by John December (john@december.com)
|
|
These companies have sprung up like dandelions on a May morning, offering their services to businesses, hoping to tap in on the burgeoning interest in the Web and the Net.
I applaud these visionary companies. I run my own Web site myself, and I do the best I can to pursue my dreams while at the same time promote my work, make new contacts, and meet the needs of my readers.
But I do I have a small problem with some of these Web companies, particularly in their approach toward developing Web information.
First, their Web sites are often poorly constructed. I'm amazed to see massive graphics, poorly written text, outdated information, and poorly designed hypertext at the sites of people purporting to do this professionally.
Second, these companies often portray Web information development as equivalent to "HTML coding." This is analogous to holding the view that creating business and professional communication requires only typing skills. How many companies devoted to contract typing are out there these days?
As the web matures, people and companies realize more and more that the quality of their Web information depends on the careful mental work that goes on behind the scenes. This work involves shaping information content using specialized techniques, common sense, and an obsessive devotion to satisfying user needs.
If a company chooses to hire outside consultants to craft their Web site, they should demand a "big picture approach" in which processes such as planning, analysis, design, promotion, and innovation are key parts of the Web information development methodology.
Certainly, implementation in HTML, CGI, or Java, requires a good deal of technical expertise and is an important part of Web information development. But implementation alone is often the least of the worries companies should have on the Web. The biggest concern should be on creating high-quality, compelling content and meeting user needs.
Approaching Web information development as a human communication activity, in which developers seek to excite the audience and meet their needs, is paramount.
After all, is it the typing or the fire of imagination that grabs readers of a good novel?
****
John December is co-author of HTML & CGI Unleashed (Indianapolis: Sams.net, 1995) and maintains a site devoted to Web development at http://www.december.com/web/develop.html.
Copyright © 1996 John December and
The Network for Technology Professionals
Legal Notices, Licensing, Permissions, Privacy Policy.
Advertise | Newsletters | E-mail Offers
|
PDF: Security Reference Guide PDF: Data and Identity Security PDF: Secure Remote Access 101 |
Helpful Cloud Computing Resources MORE WHITEPAPERS, EBOOKS, AND ARTICLES |
|
User Experience Management Indicators for Business and IT Success Ensuring Performance Meets Business and Web User Needs |
MORE WEBCASTS, PODCASTS, AND VIDEOS |
|
IBM DB2 e-kit for Database Professionals: Extending Skills is Fast and Easy Get BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express for Free |
MORE DOWNLOADS, EKITS, AND FREE TRIALS |
Created: Mar. 10, 1996
Revised: May 20, 1997
URL: http://webreference.com/matters.html
