Hello All!
What a long, strange trip its been on this course; on the whole, I found it quite a challenging course to pick up at first, but in no time at all, I quickly found myself truly enjoying the lessons - and truly felt satisfaction that came with earning my grades through hard work and perseverence.
Despite the difficulties that I encountered along the way which impeded my progress, I can honestly say that this class has been anything but tame... it was exactly what I wanted to study with.
Until next time...
- Enyal
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Overall Toughts on Hotspots, Splicing Lessons
In the end, I found that understanding how hotspots and splicing works is quite easy... as long as you always study the procedures closely, and always check your work! There are too many "mistakes" which are the result of poor planning and design; the best way to address this is to always watch what you're doing, especially how you set up the exports.
-Enyal
-Enyal
Sites that use Hotspots and/or Slices
In this entry, I'll examine 3 sites to see if they use any hotspots or Slices in their design.
Gamesradar (http://www.gamesradar.com/) :
This site uses both hotspots and slices, as apparent from the way they designed the top menu and lists.
PlanetQuake (http://planetquake.gamespy.com/):
Lot of info, but little use of hotspots and splices.
wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org/):
Sadly, Wikipedia seems to follow the same tact as above - so much knowledge there, but in need of streamlining the interface.
- Enyal
Gamesradar (http://www.gamesradar.com/) :
This site uses both hotspots and slices, as apparent from the way they designed the top menu and lists.
PlanetQuake (http://planetquake.gamespy.com/):
Lot of info, but little use of hotspots and splices.
wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.org/):
Sadly, Wikipedia seems to follow the same tact as above - so much knowledge there, but in need of streamlining the interface.
- Enyal
Previous Workings
In the past, I've worked with Adobe Photoshop; I must say it was quite an enyoyable program. To build your own art, with just your imagination as a limit... its quite the thrill.
Also, working with that program also gave me an early insight in bitmap and vector tools, as well as how they are used - such an experience has enabled me to view pictures in a much more learned light as to how they were composed. Personally, I like vector art: if used the right way, you can create highly stylized pieces of art.
For example, these three particular images show what one can do:
http://mart-art.deviantart.com/art/vector-art-house-m-d-83107486?offset=0
Vector art, possible photo reference for finer details...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ton3vita/474067883/
Combination Vector/Bitmap - very good blending of both...
http://hachidaime.deviantart.com/art/flower-vector-art-78796839
Again, vector with possible photo ref.
- Enyal
Also, working with that program also gave me an early insight in bitmap and vector tools, as well as how they are used - such an experience has enabled me to view pictures in a much more learned light as to how they were composed. Personally, I like vector art: if used the right way, you can create highly stylized pieces of art.
For example, these three particular images show what one can do:
http://mart-art.deviantart.com/art/vector-art-house-m-d-83107486?offset=0
Vector art, possible photo reference for finer details...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ton3vita/474067883/
Combination Vector/Bitmap - very good blending of both...
http://hachidaime.deviantart.com/art/flower-vector-art-78796839
Again, vector with possible photo ref.
- Enyal
Fireworks Thoughts
After working with Fireworks and its tools, I have noticed a marked similarity in most of the tools when compared to what I worked with in Photoshop. Due to my familiarity with these tools, it will be easy to learn the nuances, despite the slight nuances that came with each program.
Especially the Rubber Stamp tool; I'll have fun messing with that. ;D
In this way, using Fireworks will enable me to enhance my future works in a way that I earlier never could; pages will be made that will be better than my works in years past, and I will greatly enjoy people reactions of them later when they appear online.
- Enyal
Especially the Rubber Stamp tool; I'll have fun messing with that. ;D
In this way, using Fireworks will enable me to enhance my future works in a way that I earlier never could; pages will be made that will be better than my works in years past, and I will greatly enjoy people reactions of them later when they appear online.
