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Post by Erich on Nov 28, 2007 10:42:24 GMT -5
Hi Jim
It's always good to see you here and interacting with our members. I'm sure you can see from the responses [to your postings] how much you are missed when we don't see you for awhile. Your work here has helped so many people that I couldn't begin to tell you how much you are valued.
Take Care
Erich
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Post by troyzone on Nov 28, 2007 11:46:47 GMT -5
Hi Jim,
It's great to hear from you again. Your TOPS Help Files tutorial web site is a great resource and I'm constantly referring members there to learn the basics of HTML in order to help them edit their sites.
We still seem to get a lot of questions about images not showing up. I don't think many people experiencing this are organizing their web site files in the recommended manner, which causes such errors, because they link to images all over their hard drive. I also still see quite a bit of hot linking to images on other sites when they should be saving such images to their own computer and web host and linking to them there.
Along those lines, one update you may need to make is ensure that your tutorial site doesn't advise linking to the toponlineprofits.com domain's images, because Tom is eventually going to disable the ability to hot link to those images to save bandwidth and load on the TOPS site. He actually did this when they changed hosting services a few months back, but so many members had problems with missing images that he had to turn it back on for the time being.
Everyone needs to ensure that their images are saved on their own computers and web hosts, not linked to outside sites if at all possible. Those sites could move, rename, or block the loading of such images by outside sites at any time, and you have no control over such images unless they are saved on your own hosting account.
Spaces and uppercase letters are also included a lot, which leads to more such errors, so emphasis should be placed on avoiding these to keep things as simple and functional as possible (I can't remember if you already mentioned this in your site, probably).
However, that all having been said, I think that most of these issues are caused by people simply not reading the recommended resources such as your tutorial site, the FAQs, and some recommended forum threads and other sites, or sometimes not understanding what they are reading.
To that end, I think the more structure, the better, as some people really need to be led by the hand to get from point A to point B to point C (or from Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 in this case), so I think your idea of a more structured step-by-step tutorial in addition to the basic HTML tutorial is a good one.
Thanks for everything you do Jim. Take care.
Troy
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Post by Tom "CloudHand" on Nov 28, 2007 13:00:08 GMT -5
Hi Jim,
Your HTML tutorial has been a huge help to many new members and are a really valuable asset to this program.
A step-by-step tutorial is also a great idea and one I have been toying with myself. I recently acquired Camtasia and was planning on doing some kind of video tutorials which will be included in the TOPS members area under the various Phases.
We should probably toss some ideas back and forth before either of us begin work on this to prevent any unnecessary duplication.
Like you, I am extremely limited on my spare time and have not had the opportunity to do much online for almost 2 months due to offline responsibilities and family matters. Hopefully my time will be freeing up some in a few weeks and I will be able to devote some time to making the instructions.
Regards,
Tom
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Post by Skyrocket on Nov 28, 2007 15:54:19 GMT -5
Thank you for the fantastic response, you're right Erich, it's great to feel wanted and I certainly get reminded how many friends I have made here when I see the reply's to my posts.
Looks like the idea has gone down well, it's great to here from you Tom and how you've also been thinking about how to improve the guide on setting up a website from the initial basic page. I'll be in touch on email to bounce ideas around as you suggested.
Troy, what can I say, that's exactly what I was looking for, some excellent feedback on specific points that need some tweaks and updates. I was hoping you'd be able to give me some ideas on the main sticking points and as usual you've exceeded my expectations :-)
Great stuff, thank you all, be assured you'll be seeing me a lot more (to be honest you couldn't see me much less!!! LOL )
Regards,
Jim
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Post by troyzone on Nov 28, 2007 18:05:00 GMT -5
Jim - I'm glad the info in my above post helped and was what you were looking for, especially since I did that post in a hurry before running out the door to work (which is where I'm posting from now). If I think of anything else that should be further emphasized or otherwise tweaked I'll let you know, but I think I covered the main points. Also people tend to have bookmark script issues a lot and I'm not sure why since the basic TOPS site includes a working bookmark feature, but I think a lot of the time that is caused by their editor (usually NVU) reformatting their source code on them and messing up the scripts, or perhaps accidental changes made to the code on the part of the user. I often end end up fixing their bookmark code when such issues are posted, but all that really needs to be done is for the user to copy the bookmark code out of their working TOPS site (or the forum FAQ post we have about bookmarks) and then paste it back into their 3PP site, replacing the malfunctioning code. Tom - The possibility of video tutorials sounds interesting... Regarding Jim's tutorial site, I've been meaning to email you and ask if you could place a direct link to Jim's site right inside the Phase 1 instructions and maybe the Phase 1 resources area. I know there is a link in the Phase 1 resources area now of the TOPS members site, but it just links to this thread, rather than Jim's TOPS Help Files tutorial site itself. A lot of people seem to be missing this great resource, at least until we point it out to them here, plus I know that most people go straight to their Phase 1 instructions online and/or print them out, so having a direct link to Jim's TOPS tutorial site www.theworkathomeindex.com/tops listed right in Phase 1 would probably be beneficial. I had mentioned this idea to Lori P last week when we were discussing something or other and she agreed that it would probably be helpful so that people are less likely to miss Jim's site while going through Phase 1, but I've never gotten around to emailing the suggestion to you. I figured since we're on the topic anyway, there's no time like the present to mention it to you Troy
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Post by Sandi Moses on Nov 28, 2007 20:42:47 GMT -5
To that end, I think the more structure, the better, as some people really need to be led by the hand to get from point A to point B to point C (or from Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 in this case), so I think your idea of a more structured step-by-step tutorial in addition to the basic HTML tutorial is a good one. Thanks for everything you do Jim. Take care. Troy Welcome Back, Jim!
