HTML Writers Guild Newsletter
Volume 5 Number 22, 4 December 1999
http://www.hwg.org/
mailto:editor@hwg.org
Table of Contents
1. HWG Invites You to Builder.Com Live, Dec 7-11 in New Orleans
2. New Feature: HWG-News Tips! Your Favorite Techniques Wanted!
3. New Courses for 2000: Macromedia Flash, Java Applets, and more
4. Hang a HWG Membership Certificate on Your Wall!
5. Your Voice on the Board: New HWG Ombudsman Position Created
6. Guild Winter Holiday Schedule: Classes, Town Hall, Offices
7. As Always, the HWG-News Subscriptions and Advertising FAQ
This issue of HWG-News is sponsored by:
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1. HWG Invites You to Builder.Com Live, Dec 7-11 in New Orleans
(Frank Boumphrey, Vice President of Special Events, vp-events@hwg.org)
We're going to New Orleans -- and you're invited!
The HTML Writers Guild Speaker's Bureau is pleased to invite Guild
members to the Builder.Com Live conference, which will feature HWG
sponsored presentations by Frank Boumphrey and Kynn Bartlett.
In addition, we are looking for local or attending Guild members to
assist with staffing of the Guild's table at the conference.
WHEN AND WHERE
* Builder.Com Live!
New Orleans, Louisiana
7-11 December 1999
http://www.builder.com/live/
WHO AND WHAT
The best web design sessions all under one roof in the heart of the
ultimate fun city! HWG presentations include Frank Boumphrey who
will tell you how to "Use ASP to Access XML Data Stores" and the
panel "You Can Build It, But They Won't Come If They Can't:
Accessibility and Your Site" with Kynn Bartlett and others.
HOW
To volunteer to help with the booth, please send email to:
mailto:vp-events@hwg.org
Unfortunately we are unable to provide transportation or hotel fees
for booth volunteers, so we ask that only local members or members
already attending the conference volunteer. Volunteers should be
familiar with the Guild's projects, including membership information,
the AWARE Center, and our online classes program. Anyone assisting
with the booth will receive our gratitude, a HWG t-shirt, and an
invitation to all HWG special events in New Orleans!
If you're going to be at the conference, be sure to stop by the
HWG booth and say hello!
2. New Feature: HWG-News Tips! Your Favorite Techniques Wanted!
(Kynn Bartlett, HWG-News Editor, editor@hwg.org)
The Guild's foundation is members helping members, sharing our expertise
and knowledge to improve our skills in the craft of web design. Everyone
has something to teach, and something to learn!
Starting with the next newsletter, HWG-News will feature member-submitted
"tips" in each issue, in the space between articles and announcements.
Submitted tips MUST meet the following criteria:
1. They must be no more than 6 lines (420 characters, about 60
words) in length.
2. Tips must be quick, direct, and to-the-point. They should be
able to stand alone without further explanation. (URLs to more
information are acceptable.)
3. They must address the broad topic announced in the previous
newsletter.
4. Commercial advertisements or endorsements ("Use product ABC!
It's the best!") will most likely be rejected. In general,
tips should follow standard W3C specifications on HTML, CSS,
and accessibility when appropriate.
5. Tips must be received at least 3 days before the next
newsletter, by hwg-news-tips@hwg.org.
6. The HWG-News editorial staff are the final judge of what tips
are selected for publication.
What happens if your tip is selected? Each issue, the first-place
winner will receive a free HWG t-shirt; runner-up tips will be also
listed in the HWG-News newsletter as space permits!
Here's an example:
HWG-NEWS TIP: "Want to make sure your site is usable by web users
with disabilities? Always include ALT text, check your site at
http://www.cast.org/bobby/, and visit http://aware.hwg.org/ for
more details!"
--Submitted by Kynn Bartlett
You can also send your suggestions for tip categories to
hwg-news-tips@hwg.org. The category for the next newsletter is "Cascading
Style Sheets Tips," so send in your CSS hints and techniques before
Wednesday, December 15!
3. New Courses for 2000: Macromedia Flash, Java Applets, and more
(Ann Navarro, Online Education Director, classes@hwg.org)
The Guild's Online Education program features a wide variety of
classes in the field of web creation, taught by experienced fellow
members! All classes take place on our interactive classroom server
that allows you to participate and learn according to YOUR schedule!
We are pleased to announce two new courses to give your site a
multimedia sparkle using Flash and Java, as our range of courses
continues to expand. Why not give yourself a holiday treat and take a
Guild class today -- you deserve it!
Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets
Dates: December 6, 1999 - January 21, 2000
(7 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h151.7.html
Add a little style to your web design! This popular course covers
CSS 1 and 2, which can enhance the appearance of any web page!