- Enyal
Monday, May 11, 2009
Table Travesty
After learning of the bloated and cumbersome nature of tables, I've looked at two of my previously discussed sites - my Blog and WoWwiki - to examine whether they are efficiently CSS, or treacherously table-based in their design. Here's what I've seen:
My blog appears to run on a combo of CSS and HTML, judging from the HTML editor included in changing posts. Due to the CSS structure, it is a fast and streamlined little site whose speed continues to amaze.
WoWwiki, on the other hand, does suffer from tables, bit not to the extent that one might believe - its more like a medium dependencies, based on my observations. Thus it can be ponderous in its use, but not so much to be unreliable.
- Enyal
My blog appears to run on a combo of CSS and HTML, judging from the HTML editor included in changing posts. Due to the CSS structure, it is a fast and streamlined little site whose speed continues to amaze.
WoWwiki, on the other hand, does suffer from tables, bit not to the extent that one might believe - its more like a medium dependencies, based on my observations. Thus it can be ponderous in its use, but not so much to be unreliable.
- Enyal
CSS Analysis
For this time, we will now examine a few sites that use either XHTML or CSS in their design, and examine how well their structure is planned out in relation as to what they wish to accomplish.
The Ancient Gaming Noob (http://tagn.wordpress.com/)
Still one of my favorite sites, it is also seems to be built with an XHTML framework. His blog is formatted in a fashion that is pleasing to the eye, with adequate spacing and lists created with CSS in order to present his past blog postings in an easy-to-find archive on the right of the page.
The Daily Victim (http://archive.gamespy.com/DailyVictim/hov.asp)
Though no longer updated, The Daily Victim is a hilarious tribute to online gaming dementia that's well worth the time to peruse through the IMMENSE archive. However, despite its hilarity, it comes with an unfortunate flaw in its design: the way that the archive itself was made, you are unable to browse through an entire listing of the articles - you must go through them manually. Considering the sheer volume of work done on this site, that is a tall order for any reader to do.
- Enyal
The Ancient Gaming Noob (http://tagn.wordpress.com/)
Still one of my favorite sites, it is also seems to be built with an XHTML framework. His blog is formatted in a fashion that is pleasing to the eye, with adequate spacing and lists created with CSS in order to present his past blog postings in an easy-to-find archive on the right of the page.
The Daily Victim (http://archive.gamespy.com/DailyVictim/hov.asp)
Though no longer updated, The Daily Victim is a hilarious tribute to online gaming dementia that's well worth the time to peruse through the IMMENSE archive. However, despite its hilarity, it comes with an unfortunate flaw in its design: the way that the archive itself was made, you are unable to browse through an entire listing of the articles - you must go through them manually. Considering the sheer volume of work done on this site, that is a tall order for any reader to do.
- Enyal
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Typograhy Critique #1
Today we shall discuss the typography of two of my favorite sites:
Blogger: the typespacing and content boxes are well-oriented in their design, and the colors are aesthetically pleasing - giving neutral colors that don't overpower the other elements present within the page.
WoWwiki: Now this is an interesting one to critique - due to the content being edited and added upon by a good number of people, there have been two extremes that I have witnessed so far:
Archivists - A term I have given to those who exhaustively research their sources, and comprehensively design and edit the pages that they bring into being. They seem almost possessed by a need to ensure that their information and design is satisfactory for others that use that database. They also use good sense when choosing the pictures to be used in their article.
Granfalloon - The definition for this word originates from Kurt Vonnegut's novel, "Cat's Cradle"; what it means is "a proud and meaningless association of human beings". It is an oddly apt way for describing the vandals that have the common purpose of destroying and altering well-written articles and essay, usually turning them into a mockery directed at the subject matter of the wiki. No care is taken when they design their barbs - they usually leave misaligned text and paragraphs spliced into the original article, and disappear from whence they came. Although these individuals probably have no relation to one another, it is the common act they perpetrate that brands them as such in my sight.
- Enyal
Blogger: the typespacing and content boxes are well-oriented in their design, and the colors are aesthetically pleasing - giving neutral colors that don't overpower the other elements present within the page.
