Stuff And Donsense

~most recent uppermost~

Watcher Gallerians

I have finally put some entries in the Watcher Gallery which you can find in the Watcher subsection of Java Freeware. Sorry it took so long folks! ...and I've just added: "Joey by Brandy" which is terrific. You must take a look!
Color Lab and CV

I have always tried to make my web pages suitable for both Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. I will continue to do this, but in January 2000 I ceased actively supporting versions of these browsers older than 4. Color Lab - a page that demonstrates DHTML, Style Sheets and JavaScript - is practical evidence of (and for) this decision. Click Color Lab to view it in a new window. And do try it 'cos it's fun!

Since I am now developing web pages using DHTML, Style Sheets and JavaScript (and getting pretty good at it I'm told), I have updated the versions of my CV on this site to include these skills.

On a less positive note: my Javaweb site didn't work with version 4 or 5 browsers so I have been removing links to it. Also, since DHTML and JavaScript can provide the effects I achieved using Javaweb, I suspect that Javaweb is now permanently defunct.

Base6 becomes less basic

Most of my recent web development work has been on my Base6 site. At the time of writing, it has a form on the first page for sending quick messages to me, an 'orrible scary photo of me behind bars, and a new Miscellaneous section. The link to Base6 is in the note below... and please make sure that there's a link to Base6 in your favorites/bookmarks list.
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Sites?

I seem to be going for breadth rather than depth (I am not referring to my waistline). I set up a new site with FreeUK, and named it "Base6" (back to basics, ho ho). Base6 provides a basic, quick-to-load site which has links to all my other sites. If you only bookmark one of my sites, Base6 is the one to go for! Here's the url:
<http://home.freeuk.net/base6>
I also set up an ICQ home page, but it's only available when I'm online. The url is:
<http://members.icq.com/27711040>
I also created a site named "Javaweb" which is launched by JavaScript and populated by Java. The route to Javaweb (for version 3 browsers only) is:
<http://home.freeuk.net/base6/javaweb/launch.html>
NB. All three links will open in new browser windows.

Third Site?

I have built a third site... or at least gained a third url. The "Clopnot Corporate Website" is a serious website based on a whimsical theme. It demonstrates tight control of html formatting, and a high tolerance of the differences between Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers. Its nine html pages load quickly and are well worth investigating. You can even 'order' Clopnot Rubber Horseshoes using the form on the ordering page.

I have placed the Clopnot site on my freeserve account, but gained a more memorable url by registering it with the V3 redirection service (who display an advertisement before loading the first Clopnot page). NB. the links below load the Clopnot site into additional browser windows.
The memorable route to Clopnot is: <http://come.to/clopnot>
The direct link to Clopnot (and definitely the one to bookmark) is:
<http://www.threads.freeserve.co.uk/clopnot/index.html>

Clip Player v.2

November 1998: updated Clip Player section, revised Clip Player, and contained excitement.
Second Site

No, I have not developed paranormal abilities (no new ones, anyway). There are several experiments (such as a panel format and webrings) that I've been wanting to try, but which weren't suitable for this website. Since Dixon's now offer free website hosting, I have set up a second website, named threads, with them. The url is:
<http://www.threads.freeserve.co.uk>
The new site currently features: an innovative style and layout, some original graphics, several webrings that I've joined, a bit of pretentious twaddle, and a lot of links back to this site. NB. the link above loads the threads site into an additional browser window.

Faster Frames

After getting the current site up and running, I noticed that navigation using Internet Explorer was too slow. This is because Internet Explorer takes a long time to build frames, and three of the frames were being rebuilt every time there was a change of main section.

I solved this by using JavaScript so that three frames can be loaded from one page-load or mouse-click. Now the frames are only built once - on entry to the site - and the icons on the left, and the links in Site Highlights, are much faster. There is also a new "back to Site Highlights button" which provides an alternative way to browse the site.

The drawback to using JavaScript is that the frames version of the site is only available to browsers that can handle frames and JavaScript, but other browsers can navigate the site from the ~~Index without frames.

Contact me if you want the JavaScript.

Current and Future Work

Ye olde Home Page has been replaced by a new Welcome section - which includes this page.

The subsection format of thumbnail pictures in Personal Stuff has been used for Java Freeware's Watcher and Java Tips sections. This will eventually happen to the Partickles and Clip Player sections too.

I have plans to extend the Email me icon into a Contact me main section, possibly with forms and guestbook. In the meantime, feel free to contact me by email!

Customisable version of Watcher now available

Watcher v.3 hit the site in October 1998. I expect it will travel... even the old Watcher migrated to Australia and the Netherlands. If it is adopted by other websites, it will provide some relief from appleted pictures with damply shimmering lower halves.
Hot News

The original Watcher applet won the Java Centre's Golden Duke award for August 1998...

...and inspired me to develop a customisable version of Watcher.

Enuff Stuff And Donsense

More news, views and reasons to snooze imminent.

~~Don Clark's Website

~~Index without frames