Front and Center: The Truly Dynamic Site

One of the things that really frustrates me about the Internet is how the same term can be used to mean many different things. The best example is how the term ASP can mean both Active Server Page, a scripting technology, and application service provider, a paradigm for Web business.

The term dynamic is another one of those terms. For some, it means on-the-fly, as in dynamically generated content; for others it means flashy, as in a dynamic page transition the kinds discussed in this chapter.

I have no problem with making a site look good. As a matter of fact, items such as a collapsible outline provide great options for presenting a lot of content in a manageable format.

CAUTION

It is easy to go too far, too fast because FrontPage makes it so easy to do so. I've mentioned it throughout this book, but just because you can, doesn't mean that you should.


One perfect example of mixing an understanding of the technology with an understanding of your site and development process is the date and time stamp discussed earlier. If you update site content on a regular basis and need people to know if or when they have the latest data, this is the perfect tool for you. If, like many, you seldom update your site on a regular basis, no matter how correct the content might be, an older time stamp can result in people questioning the validity of the content. I've heard many stories of people who ask me why their Web site still brings phone calls asking when their store opens. I'd call too if a page with opening hours had a three year old time stamp.

Obviously the overuse (abuse) of any technology or flash (Flash) can distract from the purpose of your Web site. At the same time, and often in the same site, the artfully integrated combination of technology and content can provide the same level of excitement that brings us all to the Web. It is the true Web artist that understands when to do what, and no book can ever teach that lesson.

Use these dynamic elements with care and caution. When used correctly, they add to the impact and functionality of your Web site. When used incorrectly, they make you look like you have too much time on your hands.



Special Edition Using Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003
Special Edition Using Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003
ISBN: 0789729547
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 443

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