Geek FAQs
Q Hey, I noticed the doctype for the actual templates was HTML 4.01 Transitional. That’s, like, so last decade. What’s up with that?
A Many lower-end HTML and WYSIWYG editors, such as Mozilla.org’s SeaMonkey, will write only HTML code by default. Therefore, by making the templates HTML (as opposed to XHTML), using a lower-end editor at least won’t violate the doctype.
It should at least please you to know that we adhered rigidly to good XHTML coding practices when writing these templates (i.e., CSS-driven styles, tableless layouts, properly written tags, well commented code, etc.).
A one-way trip through HTML Tidy would turn all of these templates into XHTML that is as clean as the driven snow — if that is what floats your boat.
Q What’s with all the JavaScript?
A Gosh, you noticed. Use of JavaScript allows end users to make a few, simple changes in a single JavaScript file that are instantly reflected across the entire site. So, instead of having to do a Search and Replace across an entire website, users only change things like phone numbers, contact info, etc., in a single JavaScript document. Doing so is well documented in our User Guide, so that anyone with a text editor and at least one ounce of common sense can do it.
Q I can’t help but notice that only the “content-center” <div> really changes from one page to the next. Wouldn’t it have been easier to simply base each template on a single PHP page, and pull the center content from a MySQL database?
A Hail, enlightened one! If you understand that question, you have earned your place in Cyber Heaven. Yes, PHP is how we would have done these templates for our own personal use.
This having been said, bear in mind that these templates were intended for use by mere mortals — ones for whom the secrets of the One True Religion (i.e., PHP) have not yet been revealed.
For One Who Knows, however, converting any of these templates to PHP should not be rocket science. Knock yourself out.
Questions Frequently Asked by Normal Folks
Q Just how much of a Web Genius do I have to be to use this product?
A To start, you may not have to be a Web Genius at all if one of your staff members or friends possesses basic web skills and is willing to do the heavier lifting for you. If you (or someone on staff) is maintaining your current website, odds are you will have little difficulty putting this material to work for you.
Q I really like the current design of my website. I just don’t think the text and images are as effective as they could be. Can I use the content from the disk with my current design?
A Absolutely. When you buy the disk, you are purchasing the right to use its contents in whatever way best meets your needs. See our License Agreement for more info.
Q Will these templates integrate with my current shopping cart software?
A Some of the worst dive store websites we’ve seen are ones where a store tried to use its shopping cart software to promote classes, trips, activities and in-store sales. It’s important to understand that in-store and on-line activities, by their very nature, require very different websites.
The best solution is to have two separate websites under one “roof” or domain name (i.e., something like www.yourstore.com for classes, trips, activities and in-store sales, and the subdomain store.yourstore.com for on-line sales.). You then link both sites to each other. Using common logos and color schemes can further help maintain brand identity.
What we recommend is using one of our templates to create the website for your in-store activities and sales, and a good shopping cart site for on-line sales.
Q I currently use SiteBuilder (or Microsoft Office Live or a similar service) to build and maintain my website. Will these templates work with it?
A Short answer: No. Long answer: Maybe it’s time to stop messing with the kiddy toys and start playing with the grown ups. If you aren’t deathly afraid of using a computer and are willing to read and follow directions, you can use the material on the disk to create a real website that can much more effectively promote your business. Our User Guide provides helpful information that can get you started.
Then again, if you really want to stick with what you are currently using, there is nothing to say you can’t use the text and images on the disk to greatly improve the effectiveness of your current site. Your call.
Q Editing text on a website or placing someone else’s images is something I can do. What I can’t do is edit images with a program like Photoshop — as it appears I would need to do to create a custom website banner with my name and logo. Does this mean I can’t use these templates?
A Relax. One of the services we offer is an upgrade to the basic package in which you send us your store’s logo and we create a custom banner for you. See the Order the Disk page for more info.
Have a question this page doesn’t answer? Ask us.