URL: http://www.geocities.com/elfomatic/
Age - How old are you now?
I am 17.
When did you start your site?
Hmmm, in May of last year. I got bored in computer programming class.
School and work status - Full time student, graduated, do you work, etc
I am a Junior in High School~GO KNIGHTS!
Hobbies - What do you like to do, besides keep this site, what clubs/organizations are you involved in?
True, I do enjoy web design but I also like surfing the Net a lot as well. At school I'm involved in the Interact Club and National Honor Society. I play for the varsity soccer team. I also am a member of Explorers. I do volunteer work locally. It doesn't leave much time so I don't have a job.
Location - Where are you from? Where are you now?
I was born on the Cherokee Reservation in N.C. My mom is in the Air Force so we move a lot. I live in Sumter, S.C. now.
Where do you work on your site? Home, school, library, other?
I work on my site at home now. It was started at school though. But I'm redesigning it now so it doesn't look like that anymore. Most of the stuff I did there was replaced.
How did you learn Web page design? Do you use HTML to create your site?
I learned web design on my own. They don't offer courses at my school. Mostly, I caught on by example. I use all HTML. Personally, I think page builders like Geocities and FrontPage are cheating.
Why did you start writing your Web site?
Out of boredom. I figure it's better than sitting in front of the TV. What with the way the internet has come to rule the world lately, I figure the skills may come in handy, too.
Do you communicate with readers of your site?
Yes. If they want me to. If somebody signs my guestbook and leaves their address then I'll sign their's. That sort of thing.
Have you met any new friends because of the site?
No, but the site helps when internet friends want to know more about me. Saves me a lot of time from not having to send them photos.
Has your motivation changed over time?
Not really. I think I keep the site up now because it's become a hobby. I mean, it's complete --there's no reason I HAVE to update it; it doesn't accomplish anything-- but I want to because it's kind of fun.
How has it changed your life?
Heh, I guess I spend more time in my file manager than surfing the Net.
My friends do. It's posted on my ICQ and all. I've even had one friend just stumble across it. No one has said anything negative. Well, my best friend didn't like her photo but she doesn't like any of them so that doesn't matter. My mom knows but hasn't seen it yet. I'll tell her when it's more complete. I think she'd be surprised by the writings, for instance.
Well, I think my friends know more about me. The site saves me time from explaining myself on ICQ. Some ppl ask me about web design because of it. So, I guess that benefits them.
If you had to do it over again from the beginning, what would you change?
I guess I'd be original at the beginning. In May, I relied more on example to help me format my site. Now, it's layed out how I want it. I think I tried to hard then. The site has had a makeover and I like it now.
What are your favorite things on your site?
Well, my favorite page is the first one on the "myself" section. See, some pages I still want to add to and others I'm basically going to leave alone. I have big plans for my links section and I want to retouch me "friends" and "family" sections.
When looking at other people's Web sites what do you look for as a viewer?
I love detail. I think personal websites should be, duh, personal. I think u should have more than just your physical description up there. That doesn't tell me anything. I like having a look into other ppl's lives and seeing how it compares to mine.
What is "one word" that would describe your site?
Heh, "me."
How do you tackle the mechanics of Web design and how do you deal with your frustrations when you can't do what you envision.
Well, it's mostly trial and error. If I want to do something, and it's possible, then I learn it. I don't have any problem with learning how to do something new even if it's considered "advanced." Heh, and if it's "impossible," which some things in HTML are, then I go about it a different way. There is always another way to do things. I make it work.
Why do you think people are interested in you and what you have to say?
For the same reason I'm interested in them. Pure curiousity.
What compels you to design beautiful pages and to write from the heart (beyond just the usual question of "why do you write a Web site")?
I guess just to share myself with the world. Who knows how long that site will be up there. I guess it's my way of leaving a mark on the world--even if it is the electronic world--so far.