Let me add to Troy's post here that "some people" includes not only newbies but a few of us from the slide rule generation that get glazed-over eyes when reading some of this stuff.
Maybe the best advice would be to explain it so your son can understand it. ;D Then maybe we will, too! (Or maybe not - - - - )
Sandi
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stirls
Long Time Member
Posts: 942
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Post by stirls on Nov 29, 2007 11:23:38 GMT -5
Jim - great to see you back here - like you I have been around a bit less than normal and less than I would like due to time restrictions as well.
I think your suggestion is fantastic! Inthe world where everyone wants it now and with little work most people get frustrated actually learning how to fish. If you can create a easy to follow step by step guide I think it will help big time.
Thank you for all that you do around here Jim! It is much appreciated! Chris
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Post by Sandi Moses on Nov 29, 2007 15:43:18 GMT -5
Hi, Jim
Here's another suggestion.
In my endless quest for positive SEO results, I entered my 123 Home Based Business Works 4 Me site into NetMechanic, looking to see whatever I could fix or at least improve.
The first suggestion NetMechanic came up with was to split the page into several pages. I know (or think? ) that css can do that, and I know it has been explained over and over ad nauseum, but I still don't understand what to plug into where in order to accomplish that goal on my page, especially as I work in NVU, even though I don't use the WYSIWYG feature. Until I have actually done it a few times I need A => B => C guidance.
I think a tutorial that explains how to make your web page look to visitors like it is one cohesive page, but appear to the search engine spiders as if it is several pages (in terms your son can understand!) would help a lot of people who finally make it to Phase 3 only to wonder, "Now What?"
Sandi
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Post by Skyrocket on Nov 29, 2007 15:52:51 GMT -5
Hi Sandi,
another great question and something we should consider in the tutorials. Our webpages are deemed quite big in file size which is because we have a lot of information on the one page with several banners. It's impossible for us to get below the recommended file size unless as you suggest, we break it up into several smaller pages that all fit together like a jigsaw. This is done using Server Side Includes (SSI), which is very easy to do once you get your head around it and has been discussed a few times here in the forum.
I'll make it a point to discuss with Tom, and my son Fraser, although I'm a bit worried that he'll start to teach me this stuff soon and then I'll not look like the "all knowing" father!!
Thanks for your suggestion, keep them coming :-)
Regards,
Jim
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Post by Skyrocket on Nov 29, 2007 16:01:00 GMT -5
Jim - great to see you back here - like you I have been around a bit less than normal and less than I would like due to time restrictions as well. I think your suggestion is fantastic! Inthe world where everyone wants it now and with little work most people get frustrated actually learning how to fish. If you can create a easy to follow step by step guide I think it will help big time. Thank you for all that you do around here Jim! It is much appreciated! Chris Hi Chris, it's great to be back here, I forgot how much I enjoyed being a part of the forum instead of a passing spectator. I think there will always be times for all of us where things get in the way of attending here regularly. The things that kept me away didn't stop me from visiting, only having the time to actually post and read stuff properly, which is the best part and I really did miss it. I'm back now though and ready to rock and roll :-) Jim
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Post by Skyrocket on Nov 29, 2007 16:06:37 GMT -5
Tom - The possibility of video tutorials sounds interesting... Regarding Jim's tutorial site, I've been meaning to email you and ask if you could place a direct link to Jim's site right inside the Phase 1 instructions and maybe the Phase 1 resources area. I know there is a link in the Phase 1 resources area now of the TOPS members site, but it just links to this thread, rather than Jim's TOPS Help Files tutorial site itself. A lot of people seem to be missing this great resource, at least until we point it out to them here, plus I know that most people go straight to their Phase 1 instructions online and/or print them out, so having a direct link to Jim's TOPS tutorial site www.theworkathomeindex.com/tops listed right in Phase 1 would probably be beneficial. I had mentioned this idea to Lori P last week when we were discussing something or other and she agreed that it would probably be helpful so that people are less likely to miss Jim's site while going through Phase 1, but I've never gotten around to emailing the suggestion to you. I figured since we're on the topic anyway, there's no time like the present to mention it to you Troy Thanks Troy for some other great suggestions. Tom - if you're wanting my consent to do the direct link then you've got it, I'll not be changing the link or closing the site anytime soon, and if I did I'd let you know if good time. As long as I'm in TOPS, the site will always be available and expanding. Regards, Jim
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Post by superdoppler on Feb 4, 2008 13:59:47 GMT -5
! NEED A WEB SET UP FOR DUMMIES TO .I got through the first part. Iam having trouble with phase 1.
