My first website was started in August 1998 as a challenge to myself. I wanted to learn html. With a lot of trial and error I finally got my site up. I had no idea "editors" existed. I think the best idea I had was doing many searches and then printing pages of tutorials, enough to fill a large binder for reference, and away I went. I can still remember how elated I was when I finally figured out how to make some text a different colour. A small achievement but big for me at the time. Hyperlinks and email links were other major achievements for me when they finally worked. There were many such 'big' achievements over time.

In the beginning I had no idea what to put on my website but I was amazed as I went along how big it got. As an idea would come, I would jot it down so I would remember and when finished doing one thing, I went on to the next. With each success, and each section finished I was more encouraged to do the next section. I learned to scan photo's and it came to a point where I had to learn to do a simple tables for an index. While in the process of learning I found new friends on the internet while surfing and they gave me bits and pieces of instruction when I was really stuck. They were a great help.

This first website was a personal site. Filled with the things I like. Poetry, photo's, friends, family and many links. It is never finished either. I still go back to my original site and make changes now and then.

These days I help others when asked when starting their sites. Some people helped me, now I help others. Small help with basic html. I know the frustration and try to encourage them to continue because sooner or later, it works! I have written some very basic html tips in what I call "blonde instructions". (Yes, I'm blonde and over 40!, so if I can do it anyone can!) These instructions are written in very plain english. More or less what I wish I had found in all my searches. I actually explain what an 'anchor' is instead of just telling someone not to forget it.

Since then, I have created 5 websites. Each it's own entity. I have also branched out into my own graphics. I now do backgrounds, borders and desktop wallpaper. Most of these are made with photographs I have taken so are very unique. I also run webrings now. My next big step is a domain of my own which should be within the next few days.

A lot of time, effort and dedication goes into a website and I would like to encourage everyone to take the plunge. Even if you can only spend a few hours a week on it. You just need a bit of patience. It can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be encouraging. When I started my first site I was on Mirc Chat with personal friends and it gave them the incentive to try one of their own. One of these friends has since developed a very popular and much used gardening website. She has also branched out into her own graphics and such too.

If you want to tell your story and have it posted here email it to me.

Read Other First Web Page Building Adventures