You'll learn which CSS rules are -- and are not -- supported by the
major browsers, and more!
Business Writing Basics
Dates: December 13, 1999 - February 4, 2000
(9 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/b101.5.html
You may be good at HTML tags, but that's just half the equation!
Learn how to make your content sizzle in our writing course!
Beginning Programming with Perl
Dates: December 13, 1999 - February 4, 2000
(8 weeks -- 1 week winter break)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p101.5.html
Learn the basics of the Perl programming language, system
administration, and a variety of other tasks. The course will cover
the fundamentals of the language, preparing you for a variety of
scripting projects. (Please note that this is not a CGI course.)
Using Macromedia Dreamweaver - Part 1
Dates: January 3, 2000 - January 31, 2000 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a131.5.html
This one-month course is designed to allow you to master the basics
of the popular Dreamweaver web creation tool during Macromedia's
one-month free trial period.
Practical Web Management: Creating an Effective Web Site
Dates: January 3, 2000 - February 13, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/w201.3.html
Covering everything from personalization to usability studies,
this course is a perfect fit if you're struggling with how
to manage your new or growing website!
*** NEW COURSE! ***
Sites that Sizzle: Web Animation with Macromedia Flash 4
Dates: January 3, 2000 - February 13, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $50 Full members, $80 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/a221.1.html
An exciting addition to the HWG Online Education lineup, this course
covers the fun world of Flash 4. You will learn to draw, create,
import and manipulate vector objects, making them come to life
in frame-by-frame animations and on multiple layers.
Creating Web Graphics with Paint Shop Pro
Dates: January 10, 2000 - February 18, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/g201.4.html
Release your inner artist! This graphics course will teach
you to create your own stunning images for use on your website,
using the Paint Shop Pro program.
Introduction to JavaScript
Dates: January 10, 2000 - February 25, 2000 (7 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/p151.6.html
The Javascript language allows you to add interactivity to your web
pages -- this course will teach you the basics of programming in
Javascript for multiple browser types.
*** NEW COURSE! ***
Incorporating Java into your Web Sites
Dates: January 10, 2000 - February 4, 2000 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/h171.1.html
Designed for the beginning student with some knowledge of creating
HTML files by hand or with a WYSIWYG editing tool. This class will
show you where to find applets to use on your pages, and how to
customize them using parameters. This is NOT a programming class!
Applets will range from simple 'ticker style' text applets, to
animations, and to Java games.
Introduction to XML
Dates: January 17, 2000 - February 25, 2000 (6 weeks)
Tuition: $25 Full members, $50 Trial members
Details: http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/x101.5.html
Come find out what the buzz is all about! XML, the Extensible
Markup Language, is driving the future of data storage and
exchange. Get hands on development experience using
freely available tools.
COURSE FEES
Course fees are based on membership level; Full members receive a
discounted tuition price, while Trial members pay the standard price.
Full membership is only $40 per year, so upgrade your membership
before registering, and save money! Payments may be made online via
secure transaction; all figures are in U.S. funds.
A certificate of completion is available for an additional $5;
the request needs to be made at the time of registration. Textbooks
(when required) are separate and may be purchased through the Guild's
online bookstore, The Bookmark. Books should be purchased before the
first week of class! In addition, students should have regular access
to the web and the ability to post completed assignments on a
public (non-Intranet) web server.
Sign up today through our online enrollment forms or get more
information at:
http://www.hwg.org/services/classes/
4. Hang a HWG Membership Certificate on Your Wall!
(Kynn Bartlett, HTML Writers Guild President, kynn@hwg.org)
The Guild is pleased to announce the availability of Membership
Certificates for Full members of the Guild!
These optional paper certificates display your membership status in
the Guild and are suitable for wall display. (At the present time,
certificates are only available in English.)
Any Full member of the Guild is eligible for a certificate, which
is dated with the term of membership (one year) covered by your Full
membership.
Rather than increase the cost of Full membership for everyone, the
Guild has chosen to make these membership certificates available
for an additional cost of $5 to cover printing, shipping and handling
when renewing or joining as a Full member. Members who do not wish
a certificate are not required to pay.
If you need an additional certificate, or if you are not renewing or
paying your membership dues, a membership certificate is available to
you for a $10 processing and shipping charge.
For more details on the new membership certificates, please see:
http://www.hwg.org/member/cert.html
5. Your Voice on the Board: New HWG Ombudsman Position Created
(Kynn Bartlett, President, HTML Writers Guild, president@hwg.org)
To ensure that members feel their needs are being met, the Governing
Board has created a new position on the Board, Guild Ombudsman. The
role of the Ombudsman is to assist in resolving any difficulties
between members and the Guild's administration, and to serve as a
primary contact for members who want to make their opinions known.
