Mara K:
-Don't feel like you need to live up to any standard but your own. Do only what you know you are capable of doing, which means if you're making a website for the first time, you don't need to go overboard with flashy Javascripts, blinking text, and "webpage enhancements." Start off slow and work your way up as your confidence in your ability increases. If it comes to a point where you need to push yourself to make a website, you're trying too hard and you need to just walk away from it for a while.

-LEARN HTML, LEARN HTML, LEARN HTML. It's incredibly easy (it's not a programming language, it's a markup language), it makes perfectly good sense, and it can be learned in a matter of hours. If you are thinking "Well, since I'm just starting out, it'll be good to use a WYSIWYG editor like Front Page...", then you are WRONG. You CAN learn HTML, and you'll need to know it to edit pages made in a WYSIWYG editor as it is. ^^"

-Webspace is easy to come by. If your ISP gives you space with your account, take advantage of it.

-Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

-BACK UP YOUR FILES!!! Problems happen... servers get hacked, computers get fried, disks get corrupted. For these reasons, there should be at least three copies of all of your HTML/graphics files per website in existence... one copy for your website, one copy on your hard drive, and one copy on a Zip disk/floppy disk or other external source. To play it extra safe, you can even keep one copy in a compressed file (i.e. a Zip file or a BinHex file) on a floppy/Zip disk. If you've got the space to spare on your website, keep one there as well. You will then have -five- backups in case of an emergency. ^_^

-Should you find yourself in a position where webpage making becomes a serious hobby, invest in some good software to supplement your new hobby. If you can get Photoshop, whether you are on a PC, Mac, or something else, do it. If you can't, get Paint Shop Pro 5. A good HTML text editor for the PC is HomeSite; its Mac equivalent is BBEdit.

-When it stops being fun, it's time to stop.

Chibiusa from S.T.A.R. :
-Express your own opinions! To make your page even more special than it already is, remember to be yourself, and include your own personal touches. A page should reflect your own personal style, and that I believe is what's most important about web design and web creation.

The Small Lady from The Small Lady--Sailormoon Webpage Reviewer
-The first thing to remember is: SPELL-CHECKING! The most beautiful site can be ruined when there are misspelled words scattered throughout it. Checking for spelling errors only takes a minute or two to do, and adds a professional touch to your site.

-Enjoy what you are doing! If you are not happy working on your site, your site WILL reflect your misery. Website creation should be a fun thing that you want to do, not a tedious chore that you feel you have to do.

-Remember that not everyone may have the same browser, screen resolution or color settings as you do. You should try to design your site to look pleasing in a variety of conditions. It does not have to look perfect in every browser/resolution combination, but if the ONLY settings your visitor can use to view anything on your site is IE 5, 600x480 and 32-bit color, you may want to reconsider your site design.

-Javascript, mouseovers, frames, scrolling text, automatic plug-ins, MIDIs, animated pictures: all of that can be nice features to add to your site, but be careful; it is so easy to overdo it. Nothing turns a visitor off more than having to go through a tangle of pop-up name boxes and plug-ins that won't die, just to get to your welcome screen.

-The more you practice your HTML, the easier it gets. When you start out, the code may seem overwhelming, your site may not look that great, and you may be trying to hard to emulate the style of other sites. Over time, as you learn new tricks and skills, refine your tastes, and develop your own style, you will be pleasantly surprised at the evolution of your site. Save a copy of your first site, then compare it to your site a year from now, and then you will see what I mean.

-Remember that this is only the Internet, a fun part of your life...it shouldn't become your whole life. Get outdoors every now and then. Keep in touch with your friends without using e-mail, ICQ or chatting. Have non-computer related hobbies. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the Internet world that you tend to neglect things that are happening in the real world.

Tin Nyanko from Sailor Animate Review
-Fonts. Fonts are very very important because Times New Roman, no matter what anybody tells you, isn't aethetically pleasing. Also, h1 is a tag that really bothers me if used in excess, especially since making an image is a lot easier for headings. ^^;

-Test your webpages in a couple of browsers before you release them. IE and Netscape are usually fine.

-Color scheme!! I don't know how many webpages I've gone to that have NO color scheme that's apparent. Just think of colours that compliment each other. If you're unsure, ask somebody, or simply go with black and white. ^^;

-Swearing is annoying, if there's too much of it. Be tasteful.

-Whilst on the topic of tastefulness, huge SOS and hFREE banners aren't all the rage anymore, so find a button. ^^;

-And Nyanko's last tip . . . Love making your webpage! If you don't love doing it, something's wrong, and you need to think about why you have it. Webpage making is a hobby, not a chore! I've seen so many people who don't like making their webpages it's sad, and I really believe that you have to love what you before others love what you do. ^^;

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