From the monthly archives:

September 2007

XML Flash Templates - Maintaining your Flash website made simple!

by Collado on September 28, 2007

On September 18th, 2007 templatemonster.com, announced that it now offers XML Flash Site templates a new product category with a unique feature allowing content to be loaded onto Flash via an XML file, no doubt aimed at lessening the convoluted task of running and maintaining Flash Sites.

One of the claims made on the templatemonster web page is:

“XML Flash Site templates are equipped with the system that will simplify your work with the Flash website by giving you the opportunity to edit it without having to use the special Flash software for that (you only work with the XML file)”

What their basically saying is that I can get the functionality and simplicity of editing my template’s content from a text editor, and still get to keep the performance and beauty of a premium Flash website.



So I decided to put this to the test, using a free sample XML Flash site, a copy of which I have taken the liberty to make available to you here (Free XML Flash Site Template Tryout). Don’t mention it! Besides as a developer you’re expected to be somewhat comfortable around XML. So if you aren’t, this free XML Flash Site template is just what you need to start getting your hands dirty.

Once I extracted the files I opened the site_flash directory, located the tfile_main.xml file and in just a few key strokes same as I’m doing right now I was literally changing menu items, adding more links, and even editing the content throughout the entire Flash template instantly requiring no prior knowledge of Flash whatsoever (I only worked with the XML file). What I liked best of all is not having to buy some hyphy Flash software in fact I did all my editing in Notepad. I simply edited all my stuff from the text file, changed whatever I wanted, and still kept the efficiency and beauty of Flash totally intact. Seriously, it’s unbelievable!

One neat thing XML Flash Site templates allow me to do is add as many “read-more” pages as I want or, for that matter, any page. Here’s what you do. I wont go into too many details-this is already beyond the scope of this article, and you’re darn smart.

Copy (Ctrl+C) an existing code for a “read-more” button

(e.g. <a href="asfunction:_root.more_click_func,0"> _read more</a>)

, find an area where you want the button to be, paste (Ctrl+V) and give it a unique identifier

(e.g. change function from asfunction:_root.more_click_func,0 to asfunction:_root.more_click_func,1) .

The same if you were to add a 3rd button you’d change this function to a “2” the 4th would be “3” etc… Mi conprende? Oh yeah! I almost forgot, in addition to that little tidbit you’ll need to copy the existing code for a read-more page and paste (Ctrl+V); then replace the old text with new text and give it title. See? That wasn’t too bad.

The greatest gain for web site owners is they wont have to hire someone each time they have to make a change on their website. XML Flash site templates will let you circumvent the need to modify FLA source files whenever you need to change some text or move some pictures around. And it’s not just for beginners either, just think of the time we’ll save, I cant tell you the number of times I’ve been coding away the hours seemingly making huge progress, when out of nowhere I’ve got one of these “Flash has encountered a problem and needs to close” Dam!

Lastly, here’s the basic information you need to edit XML Flash site templates.

Open the “tfile_main.xml” file in the text editor (e.g. Notepad ++). DO NOT rename this file. Otherwise you’re screwed. Find the text you need and type in your new text. Upload all files to your public_html folder. All files should be placed in one folder. Also there are a number of free XML text editors that offer some really neat features such as color-coded text and section highlighting which can be very helpful. If you would like to find a text editor that provides this feature, try searching Google for a free XML editor or if you like you can contact the Foamers.net Web Team for our recommendations.

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Website Templates For Web 2.0

by Collado on September 13, 2007

Web 2.0 is rapidly becoming a new way of developing websites. It is the next generation of web development. But for many web developer it may be difficult transition starting a new era. The best jump start to this amazing generation of web is using website templates that are web 2.0 compliant.

The benefits of using these templates are the following:

There is no need to hire an expensive graphic designer or a web developer to give you the state of art website. You don’t have to wait a long time for your site to be designed and developed. In other words save time and money. Web 2.0 provides an interactive user experience that provides performance, flexibility and simplicity. You don’t have to be programmer or graphic designer to develop your site. Using these templates makes everything seem simple. Another advantage of using web 2.0 templates is the higher quality of the design. These templates are designed by top designers and include every thing you need to put your site up. You will have all the sources including fonts, flash sources, PSD files, and navigation bar.

Another key benefit of using these templates is the consistency it gives your website. If you want your website to appear professional, you should have a consistent look across all of your various pages. Using website templates makes this task much easier. Updating your website will not cost you anymore. you can easily update your site with the templates you get. If you update your notes in word you can update your site as well.

About the author:
Corey Mc - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
To find out more about these time and money saving state of art website templates visit digiobjex.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Corey_Mc

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Should You Have Your Own Website? (Take this Quiz!)

by Collado on September 7, 2007

I have been asked numerous times about the necessity of having a website. After asking the same questions I developed a quiz. Not all questions have the the same value but answer each question honestly before looking at the scoring criteria. (For scoring, go to http://www.easywebdesignbasics.com and click on the Quiz link.)