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shing
Long Time Member
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Posts: 1,682
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Post by shing on Feb 5, 2008 1:32:22 GMT -5
There's no question that it's difficult. Everyone here knows how difficult phase 1 can be. There is so much to learn. But that knowledge will benefit you throughout your online work experience if you see it through. There's no hurry. No deadline.
I also know that Jim (Skyrocket) on this forum used to offer to set up websites for people that absolutely can't do it on their own for a fee. I don't know if he still does. I know he's awfully busy.
Try to hang in there. Are you using a what you see is what you get editor such as kompozer? While it does take a bit to learn, it's much faster than trying to do it all with strict html.
Remember that you have a lot of people on this forum willing to help you succeed by answering direct questions.
Shawna
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mar26
Full Member
Posts: 146
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Post by mar26 on Feb 5, 2008 14:33:47 GMT -5
Hi,everyone Hi superdoppler when I first started phase 1 I tried not to look at it as being difficult, I said to myself that I am going to have the determination of whatever it takes to succeed in this. I had my days of not understanding things but the only way I was able to learn things right away is because I have visited this forum like I was suppose to while following the directions that Erich gives us. Take it from me there is alot of wonderful people in this forum that will help you with everything if you don't understand but you have to be specific with what kind of help you need so they could understand what you're asking. I'm still in phase 1 and trying to make sure I get everything done the right way. I'm still working on my site as well.
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Post by Skyrocket on Feb 5, 2008 16:04:00 GMT -5
! NEED A WEB SET UP FOR DUMMIES TO .I got through the first part. Iam having trouble with phase 1. Hi, web design is very logical and it will all make sense eventually. It's about breaking it down into small steps, taking each bit slowly and moving on at your own pace. Just as Shawna said, there is no hurry. If you can't get on with the tutorials I've created or the Web Design Tool Kit you'll find in this forum, then ask specific questions on what exactly it is you can't figure out. Don't worry about technical jargon, just try to explain it as best you can. Many here have been through what you are going through, that's what makes this so powerful, it takes a bit of hard work but the benefits you gain in knowledge and confidence is amazing. I do still offer a service to design websites, you can see the info on this in the tutorials, however I'm eager for you to learn and do it yourself as this brings so many benefits. You'll get these benefits if I or someone else designs the page, as you'll have to maintain it, but they'll take a little longer to come and if you need to make a quick change on the site you may struggle and be concerned you'll mess it up! Some excellent words of encouragement from mar26 (I've deleted the duplicated posts by the way mar26, thanks for pointing it out! , she is dead right in that you will get a lot of help and support here, try not to get frustrated. Regards, Jim
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cindi
New Member
Posts: 0
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Post by cindi on Feb 6, 2008 9:01:35 GMT -5
Jim,
I love your new look. Very very cute ;D
I just wanted to say that I book marked your tutorials when I first started over a year ago. I never gave them a second thought once I got my site up and running...until last night that is.
I was installing word press on my host and I remembered you had a ftp upload program so I used it to upload my files for word press. I never used an ftp product before because they were too hard for me to understand. Your instructions made it so simple that I could kick myself for "hand" loading every file to host over the past year.
Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for all you do. You make my life easier! "e" to you.
Cindi
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Post by Skyrocket on Feb 7, 2008 1:46:29 GMT -5
Thanks Cindi, for the compliment on the new look and the "E". It's great to hear when someone finds the tutorials useful, it's all about making lives easier! Regards, Jim
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shing
Long Time Member
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Posts: 1,682
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Post by shing on Feb 7, 2008 17:40:19 GMT -5
Hey Jim,
'Da Kids' are sure a couple of cuties!!
