Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish

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1. Oswald October 8, 2009 2:08 am

   I picked up this book at a [competitors store] actually, on one of my numerous web and graphic design book shopping sprees, and read it cover to cover over the next week. Ann Marie’s book is SO GREAT and so unlike *anything else out there* for web design, that I wanted to make sure I gave it a positive review here, to let other web designers know this is a definite must-have. So first I read the other reviews here and it looks like most people agree that “Start to Finish” is fantastic, there’s a couple people who must have thought it was a different kind of book and so gave it a poor review. So to set the record straight, this is NOT a book just for beginners, though the first chapter is definitely for that group. (How to set up your workstation. ) I just skimmed through that one. The rest of the book covers the complete process; and I mean COMPLETE, of getting a web site from an idea in someone’s head to live on the web. The other thing that may trip you up: The author says right up front that this book will *not* teach you how to do HTML or create web graphics. (She says there were already hundreds of those on the shelves when she sat down to write the book, and she lists her favorite “how to” books in the appendix. ) So don’t buy this book if you’re hoping it will turn you into an expert coder, that’s not what it’s about. So what IS it about? As Ann Marie says, “it’s about everything else. ” And that’s why I found it so valuable, because it’s real-world information, tips, and recommended techniques that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Well at least never all in one place, like this book is. She talks about managing the project, the design process, what and how to develop site architecture, trafficking content, the prototype/client review process, best ways to run a proof meeting, production tips, search engine optimization, traditional and “geurilla” marketing techniques, how to maintain the site, I’m telling you EVERYTHING. How to choose the right host. How to bid. What are the best mailing lists and portals. How to analyze web logs and use that info to tweak the site. And so on. I’ve done over 20 web sites for friends and clients and bosses and still learned a TON of “can use it today” type of things from this book. But to me the main reason I ran over here to review Start to Finish was to let people know how FUN it is to read a computer book written by someone who can WRITE! When was the last time you read a web design book that gave you at least a chuckle or an “ah-ha!” on every page. I see other people here and have mentioned this too. She is the opposite of dry and boring, but she’s not glib. . . she’s obviously a gifted technical writer. I have set Amazon. com to e-mail me when she publishes another book, I don’t care what it’s on, I’m getting it. Well I guess the only negative thing I was going to say about it is that I found many of the links in her appendix (which I’ve xeroxed and tacked to the wall in my workstation, it’s that helpful) to user groups, design portals, listservs etc. are out-of-date. I know that’s understandable. I said I was “going” to say this because I just read her intro to the appendix again and realized that she keeps an up-to-date version on her website, senecadesign. com. I just visited there and saw that it was true, so nevermind! Buy this book! It’s great! But be sure to also buy one about HTML or DHTML or whathave you, because this book doesn’t cover that.

2. Yovela October 8, 2009 3:38 am

   This book is not what I thought it would be nor was it really geared towards a person like me. From the title, I thought I was getting another book on the mechanical aspects of putting together a web site in a professional manner. It is on putting together a website and I suppose you could say it involves some of the mechanics of doing so but these are the background mechanics of procedures, checklists, things to look for and watch out for, resource that might be of help and things like that. It does not cover the mechanics of HTML coding, setting up frames, CSS stylesheets, templates and such. Those are left to other books. That being said, if you are part of the target audience, those wishing to go into the web site design business or given the responsibility of running a website for a company, this book can be a handy background tool. It explains options, industry trends and many of the things which will have to be thoughtfully considered in order to put together a decent site. Again, this book focuses on broad conceptual practices and not on specific means of achieving ends. Information is provided on five main topics divided into five chapters. The chapters are called, “Gearing Up”, “Essential Pre-design Tasks”, “A Design that Works”, Putting it all Together” and “Keeping the Site Alive”. Additionally, there is an appendix which lists useful resources. As I said, this book was not what I was looking for but seems to be well and simply written. My one concern is that it was written in 2001 and some of the specifics may be a bit dated. Still, I would think that the broad concepts covered are valid.

3. Jennessa October 8, 2009 6:04 am

   A fundamental knowledge of HTML and familiarity with a web authoring tool such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage will significantly increase the value you derive from studying this book. For the beginning/aspiring Web Designer this book offers essential information for going professional and becoming recognized in the field of web design. This book offers the reader valuable information about operating a web design business – and you’d be amazed at certain bits of content that most people would overlook! The author also supplies links to many resources her team uses in upkeeping the web services they provide. The book will make an excellent addition to your web library especially if you are just starting new in the competitive web design industry – as with any trade, we become pros by working closely with other pros. . . in the case of this gem (book) it is a companion that holds you by the hand and teaches you how to operate a professional web design business. I would have given this book a 5-star rating had it not been for some of its outdated links that are no longer functional perhaps due to the fact that the book was published in 2001 and as of Sep, 2004, a 2nd edition is not available. (Side Note: If you’re looking for the techincal resource regarding web site design, which is also essential for becoming a well rounded designer, consider “The Complete Reference Web Design” 2nd Edition by Thomas A. Powell. It makes for an excellent web design reference. In fact strongly consider studing this book first before venturing into Anne-Marie Concepcion’s “Professional Web Site Design <from start to finish>”. Having studied the two books in this order, has enabled me to derive optimum value from them. You will gain “confidence” to move ahead strongly as a web designer if you study these books well, and keep your eyes open for changes in the world of Web Design. )