Weeks 8-9: Prepare to Learn HTML
In the weeks to come, we will learn to write simple HTML 4.0 documents that look attractive when read by Netscape Navigator.
Your first task is to go to the following link and print a copy of The NCSA Beginner's Guide to HTML. For copyright information, see the NCSA's statement concerning permitted fair use (you need not, however, print out the copyright statement). This is an excellent, concise overview of HTML that you'll undoubtedly use often in the webpage-authoring process.
After printing the Beginner's Guide, glance through it, paying special attention to the section entitled "The Minimal HTML Document" (~p.4).
Next, identify the text editor available to you in lab. You may work on either IBMs or MACs. In an IBM Windows 95 lab, work in WordPad or Notepad (I prefer WordPad because it allows me to print--which can be handy in examining the HTML code). In a Mac Lab, use Simpletext. You can also use Microsoft Word, but BEWARE! You must always save documents with the "text only" option. Otherwise, your documents will be full of formatting commands that will appear on the web-browser as garbage.
Finally, complete the following homework assignment, designed by Kathy Davis '98. The purpose of this assignment is to raise questions about what makes a good scholarly website and what principles of design are worth following.
This assignment is due on Monday, November 2.
Attend one or more of the workshops on HTML conducted by me:
If you need additional help learning HTML, a well-design tutorial on basic HTML may be found on the HTML Template Master, a cd-rom by Sadun Watkins (BU Call # QA76.76.H94S231995 Multimedia). You may also appreciate the following online resources.
Weeks 11-13: Editing for the Web
Now that you know the rudiments of HTML markup, have explored some sites, and are familiar with 'good' and 'bad' designs, it is time to begin creating your own site for The Archive. You have already chosen the text you would like to contribute; now you need to find a way to 'put it up'.
Scanning. One of the best ways to convert a file to HTML is by scanning it. A scanner takes a document that you have in your hand and turns it into a text on the computer which can easily be altered and saved to disk. This way, you can take the text at hand and simply add the necessary codes to make the file understandable in an HTML browser.
So where are these wonderful machines found, you may wonder. Right here on campus, in two convenient locations: Computer Services (in the Dana Engineering building, second floor) and Instructional Media Services (in the library foyer). Contact Christina Johnson, of IMS, for assistance. These scanners are free to use but you may want to call ahead and reserve a time just to guarantee one will be open. Scanning itself is pretty easy, and if you get confused you can always ask one of the staff members at either location.
The other option is to type the text directly into the word processor. This is workable for people who are good typists and/or are working with short texts.
Whichever method of transcribing text you choose, be aware that precision and accuracy are paramount to this type of work. Once the text is transcribed as an HTML document, you should work with a partner to proof and reproof until you are satisfied that your HTML edition matches the copy-text as closely as possible. (Remember that diplomatic reprints are noncritical editions that reproduce the words and punctuation of the copy-text exactly, but not its physical features, such as typeface, lineation, and so on.
Inevitably, however, there will be differences between your e-text and the original. Some of these can be attributed to the capabilities of HTML to format text. For example, in traditional (non-electronic) publishing, it is conventional to indent the first line of paragraphs, but HTML does not allow this. Other changes will result from decisions you make about your particular text. For example, you will surely want to correct obvious typographical errors, or correct lines that were transposed by the original typesetter. While you transcribe, you must keep a careful record of any and all changes. This record becomes an important part of your contribution to The Archive.
Submit your work electronically. To learn how, consult the page "How to Submit your HTML Project."
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