An Internet site can let you provide a service, share interests and information, and bring people together with less cost and effort than can paper-based publishing or meeting in person. On September 27, computer expert Keith Wilkinson will help SWETers put together their own Web sites. Creating a site need not be much more difficult than using a word processor to make a document. You can get free software for page creation or can use ready-made templates. Even if you don’t use a professional graphics designer, if your site is interesting, growing, and meets an ongoing need, then people will continue to visit it. You can spice up your Web site with photos, graphics, logos, and perhaps sound as well. Most Internet providers will let you publish your Web site at no added fee, or you can publish on free sites.

Start now by creating a basic Web site design on paper, then come along and create a real site from your ideas! Use MS Word or Claris Works to create a simple draft of what you want your page to look like. Then send the draft to Wilkinson at as an e-mail attachment. If you already have a home page, send the URL by e-mail. The draft or URL will serve as your pre-registration for the meeting. Pre-registration is required, so send your information as early as possible.

At the meeting, Wilkinson will provide suggestions based on the pre-registration drafts and pages. Major topics of his presentation will include: creating a Web site to meet a need; mechanics of creating your own Web site; incorporation of digital photos, graphics, and logos; JPEG versus GIF and Flash graphics formats; MIDI versus MP3 sound format; how to publish a site at no charge; uploading your site using FTP; advertising your site in search engines and directories; and making your site popular. Pre-registered members who have portable computers are encouraged to bring them to the meeting. Wilkinson has offered to make private arrangements for a Saturday session at an inexpensive Internet cafe for hands-on follow up for those who can’t carry their computers to the meeting.