WoWwiki: Now this is an interesting one to critique - due to the content being edited and added upon by a good number of people, there have been two extremes that I have witnessed so far:
Archivists - A term I have given to those who exhaustively research their sources, and comprehensively design and edit the pages that they bring into being. They seem almost possessed by a need to ensure that their information and design is satisfactory for others that use that database. They also use good sense when choosing the pictures to be used in their article.
Granfalloon - The definition for this word originates from Kurt Vonnegut's novel, "Cat's Cradle"; what it means is "a proud and meaningless association of human beings". It is an oddly apt way for describing the vandals that have the common purpose of destroying and altering well-written articles and essay, usually turning them into a mockery directed at the subject matter of the wiki. No care is taken when they design their barbs - they usually leave misaligned text and paragraphs spliced into the original article, and disappear from whence they came. Although these individuals probably have no relation to one another, it is the common act they perpetrate that brands them as such in my sight.
- Enyal
Saturday, May 9, 2009
NightmareWeaver?
In the course of my studies, I have been asked this question: what was the thing which most annoyed and/or frustrated me about Dreamweaver?
In all honesty, there wasn't much for me to get truly annoyed or angry; the processes are truly streamlined and easy to use, and the only thing to become truly annoyed or disgusted about is wither a) you went this long without using it, or b) it took a while to learn the functions, and realize that it was only as hard as you made it.
- Enyal
In all honesty, there wasn't much for me to get truly annoyed or angry; the processes are truly streamlined and easy to use, and the only thing to become truly annoyed or disgusted about is wither a) you went this long without using it, or b) it took a while to learn the functions, and realize that it was only as hard as you made it.
- Enyal
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dreamweaver Refelections #1
Dreamweaver, as long as I've known it, has proven to be a tool that simplifies the process of creating and updating webpages; for me, it has meant the difference between hammering out lines of code for hours, as opposed to putting it together quickly and neatly in Dreamweaver and building it successfully on the first try.
Now, I breeze through the design process - what was once a mountain is now turned into a molehill, an immense obstacle now small and easy to overcome. Productivity is on the rise, and I can honestly say I'm all the better for it.
In addition to that, Blogger has also made the biggest difference in broadcasting and communicating ideas to others. Before I used it, I had trouble communicating my ideas clearly; now, I can easily and vividly show people the why and how of my ideas and techniques.
-Enyal
Now, I breeze through the design process - what was once a mountain is now turned into a molehill, an immense obstacle now small and easy to overcome. Productivity is on the rise, and I can honestly say I'm all the better for it.
In addition to that, Blogger has also made the biggest difference in broadcasting and communicating ideas to others. Before I used it, I had trouble communicating my ideas clearly; now, I can easily and vividly show people the why and how of my ideas and techniques.
-Enyal
Monday, February 16, 2009
In Memoriam
Hello, All;
On the day of the 6th of February, a voice finally went silent - one whose current lack of presence is even more deafening than whenshe could be in the house.
She was a literal member of the family when we found her, adopted her, and proceeded to give her the best 20 years of her life that she could ever have. Those 20 years were special to me, for I was blessed by spending that much time with her.
She was always open, always had time to hear our troubles, and always was willing to offer comfort to us; she was never too busy or pushed us away when she was up and about.
I still find traces of her even now, and memories still surface as a result: her favorite foods, her old toys, her favorite places to sleep... It was always a comfort to see her around the house, willing to help in her own special way.
Sadly, time overcomes all things, and is not merciful in its tireless march.
She was put to sleep on the 6th, freeing her of her aches and pains.
She was the best feline friend anyone could ask for.
- Enyal
On the day of the 6th of February, a voice finally went silent - one whose current lack of presence is even more deafening than whenshe could be in the house.
She was a literal member of the family when we found her, adopted her, and proceeded to give her the best 20 years of her life that she could ever have. Those 20 years were special to me, for I was blessed by spending that much time with her.
She was always open, always had time to hear our troubles, and always was willing to offer comfort to us; she was never too busy or pushed us away when she was up and about.
I still find traces of her even now, and memories still surface as a result: her favorite foods, her old toys, her favorite places to sleep... It was always a comfort to see her around the house, willing to help in her own special way.
