Creating Web Pages For Dummies®

Chapter 20. Ten Web Publishing DON'Ts

In This Chapter

• Don't limit your audience

• Don't abuse Netiquette

• Don't “borrow” content without asking

• Don't abuse graphics and multimedia

• Don't forget <alt> tags and text versions of menus

• Don't forget the basics

• Don't start by setting up your own Web server

• Don't make your site hard to navigate

• Don't forget the “World” in World Wide Web

• Don't be afraid to find out more

Those of us who remember Mr. Do‐Bee, who we mentioned at the start of Chapter 19, also probably remember Bozo the Clown, another TV character. (Ever hear people say, “What a bozo?”) When someone did something wrong, it was a “Bozo no‐no.” Don't‐don't do these no‐no's.

DON'T Limit Your Audience

Be careful when designing your pages not to inadvertently limit your audience by using some oddball feature that can't be accessed by large numbers of people who use different Web browsers.

Stick to basic HTML through HTML Version 4.0. Think twice before using HTML frames, Java programs, or ActiveX programs — some people won't be able to access Web pages with these features. Warn people if you use nonstandard features. Often, providing alternative pages, such as text‐only versions of your pages, is worthwhile.

Don't feel as though you should limit your Web page, however, if using nonstandard features and software is important to your goals for the page. Include links to the software that works with your pages — a link to the QuickTime site if you host QuickTime movies or a link to the RealAudio site ...