Avoid what newbies do

Frames- Avoid frames. Only newbies use frames. The frame's purpose is to provide an index. The majority of frame users don't do that. What's the problem with frames? Lots of things. You can't bookmark and particular page, only the frame itself. Sometimes clicking on links within a framed site will have the new site in side the old frames. This will cause most browsers to crash. Even worse, if you clicked on a link, and it goes to a framed site you're in t rouble. Now you're in a framed site inside a frame (ack!). An example of properly using a frame is to have it list all the Red Alert units  (click on Mammoth Tank link in the frame and mammoth tank information pops up in the main frame). But you say a frame is a good way to organize everything? Not really. There's better ways to get good navigation on a website. Check out this site as example of a nonframed easy navigation site.

Guestbooks- Haha, this is newbie central here. What is the purpose of guestbooks? None really. Just something for the web author to throw in his bag of tricks for his website. Who signs them? Hardly anyone. Probably more then the people who read them! ;) Guestbooks just get screwed up, so don't bother making one.

Java Confirm Boxes- Aurgh, I HATE these. When you enter a site an annoying box pops up and says, 'What is your name?' I type in 'Cataclysm'. Then it says, 'Welcome Cataclysm to so and such' ahyuck! So pointless and SO annoying, its just another java feature webpage authors feels that it makes his website 'better' which in fact makes it worse.

Under Construction Signs- Whenever I see one, I'm like 'Duh!'. Does a under construction sign mean I'm going to come back to the site? Nope, not a chance at all. A website is ALWAYS under construction, so a sign saying so is just superfluos.

Avoid 'Coming Soon Pages'- Why? Because it just makes the veiwer mad. C'mon, you click on the link that says, 'Secret to life' and the page comes up saying, 'Coming soon'. You feel cheated. If you're not done with a page, don't put it up. People want content, not excuses.

Page Design

Quick load up- Avoid putting a lot of pictures on your site. Make it load up quick. No one likes to wait, especially for stupid graphics.

Place News on the main page- People don't like going to the main page then clicking yet another link to go to the news page. Just put the news on the main page. Its easier for the veiwer, and easier for you since you're combining two pages.

Content makes the site- The question is what is content then? Well, its whatever you w ant your site based on. If you want your site to have 'killer strategies'', then your pages of hundreds of strategies is your content. If your page is 'Strategy Central' and you have only two strategies listed, then you have no content. If your content is images, then you should have pages and pages of jpgs and gifs. Content is NOT html coding. Its only content if your site is focusing on html coding.

Avoid Doorways- Don't make the first page a doorway. Its really annoying. People think it just makes the s ite 'cool', but I think its wasting my time. I wait for the site to load up, then I'm pissed that its a stupid doorway. So I have to click on the enter link and wait again.

General Questions

Should I use a message board?

Depends. Most people who have message boards aren't used. But message boards are a great way to lessen the emails you get, and they're useful to have people talk about stuff. Usually, message boards become the sole reason why you'd go to that website. Why? Because if its a popular message board, you want to know what everyone is talking about.

What are the disadvantages of using a message board?

Lots. People like to flame and impersonate other people. If you have a ban and delete system, then it shouldn't be a problem. Message Boards have a purpose, but sometimes they end up getting messed up.

How do I know when I need a message board?

When you're getting too many emails. Also, if your website is popular, then get a message board. (Popular means more then a hundred hits a day)

How often should I update a website?

As often as possible. If possible, update it everyday. (Some people actually have lives, so t hey can't do this. :) At least update it every week. If you can't update it at least once a week, don't bother making a website.

Instead of updating it regularly, how about updating in inregularly but with HUGE updates?

Let me just state it plainly...

NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

It really doesn't make much of a difference when your site says, 'I'm making a big update, so check back often'. Haha. And when the big update comes, its never big enough to the veiwer. Remember that the reader had to read the, 'big update is coming soon' over and over. So expect him to be quite critical of your site. Instead of making a 'big' update of say twelve pages every two weeks, spread the update out so its one page per day for two weeks. Trust me, you'll get A LOT more hits doing it this way.

Any other gripes about webpages?

Yes. Many websites take themselves 'too seriously'. They think they're designing a 'proffesional website' but in the end it looks flat and dull. I was sick of seeing all these boring Red Alert websites. With my site, you'd never know what I'd post next! :) I could talk about Red Alert or something clearly different. My site was opinionated, and even though not everyone agreed with my opinions, people were entertained by it. Some of the sillier stuff I've cooked up for this site has been the Red Alert Cheat Codes, the C&C 2 Pre-Alpha, a page devoted to lamer emails, and the infamous Doofus Awards. Those pages were just silly stuff. But they were funny, and a heck more entertaining then a 'plain' site which the newest update is a silly map. Why do you think message boards are so popular? Because they're not only updated consistently and frequently, but they are full of opinions. People love opinions. Don't feel bad in saying on y our news page, 'This sucks', or 'This is AWESOME'. If people disagree, who the hell cares? Its YOUR website. Your not making them come to your site, and they can leave anytime. So feel free to say what you want.