Sadly, time overcomes all things, and is not merciful in its tireless march.
She was put to sleep on the 6th, freeing her of her aches and pains.
She was the best feline friend anyone could ask for.
- Enyal
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Weaving Dreams (of the Internet)...
Hello All!
Recently, I got my hands on Dreamweaver Creative Suite 3; I must say, I've been pretty impressed. So, I just thought I would set down some of my thoughts concerning it.
On the good side, the things that can be accomplished with Dreamweaver are myriad in possibilities. I find that the program is quite flexible in accomplishing what you desire.
It is also surprising the level of work that can be done in a shorter amount of time using this process.
On the other hand, all this great stuff does not come as easily as one would suppose; one must first devote a good chunk of time to studying the user's manual in order to truly unlock the programs potential. The same goes for the CIOS course as well; you'll only get so much as you put into it.
- Enyal
Recently, I got my hands on Dreamweaver Creative Suite 3; I must say, I've been pretty impressed. So, I just thought I would set down some of my thoughts concerning it.
On the good side, the things that can be accomplished with Dreamweaver are myriad in possibilities. I find that the program is quite flexible in accomplishing what you desire.
It is also surprising the level of work that can be done in a shorter amount of time using this process.
On the other hand, all this great stuff does not come as easily as one would suppose; one must first devote a good chunk of time to studying the user's manual in order to truly unlock the programs potential. The same goes for the CIOS course as well; you'll only get so much as you put into it.
- Enyal
Saturday, September 6, 2008
A Re-introduction...
Hello All!
Enyal here, and ready for yet another semester of computer studies! I've been using this little corner of cyberspace since 2007 in order to record my experiences in learning about computer software, hardware, and blogs. Currently, I'm a student at UAF who's just finishing up an English degree; eventually, I'll be adding an IT degree to supplement that. In the end, I intend to use both degrees in order to seek a career in web design.
-Enyal
Enyal here, and ready for yet another semester of computer studies! I've been using this little corner of cyberspace since 2007 in order to record my experiences in learning about computer software, hardware, and blogs. Currently, I'm a student at UAF who's just finishing up an English degree; eventually, I'll be adding an IT degree to supplement that. In the end, I intend to use both degrees in order to seek a career in web design.
-Enyal
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Blog Reviews Part 2
Hello All!
Today, we'll unwind with some blog reviews:
http://bethblog.com/ :
There's a good chance that one has heard news of the Elder Scrolls series - but what of the people who create them? At this site, the focus is on that group of people whio started it all - the Bethesda software developers and programmers. Here, you may read what their current hobbies are, and read interviews with team members. Very good for those interested in the annals of game development.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/
The focus here is more on the mainstream electronics and programs, as well as the issues pervading within the game industry; thus , the site seeks to cover as much ground as it can concerning the video game and computer industry. However, with this broad expanse of information comes a decrease in focus on any one topic; still a good site to use if you wish to get up to speed on the major happenings.
http://tagn.wordpress.com/ :
The focus of this site is the writer's experiences with the varios games, online and offline, that he has played and his impressions of them. His personal way of addressing his likes and dislikes on the topic at hand cannot help but strike the reader as friendly - as if one was right with him, with him addressing you in everyday close conversation. This familiarity is possibly his greatest strength, and he backs it up with sage insight and cutting critism for the subject at hand, leaving very little need for improvement. A truly excellent blog.
Enyal
Today, we'll unwind with some blog reviews:
http://bethblog.com/ :
There's a good chance that one has heard news of the Elder Scrolls series - but what of the people who create them? At this site, the focus is on that group of people whio started it all - the Bethesda software developers and programmers. Here, you may read what their current hobbies are, and read interviews with team members. Very good for those interested in the annals of game development.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/
The focus here is more on the mainstream electronics and programs, as well as the issues pervading within the game industry; thus , the site seeks to cover as much ground as it can concerning the video game and computer industry. However, with this broad expanse of information comes a decrease in focus on any one topic; still a good site to use if you wish to get up to speed on the major happenings.
http://tagn.wordpress.com/ :
The focus of this site is the writer's experiences with the varios games, online and offline, that he has played and his impressions of them. His personal way of addressing his likes and dislikes on the topic at hand cannot help but strike the reader as friendly - as if one was right with him, with him addressing you in everyday close conversation. This familiarity is possibly his greatest strength, and he backs it up with sage insight and cutting critism for the subject at hand, leaving very little need for improvement. A truly excellent blog.
