Tips to Writers and Desktop Publishers

You're not in DTP-land any more. Brace yourself for the anguish of not being able to place objects on a page precisely where you want them to go. And just accept the fact that you can't fine-tune your typography (sorry, no kerning or leading). And you'll seldom be able to even specify the typeface and size you want.You can, of course, specify a typeface with the <font> tag, but if the user doesn't happen to have that particular font on his system, the browser will simply display its default font.

Remember, too, that different browsers have different default fonts, and that Macs and PCs don't share the same native fonts. This calls for a whole new approach to page design--a construction that will "work" with slightly different typefaces and font sizes.

But once you accept these painful realities, you're ready for a great adventure--learning the art and craft of Web design. It's just a matter of learning what the possibilities are and using them to your advantage. See the Typography section for helpful info.

It's true that Stylesheets are being hailed as the answer to the typgraphy and object placement problems. But, beware! Stylesheets work only in the latest browsers, and the two leading browsers have different notions of what the stylesheet rules are.

Concentrate on content

See the Content section for the lowdown on writing for the Web. Your text is probably the most important element on the site (although the designers and programmers aren't likely to acknowledge it). It's important that you be a Web-savvy member of the team so that you can help make design decisions--decisions that will insure that the content is not overwhelmed by fancy graphics or cutting-edge coding gimmicks.

Last updated November 10, 1998