Shawna
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Post by lisarose on Feb 12, 2008 17:23:24 GMT -5
I have a question ,When I try to get to my page I have loaded on my computer and I am wanting to use my web disk on blue host I get message hat said these files __ SSL 2077 2078 need to be allowed with my fire wall. Can you help ? I am not sure how allow files .
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Post by lisarose on Feb 12, 2008 20:16:24 GMT -5
Never mind I am back on track . I am really enjoying the Skyrockets Top Online Profiles . Once again I do want to introduce My self , My name is Lisa I am fairly new to Tops . I welcome all advice and suggestions !!
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Post by Skyrocket on Feb 15, 2008 16:24:43 GMT -5
Never mind I am back on track . I am really enjoying the Skyrockets Top Online Profiles . Once again I do want to introduce My self , My name is Lisa I am fairly new to Tops . I welcome all advice and suggestions !! Good to hear that you are enjoying learning web design, if there's any specific help you need that isn't covered in the tutorials or the tutorials themselves don't seem to be explaining it clearly, just post your specific questions here and we'll do what we can to help you. Regards, Jim
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Post by troyzone on Apr 15, 2008 3:00:55 GMT -5
Hi Lisa, When adding Google code or other HTML code provided to you by the various companies that we are affiliated with, you need to position your cursor where you want your code to be inserted, then make sure that you switch to the Source view in your HTML editor program (apparently KompoZer in your case) or else use the Insert menu / HTML feature if available, and then paste in your HTML code. You can find some tips regarding Google AdSense here: erichw33.proboards53.com/v45index.cgi?board=np1&action=display&thread=5097&page=1#38540You mentioned in a previous post in this thread that you use Blue Host as your hosting service. You should contact their technical support if you are having trouble uploading files to your web hosting account that you have with them, as they should be able to help you out with this. I do not currently have access to a Blue Host account so I cannot state how exactly to upload files with it, but there is usually a File Manager applet or something similar available in your hosting account's control panel to accomplish this. You could also use a FTP client program to upload files...more information on this highly recommended option can be found in this thread: erichw33.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=web&action=display&thread=1203884742&page=2#1206889279Hope this helps. If you still have trouble after reviewing the above-mentioned information and links, it would be best for you to post a new thread of your own here in the Designing & Developing Website board of the forum in order to get help with web site issues. If you are having specific coding issues with your page and cannot get it to display properly then we would need to see your current work-in-progress page in order to help, which means it would need to be uploaded to your web hosting account and a link to the page provided in your post. Troy
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Post by troyzone on Jun 4, 2008 1:07:09 GMT -5
Hi Lisa, As I mentioned in my previous post in this thread, it would be best for you to create a new thread of your own in this board (go to Designing & Developing Website and click "new thread" near the upper-right of the board) to get help with any web site issues you have with your own site. The original intent of this particular thread was to introduce the TOPS Website Design Tutorials web site...anyone who needs assistance with their own site should start their own message thread for the purpose as it is a separate topic. I'm not sure what you are using as a web site builder, but it sounds like it is not accepting <div> tags (see here for more info on <div> tags). If there is ad code that you need to insert that contains these tags then you may need to use a different web site builder or HTML editor to insert it. I would recommend against using a web-based site builder such as those supplied by web host control panels as they are often limited in what they can do. Instead, it is better to install a HTML editor program on your own computer and use that to perform your site edits on a copy of your web site's files on your own computer, save them, and then upload (or publish) them to your web hosting account. For more information on how to edit your page see the TOPS Help Files tutorial web site, and for more info on the best way to upload files to your web host see the thread regarding using a FTP client to upload files mentioned in my previous post of this thread. The File Manager feature inside your web host's control panel can also be used as an alternative for uploading files, although using FTP is the most highly recommended way of doing so. Lisa, I highly recommend that you add the link to your site to both your Web Site URL and Signature fields of your forum profile. For more details on how to do this and why, see the following FAQ board post: erichw33.proboards53.com/index.cgi?board=faq&action=display&thread=5326Troy
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Post by buynowwebsites on May 16, 2012 22:53:00 GMT -5
Your website is so good.There are many good information in there in your site..Thanks for sharing your website..
spam link removed
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Post by Erich on Aug 28, 2012 13:21:53 GMT -5
Thanks but you can't include spam with your posts... put it in your signature file
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Post by Erich on Oct 1, 2012 7:57:33 GMT -5
Thread updates
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Post by Erich on Feb 15, 2013 12:58:45 GMT -5
We have taken a new look at VERY VIP and with theit recent changes can no longer recommend them
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