Here are the basic questions:

Question 1 - Do you have an interest or hobby that you spend at least two hours a month pursuing?

Question 2 - Are you interested in earning additional income?

Question 3 - Can you spare a couple of hours a week to learn something new?

Question 4 - Do you have a product or service you are currently selling or plan to sell in the near future?

Question 5 -Are you interested in saving time and money?

Question 1 - Do you have an interest or hobby that you spend at least two hours a month pursuing?

Most of us have several interests or hobbies. I like photography, hiking, teaching, learning, video, reading and the list goes on and on. However, there are only a couple of interests that I can actually enjoy regularly due to lack of time. It is the ones that you actually make time for that relate to having a website.

Let’s say that you actually spend an hour a week on gardening. Are you aware of the massive number of people who are also interested in gardening and have websites on this topic? Do you realize the amount of information you can get from fellow gardeners? But most importantly, do you understand how many fellow gardeners would benefit from your expertise?

You need a website to share what you have learned from practical experience. Your website can steer beginners in the right direction to avoid mistakes that you made.

Question 2 - Are you interested in earning additional income?

I haven’t met one person who has said no to this question.

Question 3 - Can you spare a couple of hours a week to learn something new?

Designing a website will require you to learn some new skills. Don’t worry, these are not difficult skills to learn but it will take time. There is a minimal financial investment. You can use free editors and free software to upload your web site. All you would have to pay for is a domain name and hosting. However, if you go with a blog you don’t have to spend any money!

Question 4 - Do you have a product or service you are currently selling or plan to sell in the near future?

If you answered yes to this question and do not have a website, then you need to get started now! Whatever you sell, a website is a great way to advertise. You can target your website to the specific type of client you are looking for. You direct your prospect to your website and let it presell your product.

It does not matter whether you are local or worldwide. Let your website expand your business.

Question 5 - Are you interested in saving time and money?

Whether you use a website to help others or advertise your products and services, you can leverage the Internet to ave you time and earn extra income. Website can save you time by information access. For example, I am asked the same questions over and over and now just send people to a special page where they can find the answers. This save me a lot of time.

You can provide great detail about your products and services for others to read and even buy without taking your time.

As the saying goes, “Saving times saves you money.” You also save money by consolidating resources and increasing you use of free online advertising


About the Author:

Are you new in the web design? Then jump start at http://www.easywebdesignbasics.com/

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How To Set Up Website Using Web Templates

by Collado on September 5, 2007

Web templates provide ready-made codes that you can customize with ease. Now, you can forget about hiring a web designer that can cost you more or less a $100 per design. You can save a lot of money, plus you can give your creative juice some needed exercise.

New Web 2.0 Website Template Wave
With the popularity of one-click web publishing, the Internet has never been the same. Even individuals who lack technical background can make professional-looking web pages in no time. Thanks to web templates, you can forget about the hard part of web designing.

Cost of Web Site Templates
It’s a good thing that you can get simple web templates for free on the Internet. Paid templates can also be very helpful and you can get awesome templates at just around $25-$75.

Choosing Web Templates
Remember these three things in mind, when you are looking for web templates:

1. What is your website for?

2. Who are your would-be visitors?

3. What do you want to project?

Personal Website Templates
If your website is for your personal page, then anything goes. The only thing to consider is if your website is a mirror of you, it is YOUR site anyway. Adding your personal style to your site would simply do the trick.

Business Website Templates
Business web templates are more specific in themes. You can find that more popular categories are: real estate, e-commerce, hosting, directories, health, sport. Such templates have related graphics to those businesses and may be the best quick solution for start up company.

Web Hosting Providers And Website Templates
After you select template you have to find hosting where to place your website. These days many hosting companies offering cheap hosting and free web site templates. All this included in their package. You just need to read their descriptions. They also provide software which you can use to edit website templates in the way you like.


SEO And Website Templates

SEO - Search Engine Optimization is a technique to optimize your website pages to be better understand by search engines. When you set up templates for your website make sure that all required meta tags are included and you follow at least basic requirements. This will help your web template site be more visible for search engine and as result more people can find you.

Types of Web Site Templates
There are two basic types of web site templates - Html or Flash. Html templates are simple and static but they are very efficient because they can make fast loading pages compared to flash templates. Usually business websites use html templates. Flash templates allow you to use some moving graphics or even animation in your web page. These kinds of templates can really make your website exciting.

About the author:
Petrok Devochkin is Internet marketing expert who writes for various companies including LogicTechnologies.net (web site templates design company).

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Start by  -  choosing a template. Once your selection is made, contact us with some general information (e.g. Template ID, some suggested color schemes, colors to avoid, styles or websites that you likes etc).

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