1) Keep track of where you got the linkware graphics.
The easiest way to do it is to
create a folder that's named for the site where you got
the graphics. Then make a little text file with the url
(site address) and any other info you need about using
the graphics. Download only graphics from only that site
into that folder, including any linking graphics. Example:
for eclecticollection™ linkware, make a folder called
eclecticollection, and download all eclecticollection™
linkware there.
2) Big important one!!! Learn about copyright
and bandwidth.
Follow the artist's
rules regarding these two things in particular, as well
as any other rules the artist states. Problems with either
of these can shut down linkware graphics sites, including
this one. So please, learn and heed.
3) Try out suggestions of
background colors, usage of the graphics, or other notes
like that, if the artist makes them. If you're using a
web set, the graphics in the set were designed to go together
a certain way and will usually look best that way.
4) Learn to put text on buttons. An
inexpensive program like Paint
Shop Pro or most any graphics editor will do.
5) Learn to use tables. Many
sets, including some of these, and all border background
sets are designed to be used with tables. Otherwise they
look very funky with stuff spilling over where it shouldn't.
And please please don't use the trick of making the table
right aligned and X% wide... that only works if the person
has the same size monitor as you do, and it's easy to
figure out that this isn't the case.
6) Learn to create mouseovers,
if you want to use them. They are tedious, but they aren't
actually hard to do. Dreamweaver
and other types of software can help you create javascript
for mouseovers online and with no knowledge of javascript.
7) Learn to work with frames,
if you're going to use them. Poorly set up frames will
drive people away from your site faster than almost anything
else, sometimes literally by acting up. The FrameShop
create frames online for you.
The easiest thing to learn to do with frames though, is
avoid them... they still make some people run from sites.
8)
Learn to use colors that work well on the web
unless you're willing for folks
with older computers and monitors to see only half of
what you do. Here's an excellent little chart showing
web safe colors.
9)
For AOL Users: If
you don't have your AOL set right, any graphics you download
will end up looking funny. Here's how
to fix that.
10)
WebTV Users learn how to transload. Transload
all linkware graphics from the artist's site to your home
directory. Otherwise you can kill a good linkware site
with bandwidth theft. You can transload using Star
Boulevard Trandloader or Transloader.com
