't make graphics without a program. However, lucky for us, there are tons of programs to use. You normally have to buy your program at a computer store, or you can order it online_ Paint programs tend to be very expensive... some reaching up to over $400! A few you could try using include: Paint Shop Pro, Photo Shop, Flash, Microsoft Paint, and Corel Painter. There are many, many more though. Personally, I use Paint Shop Pro 7, I find it extremely easy to use and capable of all things I would need. Many other graphics artists use Photo Shop, an amazing program, but terribly expensive. I would generally advice against the use of Microsoft Paint. It has very limited functions and the no matter how good the artist, the graphics produced from that program are often less than nice.

02. [Find the tuts]
When you first get your paint program, you're most likely going to be terribly confused. They can normally be very detailed and multi-optioned. Try searching the web for tutorials on your program. If you have a friend who uses it, see if they have an advice for you. As you work with your program more and more, you'll master it and learn all the ins and outs of it! Keep at it no matter how annoying it gets. Learning to use your program is inevitable, as long as you keep trying.

03. [Download extras]
With many image programs, you can download things called brushes,tubes, and patterns. These are avalible on pages all around the web. Try using a search engine to help you out. After downloaing brushes and other things, you can use them in all the graphics you make! If you become confused, there are tons of tutorials on them. Once you get comfortable using these additions, you can learn to try and make your own. This greatly would increase the originality of your graphics.

04. [Make your graphics]
Time to get to the point and make some serious images! You have all the tools you need and you know how to use your program! You can make graphics for all sorts of things, like your petpage. Try using blending colors and combining brushes. Play around with opacity and transparency. All these things will only improve your image! Make sure to always save your work. Don't be afraid to try new things.. this is the only way you learn about the limits of your program and the only way you'll improve your skills.

05. [Upload and post]
Once you're done with your graphic you need to upload it onto a server so you can post it on the web. Some uploading servers include: Boomspeed (www.boomspeed.com), Imageshack (www.imageshack.us), Photobucket (www.photobucket.com), and Villagephotos {www.villagephotos.com}. All of these servers are free and usable 24/7. After you're done uploading, get the image URL and post.

Good luck! If you need any graphics help, feel free to neomail me.

Frequently Asked Questions

02. [Can we be neofriends?]
A: If I deleted your request or didn't respond and left it there unanswered, don't hold it against me! Chances are... I simply don't know you, or you have never said a thing to me. To tell you the truth...I hate NF requests. I currently have nine† lovely friends that are my neofriends and I like to keep it at that. If I like you enough, I'll offer. :)

03. [I hate you.]
A: It's a shame you feel that way. I try to be nice in absolutly everything I do. I like to be polite and act civil. But If you get on my bad side...that's not good. I am particularly known for being horrible to layout stealers and stealers all around. But, I am not by heart a nasty person. If you don't like me for any such reason, please don't attack with neomail and millions of piles of dung. It's a waste of both your and my time.

04. [Can I copy all your stuff?]
A: Umm....I'd rather not. Please leave my things (which includes: graphics, lookups, petpages, ETC.) alone. I like them... & claim them for my use only. Afterall, I did make them.

05. [I found someone who took something you made]
A: If you run into this situation please, please neomail me. Sometimes I can't be aware of all things that are stolen from me... So if you notice anything.. send me a note. It'll be greatly appreciated.

06. [Why won't you give me your AIM/MSN screen name?]
A: Well.. because I don't know you? But, if I meet you and we totally click and I think you're great, I'll offer my screen name or ask if you would be okay to give me yours. AIM is silly anyway.

07. [Give me something.]
A:No. Go away.

08. [Can I have the music from any of you petpages or pet lookups?]
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL GOOD AND HOLY. NO. Please please stop asking this. Please. The answer is no and will always be no. Just find your own music... we all do it. You're perfectly capable.

09. [Will you make me a graphic or something?]
A: No. But that's nice of you to ask.

10. [Teach me HTML and CSS!]
A: The entire concept of teaching some HTML is absurd to me... but I can help you with little things if you neomail. Check my HTML guide above.. that's the most teaching-related thing I offer.

More will be added... in the near future.

wall of shame

Owner: Twinkletoes1240
Reported by: Myself
Current status: Not frozen, but stolen work removed
Offense: Stole Alia Sora's petpage layout (HTML) and put it on her pet, Star1990345's petpage.

Owner: Julia2242002
Reported by: Jess
Current status: Frozen
Offense: Stole Alia Sora's petpage layout (HTML) and put it on her pet, Elli367's petpage.

Owner: Tangia_aisha
Reported by: Myself
Current status: Not frozen, but stolen work removed
Offense: Stole and edited my lookup layout (HMTL). Including CSS and HMTL.

Owner: Evilbluebunny123
Reported by: Unknown
Current status: Not frozen, but stolen work removed
Offense: Stole Tulria's old petpage layout (HTML) and put it on her pet, Andlothrien's petpage.

Owner: Crazkit32
Reported by: Unknown
Current status: Not frozen, but stolen work removed
Offense: Stole Alia_sora's old petpage layout (HTML) and put it on her pet, Torinngo's petpage.

Owner: Unknown
Reported by: Unknown
Current status: Frozen
Offense: Stole Alia_sora's old petpage layout (HTML) and put it on her pet, Morokui's petpage.