Search Resources
September 17, 2007
Perhaps you are self-taught like me-or maybe you just are curious about how things work. Here are some tools which may help you find more easily the information you are looking for.
Sparkl.us is a fabulous search engine for web designers. Powered by Google, it is a specialty search engine, which makes finding the information you need very easy, without weeding through lots of non-relevant material. Scrub the Web offers search and tools for webmasters.
One that has intrigued me is Search Lores, which favors Opera Browser to take advantage of all of its features, yet I have yet to figure out how to use it. If anyone knows, I would love to get some input on that one, as I believe many buried treasures lie there.
Octora is an RSS feed search engine which allows you to search feeds, urls, and offers a deep search. Daypop is recommended for non-main stream news, or perhaps research and articles are what you are looking for.
Or you may want to try HighBeam which offers a free search that includes search by subject. Of course Windows Live Search is now what powers MSN. The index page for Google Products has many options, including a blog search.
All the Web has news pictures, video, audio options. A newer contender is Wise Nut. Dogpile and OxySearch have compiled several search engines into one, and I am not sure what the difference is between these two.
Clusty conveniently organizes the search results in clusters. Answers is a “one-stop shop” with a customizable deluxe homepage, answers, definitions and explanations on over 4 million topics, in addition to WikiAnswers. Ask or browse.
An open directory project, which allows the internet to organize itself, and is edited by human volunteers can be found at DMoz A very useful search engine, Creative Commons Search, helps you to find content from the web which can be used for commercial purposes, or which can be adapted for your own use. Useful for respecting copyright.
Happy Searching!
Ask Yourself …
December 3, 2006
What do you want in a website? When you decide to take the plunge, first of all you will need to think of your purpose of being on-line. Good web presence takes time to build and maintain.
If it a status thing, “Hey why don’t you check out my website!” then perhaps your advertising dollars are better spent elsewhere, unless of course, you have money to burn. If that is your reason, hey, I can still design one for you. Here are some things to consider, before you meet with the designer.
What do you want to accomplish? Some websites are educational, with an emphasis on relaying information and sharing it. It may also be a reference resource, or a non-profit organization. Perhaps you need a donation button.
Or if you are showcasing your talents you may need something slick and simple. Many artists use a website simply as an online portfolio, or a resume if you will for the galleries. If you are a self-representing artist, you will most probably need to set up an e-commerce system, where people can buy your art direct.
You may have a special interest in a particular topic, which you want to share, and connect with people who share a common interest. Writing websites are one example.
Perhaps you have a product to sell which you want to market whether it be to a niche market or a diverse audience. What better way to gain exposure for your business?
Consider your target audience, once you have decided on your goals. Then you have to get your name out there. What is it worth to you to have an internet presence? How much are you willing to spend, and what are you expecting as a return for your investment?
Drawing people to your site, having them make return visits is an indication your web presence is growing. Regardless of your goals you must represent yourself in an optimum manner.
Getting Found
October 9, 2006
“If you build it, he will come.”
~Field of Dreams(1989)
Having a website is one thing. Getting people to visit is another. Building my first website, involved a huge learning curve. I had known for a long time I wanted to build myself a website. It did not become a reality until much later. Once I had it somewhat the way I wanted it, I realized my work had just begun. Action needed to be taken to ensure someone besides myself would see it.
After all, I had spent a tremendous amount of time teaching myself code, optimizing images, and learning layout. How was I going to get people to visit? So the research began. Finding out how to market a website became my new obsession. All of this was new to me. Submitting to search engines, what to use as keywords, meta tags, site maps, link popularity, page rank … a never ending stream.
One could never profess to know everything. So much to learn and the learning never ends. Rapid change continues to occur, requiring ongoing work, to ensure your presence on the web. Here are some resources for you to check out if you would like to read up on what is involved. Some excellent tools here:
