I want information to flow freely, available for those who need it,
with minimum controls and restrictions, without additional problems.
While some bells and whistles can add interest to a page, they should not be allowed to
prevent getting the point of the page unless labeled as such.
There must be a way of finding out if something is required, and on my sites,
Site Map will contain notes as to inclusion of
JavaScript (JS) needs, frames, etc. Since the Netscape JavaScript is closer to
the international standard, it will be used, and Microsoft's variant supported to
the extent it follows the standard.
Multitudes of plug-ins are irritating, complicate systems, and are not needed.
Those used must not compromise a viewer's system, be common enough for reuse,
and used only if it truely adds to a page. ActiveX violates security, and will not
be used here. Java has not been used by a major worm (virus is specific to
programs) unlike Active-X, and may eventually be used.
Forms should not be concealed, nor should trickery be used to get an Email address.
Information from forms and E-mail should be considered confidential unless specified
otherwise.
(i.e. Publish box checked for Email address form). Readers
are strongly encouraged to fill out the Browser Survey so I can design to avoid
problems and pick least aversive trade offs; nobody else sees the data.
The standard elements, such as HTML, text, .gif, .jpg, midi (.mid) or wave (.wav) files, should be used to remain generally compatible. Unique formats should be reserved for unique requirements.
Pages should be loadable with everything turned off. Tell your browser supplier you want the
control to be able to turn anything OFF, for greater safety and speed.
Browser screens are currently predominantly 640 x 480 x 256 colors and
pages should be designed to be compatible with such except when noted.
Because viruses are a fact of life, users should be cautious.
Javascripts can be viewed with View Source to check. ActiveX is not secure, so should be avoided as the major securtity risk that it is.
Limited items, large, slow, and exceptional items should be identified,
and graphics routinely shrunk, color reduced, and compressed as much as possible
for transmission speed.
Anything designed for use after downloading should use relative addresses
within the material, without producing artificial 'hits'.
'TV'-like presentation uses excessive bandwidth, a limited resource,
and should be avoided. The internet, by it's very nature, can easily exceed
the limits of TV in depth and breadth, and static image resolution, and is best
used for such. Broadcast maximizes use of bandwidth for motion and sound.
This site is focused on information, including Clan MacColin of Glenderry,
hibernio-scottish studies and culture. It will retain a link to MacColin.com. It is heavy on links to
information, for my link pages are the result of my research,
saving those which may be of use to myself or others in the future.
As all authors, I need feedback.
Standard equipment changes, and as a result, so does what is desirable.
A graphic that allowed use of your full four letter word vocabulary with a
2400 baud modem on a good line now is worth a couple on 56k baud modem.
Tell me if you like or hate the approach tests. That which is called for
will increase, and objected to will cease.
But you have to tell the author, be it me, or other sites.
The author will prefer "I couldn't read your x page because of the
graphic behind it," to silence.
