Writers Tools

1. Webster.com- Everyone needs help either finding the perfect word or trying to understand the true definition. The Webster site contains a word look up along with a thesaurus with information access in a very logical format, one click and you are instantly given the information you need.
2. Writing Styles, Referencing, Jobs in Writing: What more can a writer ask for? This site gives some insight as to what employers are looking for in professional writing. It contains articles about writing style, explains why writing is important and makes the entire thing practical by providing practical application with the job search site. I enjoyed the article by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. and Katharine Hansen detailing why writing skills are so important.
3. Writing Copy for the Web: This site contains some writing for the web standards in terms of what is commonly accepted. For example: a.m., p.m. are always lowercase and use periods. (5:15 a.m.; Noon is 12 p.m). The site also contains articles on writing style for effective copy.
4. More Writing For The Web: This site was suggested by a professor of mine as the ultimate writing for the web tool. The site contains a ton of information on writing conventions, design techniques and basically everything you'd need to know to build a strong page. It takes a full day to sort though all of the information, but by the end, you'll be pleasantly surprised with your new outlook on writing.

Technical Aspects of Software For Web Design

1. Builder.com - The source for web site design help. Builder.com contains fairly sophisticated graphical web design material. There are techniques on code writing, web scripting, graphics and multimedia application.
2. Learn About CSS: The CSS of this website building tips site is filled with links to some of the best articles, tips, tutorials, editors, and templates on cascading style sheets (CSS).
3. Fireworks: This is the home page for Fireworks software. It includes information about upgrades, support, offers a few helpful hints and a download for a 30 day trial.
4. DreamWeaver: This is the home page for Dream Weaver software. It offers many of the same features as the Fireworks site. I found it very helpful for beginners with its beginner's resource center offering free online training, and 4-5 minute video tutorials.
5. PageMaker: PageMaker is a commonly used software for business communication pieces and a must for writers seeking to who want to create high-quality publications such as brochures and newsletters.

Web Design Help

1. WindyWeb.com: This site offers lots of free stuff! Everything from templates, design help, tips, etc. It's a perfect place to go as a beginner level web designer because it is very user friendly, offers terminology anyone can understand, and of course, because most everything on it is free!
2. Cool Text.com: This site offers the ability to build your own buttons without having the complexity or creativity of Fireworks. You can build logos and buttons within a minute's time with a professional look, all for free!
3. Website Design Tools: The web monkey site is the bible of web design sites. It offers three levels of expertise: beginner, builders, and masters, which allow something for everyone. The site does a lot of explaining and can provide a basic user most of the terminology needed to at least appear as if they maintain some comprehension.
4. Article from Web Techniques.com: Building Web Sites With Depth
   By Jakob Nielsen and Marie Tahir discusses some of the techniques to making e-commerce web pages more useable. The advantages of ecommerce in comparison to shopping at a store is found in speed and flexibility. This article details the importance of a search engine that works, the ability to tell users what you do and do not have in stock, the ability to create side by side comparison (used Herman Miller, a furniture manufacturer in Holland, MI as a model example) the ability to filter out the good and the bad. "When customers you don't get what (they) want (they) leave."
5. Colors and Psychology: This site explains some of the psychology as to color combinations and how the eye perceives. The physiological effects of color are placed in a simple format. The user clicks on the color and is asked to tell what they visualize when they see that color. The user can then compare answers with what the experts have to say, as well as what other users of the site have said.
6. Page on Web Design from a Teacher's Perspective. The site is designed to assist teachers in implementing lesson plans on the web.
7. Hire a Professional: Here is a web page design company. I think it's interesting to see what people who are paid large dollar amounts are able to produce. Looking at the site may give you some inspiration, or at least a benchmark to see how close to mastery a designer has become. See the "experts" portfolio.