Enyal
Friday, May 9, 2008
RSS QnA
Hello All!
Been a bit since I wrote, but I've been quite busy with a few pressing matters; forgive for the delay!
Anyway, our topic for today is the RSS feed reader (such as Bloglines), and the advantages and disadvantages of using it. While it may be a useful aid in quickly recieving all recent info that has appeared on a site, there is always the knowledge that by not visiting the main site, you actually make the owner(s) LOSE money by bypassing the advertising that they employ to stay in business. This is something to keep in mind, but one cannot deny that using a feeder such as this can be quite useful
As it stands, I'll keep using my Bloglines, as useful it has been, to keep up to date with my various sites; I can visit them later to see what else is going on.
Seeya,
Enyal
Been a bit since I wrote, but I've been quite busy with a few pressing matters; forgive for the delay!
Anyway, our topic for today is the RSS feed reader (such as Bloglines), and the advantages and disadvantages of using it. While it may be a useful aid in quickly recieving all recent info that has appeared on a site, there is always the knowledge that by not visiting the main site, you actually make the owner(s) LOSE money by bypassing the advertising that they employ to stay in business. This is something to keep in mind, but one cannot deny that using a feeder such as this can be quite useful
As it stands, I'll keep using my Bloglines, as useful it has been, to keep up to date with my various sites; I can visit them later to see what else is going on.
Seeya,
Enyal
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"Flickr"-ingly "del.ici.ous".
Hello All!
Today, my post will be regarding my impressions of both flickr (a photo database) and del.ici.ous (a handy way to tag sites of interest on the web).
Flickr is a great way to store your collection of photos online as well as find others submitted by other users that you may like. A user may also choose to add commentary to various parts of photo to add info about the piece. Already, I've cobbled together a modest collection of favorite photos.
del.ici.ous, on the other hand, is a site that is very fun to work with; it acts as a more advanced favorites list for your browser allowing you to sort you sites of interest into categories, with various tags applied to them for sorting.
In the future, I will probably keep constant use with del.ici.ous; flickr is a good site, but I'm currently not all that interested in photography at the moment. Perhaps later...
Enyal
Today, my post will be regarding my impressions of both flickr (a photo database) and del.ici.ous (a handy way to tag sites of interest on the web).
Flickr is a great way to store your collection of photos online as well as find others submitted by other users that you may like. A user may also choose to add commentary to various parts of photo to add info about the piece. Already, I've cobbled together a modest collection of favorite photos.
del.ici.ous, on the other hand, is a site that is very fun to work with; it acts as a more advanced favorites list for your browser allowing you to sort you sites of interest into categories, with various tags applied to them for sorting.
In the future, I will probably keep constant use with del.ici.ous; flickr is a good site, but I'm currently not all that interested in photography at the moment. Perhaps later...
Enyal
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tricky Tricky Wiki
Hello All!
This entry will be about my opinion and thoughts on the uses of wiki software.
For me, this software can prove useful as it can allow a group of individuals focused on a particular subject to sort and edit their combined knowledge in one place, allowing for easy viewing and editing as newer data pours in. I've known of many wikis before this class, but I look forward to learning all that I possibly can in order to truly be able to manipulate the features of the wiki pages that I create.
Yours Truly,
Enyal
This entry will be about my opinion and thoughts on the uses of wiki software.
For me, this software can prove useful as it can allow a group of individuals focused on a particular subject to sort and edit their combined knowledge in one place, allowing for easy viewing and editing as newer data pours in. I've known of many wikis before this class, but I look forward to learning all that I possibly can in order to truly be able to manipulate the features of the wiki pages that I create.
