My Newbie
Two Cents Worth

By

Bailey

XXX Pornsites

What an exciting week this was, we could finally give our xmas gifts to our exchange pals. You didn’t have to be part of the project to feel the excitement. There were nine gifts to be opened at VNWR on Sunday, and it was great how the gifts arrived throughout the day, it kept a party atmosphere going. It was a nice way to spend a Sunday Afternoon (well it was Sunday afternoon for those of us in NY). I think I can say that everyone who participated in the project was more excited than nervous to give their gift - except Mikeydddd LOL! The gifts were all great, they were creative and unique.

After all the gifts were posted I took the time to go thru each one. I viewed them as if I were walking through an art gallery. I had nine sites in front of me. The goal of all of these site was the same - to bring sales - I’m confident all will reach the goal - but I was amazed at nine different approaches and styles used to get there.

When I went through the sites the first time, I looked at them as a whole picture. I skimmed over the sites, just taking in my first impression. Each one I looked at caught my eye in a different way, whether it was a banner placement, a graphic, font, text they were all different. When I went back for a second look I noticed things I didn’t see the first time. I was looking at nine different ways to sell basically the same thing. This time I lingered over each one and took some mental notes. My style tends to be basic and it works for me - but there were many things I saw that I liked, and they gave me some ideas for future sites. I’ll make some sites a bit bolder, both in color and text and I’m going to look a little differently at banner placement too. I’ve dabbled a little in making my own banners and graphics, and after looking at these sites I realize the value of ‘never seen before’ banners and graphics. I’ve decided that learning to make my own banners and graphics are on the priority list.

The homemade graphics and banners made an impact on me when I viewed the sites, I‘m sure it affects the surfer as well.

Another thing I did when I walked through the sites was to view the source code. I’ve viewed the source code on sites before, but usually in search of something specific. I didn’t realize the many different ways to code. There were some bits of code I never saw and other bits I was aware of but never used. It bought to my attention that I could probably save time and put less code on the page with a few simple changes. The things I didn’t recognize I’ll look at again and I’ll certainly be asking questions if I can’t figure it out.

I know I sound like a broken record - but the community projects are so much fun and a great way to learn. With the sites lined up, knowing they were built by experienced VNWR webmasters it was like going to an Art Gallery, Museum and site building seminar, all at once, and having a party while doing it. It was such a great project - I can’t wait for the next one.

Bailey