This site I need to improve for my church. As it stands it's awful. At least I think so and I have almost zero artistic skills. It is from a word 2003 document, converted with their 'save as web page' facility.
The code is bl--dy awful and I cannot begin to edit it. Some advice as to what to do ( I've even contemplated suicide. - only joking.) but I do have an obligation to help with this, even though my coding skills are almost at the same level as my artisic ones.
General guidance would be much appreciated. I can't guarantee a heavenly reward, but you never know!
You might run it through a validater. There are 39 errors.
Things I would do include changes from:
<p align="center" class="style2"><span class="style5"><center>LIGHT OF THE HARVEST</center></span></p>
to:
<p class="style2 style5">LIGHT OF THE HARVEST</p>
putting the center in either style2 or 5. As style2 is a center, it shouldn't be needed elsewhere. And one line is better than two (as displayed here).
Further, the styles should be in an external sheet and validated. I'd be interested in what "~" (lines 24, 25, 34) does.
The last image overlays text, but I don't know if you intended that or not.
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I didn't write any of the code. It has come from Word 2003's convert to web page. and put through a further filter.
I know it's crap, but I don't have the time or skill to use it as it is. I could labouriously convert the inline code to divs, but as I don't have any faith in this existing code, I would rather make a fresh start. If you think this code is awful, you should see what came out of Word!
If I have an outline of what to do, I can probably do it, but as I explained, that is one skill that I lack. I am not a good organiser. As I am expected to maintain and update this site, I want to start with valid code. Using the validator only convinced me of the need to start from scratch. Well, back to the drawing board. Thank for your reply.
By the way, I normally leave the css in the head section while developing and then move it to a separate file when finished.
If it's supposed to be an article type site (as it appears it might be), then why not go with a CMS and a decent included template? That would take care of the code in one fell swoop AND allow Ms Goonewardene to login and post her own writings. As it is, at least on the surface, there's nothing worth keeping except the textual content anyway.
Go through the page and look for sections of that could be split up and put on a page of its own.
Once you do this find a free template somewhere maybe churched themed or something.
Make sure its a CSS template and that it doesn't use tables. After you've found your theme start creating the pages by copying the template over and over.
If you have to you can use php includes but if its small you won't really need to use includes as you could just edit the menu if you needed to.
If you have Dreamweaver you can use his templating abilities. By that I mean you can create a new template with whatever code you want. Any change you make to the template will be made through out the site. If you don't have Dreamweaver ignore this part.
Now once you have your pages created start taking the text out of the document and put them into paragraphs arranging them similar to how they are. You can keep the images as well. You can have text wrap around any image if you put the image before the paragraph and float it to the left or right. Your choice.
I know it sounds like a lot of work but maybe you could post in the partners/collaboration forum as there may be someone who would help you for free especially if they are trying to build up their portfolio.
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If it's supposed to be an article type site (as it appears it might be), then why not go with a CMS and a decent included template? That would take care of the code in one fell swoop AND allow Ms Goonewardene to login and post her own writings. As it is, at least on the surface, there's nothing worth keeping except the textual content anyway.
Yes, I think you are right. The lady has grandiose ideas that she will make money from this venture as well as spreading the word. I'm afraid that she is in for a disappointment, but I don't want to discourage her. I'll look round and see what's available.
I will definitely have a go at building the site. But I will have to get something up pro-tem to keep her happy. I'd much rather have my own code and will do so. I believe my editor has template facilities.
Now,I'll have to dissuade her from sending me the design all ready made up in Word.
Frank I hope this helps to make it easier to re-code. I have taken out all the bumph and put the various elements into what I consider to be, their correct tags.
bazz
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That CSS should be made external. Much easier to change if it is for more than one page.
I only leave the stylesheet there until I have finalised the page. THEN I transfer it to an external sheet.
However, I am still having problems. Slowly trying to get the page v alid, I am defining divs and classes. I am currently stuck with the first headline.
I have defined h1 to be red and centered yet the headline refuses to obey.
Can anyone tell me why? This is the site.
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Still struggling with this site. Things are looking up now.
