SITE DESIGN
My philosophy is to create web pages that feature the content rather than compete with it. Each professional web site is uniquely designed for the client. Attention is given to thoughtful and logical site navigation so your visitor to immediately recognize the purpose of the site, and who it represents. The World Wide Web has experienced furious growth in its short life. It has outgrown many computer platforms and browsers that once supported it. This trend is expected to continue therefore I try to balance the needs of those who use older systems against the prolific development of resource-hungry technologies. Whenever choices have to be made, I will favor Windows operating systems using Internet Explorer 6. This is the platform used by the majority of users on the Internet, but it is by no means the only one. I test the sites on Macintosh, using a variety of browsers, including Netscape Navigator, Safari and Firefox. Experience has shown that it is impossible to duplicate a site exactly on all platforms, but I will try to ensure that a site will not be "broken" when it is viewed on an alternative operating system. I believe that a Web site should be a means of self-expression as well as a means of communicating information. If that limits the availability of the site, I will make the client aware of the risk.

TEXT
Write or gather together any text you would like to have on the site. This might include instructions, descriptions, tutorials, a history or biography, reviews, important dates, or any other information you want to include. Don't be concerned about layout, at this point it is simpler to save it as a .txt file and let us format it when we add it to the site. Take care to express your ideas clearly and concisely, and share it with others for error checking and critiquing.

GRAPHIC DESIGN
I pay a close attention to the graphical part of the sites. I offer image scanning, photo retouching, logo adaptations, special images, digital image file reduction, layout, and other graphic services. If needed, I take pictures with a high-end digital camera and create web images from that source. If your goal is to create an online portfolio or catalog, you must have images. Try to gather a dozen or more that you like. If you are unable to do so, the process of building a Web site will be substantially delayed. While it is easy to change the images at any time, they will have a profound influence on the appearance of the site as it is being developed.

MAINTENANCE
When your site has been created and published for the world to see, you will undoubtedly want to make changes to it from time to time. Once you have established an account with me, my services will be available to you on a per-hour basis. A simple email or phone message is all it takes to make prompt changes to your Web site. Once I begin building your site, you may see new possibilities or notice flaws in some of the material you provided and decide to change it. This can be accomplished easily, and at any time - even after the site has been published.

HOSTING
If you do not already have a host for your Web site, I can make arrangements for you with one of recommended hosting services. I can handle all of the details for you, including the registration of your domain name. If you already have a hosting arrangement, I will publish your files for you and provide you with a portable copy of your site that can be placed on any Web server, in the event you decide to move it in the future.

EXAMPLES of ACTIVE SITES

http://johnmcarney.com
Artist photographer, retired professor of WMU. The site contains artistic photography.

http://marknepo.com
Philosopher, teacher, writer, poet. The site contains excerpts from his writing and audio from Mark reading his poetry.

http://marybrodbeck.com
Kalamazoo artist: Japanese woodblock printmaking, paintings, drawings.

http://hannapel.com
West Michigan Home Center specializing in the selling of windows, doors, kitchen/bath cabinetry, countertops, and many other building products.

http://greatlakestools.com
Manufacturer of rebuilding tools for Eaton Roadranger truck transmissions in Richland, MI

http://allavergne.com
Albert Lavergne - sculptor. A retrospective of his work in metal.

http://comfortinnplainwell.com
Comfort Inn hotel and the Heritage Banquet and Conference Center in Plainwell, Michigan.

http://dalmlaw.com
Dalm & Dalm Attorneys at Law in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

http://catholicjailministry.org
Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Services. Jail and Prison Ministry.