Yours Truly,
Enyal
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Web 2.0 - 100% better than Web 1.0!
Hey All!
Just writing to talk of Web 2.0, a term generally bandied about by today's computer engineers and web designers. But how do we - the general laymen, so to speak - relate? More importantly, what is it? Here I'll give three points of info that will hopefully show what I think.
1) Before I even started this class, I had a general idea of what the phrase "Web 2.0" meant: an online community of both general users and online designers, whom seek various things from the network - various bits of info and data, or a freedom with which to create within the online expanse - in order to accomplish their objective or satisify their curiousity. Working in this class has only served to confirm this further.
2) If I had to tell someone who had no previous knowledge of the phrase "Web 2.0" or what it implied, I would explain it in terms of the previous information point.
3) When it comes to sites that I visit and use which are involved with Web 2.0, I think that the reverse is true: that there is rarely any sites I've seen not related with web 2.0. Certainly there are some private sectors online, but for the most part, Web 2.0 is the mainstream idea online. From email to EverQuest, from web-surfing to World of Warcraft, I say Web 2.0 is here to stay for quite a while.
Enyal
Just writing to talk of Web 2.0, a term generally bandied about by today's computer engineers and web designers. But how do we - the general laymen, so to speak - relate? More importantly, what is it? Here I'll give three points of info that will hopefully show what I think.
1) Before I even started this class, I had a general idea of what the phrase "Web 2.0" meant: an online community of both general users and online designers, whom seek various things from the network - various bits of info and data, or a freedom with which to create within the online expanse - in order to accomplish their objective or satisify their curiousity. Working in this class has only served to confirm this further.
2) If I had to tell someone who had no previous knowledge of the phrase "Web 2.0" or what it implied, I would explain it in terms of the previous information point.
3) When it comes to sites that I visit and use which are involved with Web 2.0, I think that the reverse is true: that there is rarely any sites I've seen not related with web 2.0. Certainly there are some private sectors online, but for the most part, Web 2.0 is the mainstream idea online. From email to EverQuest, from web-surfing to World of Warcraft, I say Web 2.0 is here to stay for quite a while.
Enyal
Blog Links!
Hello All!
I found more links for you all to try; hope you enjoy them!
http://bethblog.com/ :
A look at the people who make the Elder Scrolls series of games.
The Escapist :
Good source of gaming news.
http://tagn.wordpress.com/
A good blog that keeps an eye on the games today and reminisces of the one before... quite good.
Enyal
I found more links for you all to try; hope you enjoy them!
http://bethblog.com/ :
A look at the people who make the Elder Scrolls series of games.
The Escapist :
Good source of gaming news.
http://tagn.wordpress.com/
A good blog that keeps an eye on the games today and reminisces of the one before... quite good.
Enyal
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The NewsBlogger - Fact or Fiction?
Hello All!
In my honest opinion, a blogger can fufill the capacity of news reporter if given the chance; however, they should always take the care of responsible blogging when posting their entries. Pursuit and distribution of knowledge is a fine goal for any blogger, but pursuing knowledge to cause inflammation and disturbance toward people and places should be discouraged. As a reporter or as a blogger, one must pursue the goal of authoritive integrity when discussing these issues - no matter whether.
As such, I consider bloggers to be almost synonymous with reporters, and they should thus get the same reporting protection and rights as needed.
Goodbye All,
Enyal
In my honest opinion, a blogger can fufill the capacity of news reporter if given the chance; however, they should always take the care of responsible blogging when posting their entries. Pursuit and distribution of knowledge is a fine goal for any blogger, but pursuing knowledge to cause inflammation and disturbance toward people and places should be discouraged. As a reporter or as a blogger, one must pursue the goal of authoritive integrity when discussing these issues - no matter whether.
As such, I consider bloggers to be almost synonymous with reporters, and they should thus get the same reporting protection and rights as needed.
Goodbye All,
Enyal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)