Note that the role of Ombudsman is not a general complaint desk; each
HWG program has a way to present problems and those should be used
first -- for example, questions about the Logo program can go to the
Logo manager. The Ombudsman's role is to resolve problems if you
feel the normal methods haven't worked to your satisfaction.
Frank Boumphrey has been appointed to the position of Ombudsman, to
serve from now until the Board's annual meeting in February. If you
would like to speak to him about any questions regarding Guild
services, you may write to him at:
mailto:ombudsman@hwg.org
As always, the members are what make the Guild strong -- we're here
to help you!
6. Guild Winter Holiday Schedule: Classes, Town Hall, Offices
(Fred Barnett, HWG Assistant Secretary, fred@hwg.org)
Due to the Winter holiday season, some of the Guild's programs will
be rescheduled during the last two weeks of December.
CLASSES
Online Education classes will have a one-week "break" between Christmas
and New Years Day. No new assignments will be posted during this
time, but students may use the extra time to catch up or read ahead!
TOWN HALL MEETING
Each month, the Guild provides an opportunity for real-time discussion
and chatting via HWG Interactive. These monthly meetings are hosted by
members of the Governing Board (with most of them in attendance),
and give our members the chance to voice your views about the HWG.
Due to the holidays, the December Town Hall meeting will not be held
on the fourth Thursday of this month, but instead on Tuesday of that
same week:
21 December Town Hall Meeting
Date: Tuesday, 21 December 1999
Time: 6:30 p.m. PST, 9:30 p.m. EST
Server: HWG Interactive, http://interact.hwg.org/
IRC: irc.hwg.org, port 6667
Channel: #townhall
To connect, either go to the URL above and use the Java-based client
available via the web, or use your favorite IRC client and join channel
#townhall.
OFFICES CLOSED 24, 31 DECEMBER
The HWG's business offices in California and Florida will be closed
on Friday, December 24, and Friday, December 31. They will re-open
the following Mondays.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
7. As Always, the HWG-News Subscriptions and Advertising FAQ
(HWG-News Newsletter Editor, editor@hwg.org)
Some questions you may be asking:
Q: Why did I get this mail?
A: You received this newsletter because you are a member of the
HTML Writers Guild. This message came from hwg-news, the Guild's
mandatory mailing list for all members. If you need more information
about hwg-news, please see the List Charter at:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/hwg-news/index.html
Q. Why doesn't this newsletter talk about web design or HTML?
A. The newsletter is the Guild's administrative bulletin to the
membership. If you are interested in the topics of Web design
and HTML, then you might want to subscribe to some of our
discussion lists devoted to those topics. More information on
the Guild's offering of discussion lists can be found at:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/mailinglists.html
Q. How can I find out more about Guild activities?
A. The Guild has set up a one-way announcement list, HWG-Announce,
that carries bulletins of day-to-day Guild business. For details
on how to subscribe, please see:
http://www.hwg.org/lists/hwg-announce/
Q: How do I unsubscribe from hwg-news?
A: Since this is a required list in order to maintain your
Guild membership, unsubscribing is the same as resigning from
the HTML Writers Guild.
If you have your Member ID and password, to resign your membership
in the Guild and to unsubscribe to hwg-news, visit:
http://www.hwg.org/member/resign.html
Fill in the pertinent information, and submit it.
If you don't have a Member ID, or have forgotten your password, send
mail to:
mailto:lost-password@hwg.org
with a Subject of: Resign membership
In the body of the message, provide the following information:
* Your email address(es)
* Your member ID if you have one.
* The list of discussion lists you are on.
Please remember that unsubscribing to hwg-news automatically
resigns you from the Guild. If you have problems with unsubscribing,
please contact the password support team
for help.
Q: Can my company advertise in the Guild's newsletter?
A: Yes; the Guild is offering sponsorship opportunities in HWG-News
on a limited basis. If you are interested in advertising your
web related product or service here, please send email to
advertising@hwg.org or call (714) 526-4963. Discounts are available
to Guild Business and Corporate members, as well as for multiple
placements. The Guild's newsletter reaches over 107,000 web authors
worldwide each month.
(Note: The Guild does not make our member database available for
third party use. We have a strong privacy policy and will not
release our members' personal information; our mailing list is
not for sale. Any questions regarding the Guild's advertising or
privacy policies can be directed to advertising@hwg.org.)
Q: What if I want to comment on this newsletter?
A: The HWG-News Mailing List is a "Read-Only" list -- please do not try
to reply to this message directly.
If you wish to contact the editor of this newsletter, you may do
so by sending email to editor@hwg.org. Each article begins with
the contact information for the author as well.
Copyright 1999, HTML Writers Guild, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Published monthly via email and WWW.