Lately it seems that everyone and her sister is designing web pages. With the availability of easy to use point-and-click web publishing programs such as FrontPage, PageMill, and Dreamweaver, it is a common practice, after learning how to use one of these programs, to start advertising oneself as a web designer. So, why choose DebWorks? There is more to a web site than pretty graphics and a pleasing page layout.

I began studying web design over seven years ago, and have watched the internet evolve from a novel way for a few scholars and geek-types to share information around the world, to the massive research and marketing tool it is today.

I completed both a web design proficiency and web master course, but have gone far beyond those courses to gain a deeper understanding of many aspects of the internet and web servers. I am committed to a high standard of quality in all that I do. I hand code the pages I design, to make them cleaner and faster loading. I will make sure all of your links work properly, with a smooth navigational flow, and correct any typos. I will test your pages to be sure that they both display and function properly in all common web browsers and screen resolutions. I have a working web server separate from the internet, where I can "test-drive" your site before putting it up for public viewing.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. My job is not done until you are happy with the web site I have designed for you. You do not have to pay for a site that does not live up to your expectations.

Unlike some web designers, I do not charge by the page. There are many different elements that may be included in a web page that affect the time required to create it. A page with a simple layout containing some text and a couple of images may take only a few minutes to produce. It should not cost hundreds of dollars. The following are a few notes on various components of a web site to consider that may influence your final cost:

• Text

  If you have ever used a word processing program, you know that many fonts are available to change the look of a document you print from your computer. It can be fun to choose a decorative font to really make your printed text be noticed. Text on the internet does not work in the same way. Your web pages will be viewed by other people, using whatever fonts they happen to have installed on their own particular computers. If you use a fancy font, and people looking at your web pages do not have that font available on their computers, they will see your text in their default font, usually some variation of Times or Arial. At best, the text on your pages will look different from the way you intended. At worst, if the font you have chosen has a base size significantly larger or smaller than their default, this could result in an ugly or even unreadable page, due to the text overlapping other text and images.

  For large areas of text, it is always best to stay with common fonts that most people have, such as Arial, Times, and Courier. If you want to dress up your pages a bit, you can use a decorative font for small pieces of text, such as headings and links. These can be saved as graphical images, so everyone will see them the same. Each area of text created in this manner results in a separate graphic file.

  If you have created pages of text in a text editor or word processing program that you want to use on your website, please do not print them out on paper and mail them to me. Send me the file. The web is digital, so it is much faster and easier to put a digital file online than scan and fix a printed copy. I only mention this because some people apparently do not understand this, and have sent me printed copies of their pages. Of course, if all you have is a paper copy, I will work with it.

• Graphics

  Do you want to include images such as photos or logos? Most people do. Do you have copies of these images? Are they in a digital format? I can work with graphics in just about any image format (.jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp,.tif, etc.), edit them and convert them, if necessary, to a form that is optimized for the internet. I can also scan photos and other graphics from a paper copy. Although digital images are always best, good, clear photos printed on shiny photo paper, when scanned, usually result in an acceptable web image. Take a good look at the photos you plan to use. The images should be sharp, and with good lighting and contrast. Some imperfections can be fixed in an image editing program, but a better quality original will always make a better quality web image.

  Anything printed on plain paper, particularly paper with any kind of a texture, tends to result in a poor quality image that will require a lot of "cleaning up" before it can be displayed on your web page. Therefore, if you have your logo both printed on a brochure and stored as a file on your computer, send me the one that is on your computer for use in your web site. This will be easier for me, and you will be much happier with the end result.

• Scripts

  Scripts can add interest and improve the functionality of your web site. Links that change appearance when you put your mouse over them, drop-down menus, changing graphics, and other special effects are often done with javascripts. A special effect or two can be good, as long as it will work properly in all common web browsers, and the effects are not over-used to the point that they distract your viewers from the main content of your pages.

  Interactive scripts can also be used behind the scenes, on the server, to process information from your visitors. They allow people to do such things as search the web site for specific information, send you a message through the site, browse an online catalog for products or services that interest them, and if you have a shopping cart program, ultimately make a secure on-line purchase.

• Layout

  Web pages come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very plain, while others are busy, with many different elements scattered about. A good, clean layout is always attractive and easy to use. The purpose of your web site will influence your decision for the layout. If you are looking for ideas, you can check my Resources page where you will find a couple of links to sites that offer free page design templates. If you see one that you like, you can use it as a starting point for your own site. If you have an idea that is totally unique, draw it out either on paper or in a graphics program and send it to me.

• Re-using page elements

  Ten pages (or any number) using the same basic layout, with different text, and maybe some different graphics, are easier, and therefore less expensive, to produce than ten pages that are very different from each other. In addition, using the same style for at least most of your pages, will make your web site appear more organized and consistent. This is another good reason why I do not charge by the page.

I will offer my services for significantly lower than the going rate, in order to build up a customer base. Prices are negotiable. Let me know what you are looking for, and I will give you a free, no-obligation quote. If you would like a web site for a not-for-profit organization, ask about special rates.