Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Despite my best intentions to create "quick and dirty" web pages that highlight stamps, covers, and postcards in my various collections, and teach people about them and the history that surrounds them, I usually end up writing and illustrating a book rather than an article. I hope that collectors and non-collectors alike will appreciate my efforts, and they do — I receive occasional emails from readers that I have obviously managed to make a connection with. But I worry that my web pages often turn people off because of their length.
This web page, North Star Falling is typical of the style I am asking about. As you can see, it contains eight separate parts, each of which discusses one aspect of the horrific collision between a Canadian airliner and an RCAF trainer in 1954.
I would very much appreciate it if you could browse through it — even read it all! — and tell me whether you think I'm on the right track. (I understand that people who aren't particularly interested in aviation and postal history aren't going to bother with such a web page, but I'm not hoping to connect with them.)
One of the reasons I am bringing this up is that I've been working — and working and working, forever it seems! — on a complex web page about philately of the Channel Islands during their occupation by the Germans in the Second World War. And I'm beginning to wonder if I'm wasting my time!
A large part of the reason I create my web pages is that it's kinda fun. I use software that my son created, and enjoy the things that I learn about my collection as I explain it for other people. But if long web pages are going mostly unread even by people like members of Stamporama, I need to know that. And I would appreciate suggestions of how to improve the pages, and your experience with them.
Bob
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Bob, I think your web pages look very nice. The contrast is good and the text is easy to read. I like how you have the parts separated into different pages. That eliminates the need to scroll forever down, which people don't like to do. The illustrations are liberally provided, and the placement of them helps to break up the text.
Some editing is needed to be consistent with spacing between text, illustrations and captions. I figure you'd get to that when you finalize the articles.
I only looked at your structure, not the content.
Overall a nice job.
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I agree with Michael. Very well done. I really like how there are links to the different sections, and to other exhibits. Nice job.
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Bob, I wonder if you would consider having less white space between lines. Michael mentions scrolling, and I reckon your page takes up nearly six 'screen-heights' on my computer, which means more scrolling than would be necessary if your text was single-spaced.
Otherwise it looks very well, and I am looking forward to the Channel Islands feature!
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Bob
Although I haven't read through everything, in my opinion this is near perfect presentation. I detest huge 'gobs' of crammed text, which makes me glaze over.
Trying to reduce the white space (other than the odd tweak) would achieve nothing, other than reducing (not eliminating) scrolling. Are we really that lazy?
This is a most professional work; far better than many web published pages I've ever read.
I'd be very proud of this.
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North Star Falling ...excellent Thankyou for the time and work put into this site. Cheryl
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If this were a chapter in a book or an article in a magazine, it would be great. A very professional looking layout.
However, this is a website and as such it is still beautiful but not very functional. On a webpage one does not want to scroll through very long texts. It should be chopped in smaller bits. Now I think of it, even a book does not have such lengthy pieces of text. It has pages and that creates a sense of rhythm, clarity even. Create chapters (separate pages) and it will be a lot better.
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Bob,
You write:
"I usually end up writing and illustrating a book rather than an article."
So make it a book, no? Perhaps in your book reference the visuals in the website, and on the website refer to the book for the greater, in depth, text.
Best,
Dan C.
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Beautifully done!
I have only one suggestion: Make it one long page.
I found it a little bit annoying having to click a link to continue reading. Having one long page may seem like a wall of text, but you have already broken it up nicely with pictures. If any division is required, use a small page divider icon. It could be as simple as a straight line or as complex as a row of clipart airplanes.
Then you wouldn't have to work as hard to encourage people to keep on reading.
Just my two cents.
Antonio
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Bob, I took a look at your website, and while at first I was just looking at the formatting (which I think is great, with lots of pictures/stamps/postcards! BTW)
As I went through it, I couldn't help but being drawn into the story, which indeed is tragic.
I like the paging, which gives me a break from scrolling down.
Overall, a terrific job!! BOB in ORLANDO
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Bob,
Absolutely fantastic presentation! I read through most of it on a iPad and found it well organized, easy to navigate, and nicely formatted.
Scrolling doesn't bother me at all. I appreciate the spacing of the lines and the large size type (don't know if this is just an iPad thing but it was very easy to see). As eyes age, clarity of printing, size, and a little extra white space for contrast really help.
As far as being a waste of your time? Oh my no, no, no. I learned a lot and am not all that into planes, etc.... You have no way of knowing who reads it and benefits - both now and in the future. Will these pages remain forever or will you take them down at some point? I would hope they will stay. It's nice from an author's perspective to get feedback from your readers, but you know that most will never contact you.
I say, keep on keeping on. Do it for your enjoyment and education. If others benefit, that's great. If not, you certainly have created something that nicely illuminates history and blends it with stamp collecting. Just a wonderful project.
Just my opinion.......
Sally
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Bob,
Excelent web design and execution of the data. You have a good mix of info and stamps and covers too.
But, 8 pages does make it a bit too long, I think.
You could have done without the Comet info too, but you blended it in nicely.
I'm an aviation buff, or was I guess, but too young to remember this crash thou.
I will say one thing, the "article" is very complete and you really did your homework!
I enjoyed reading, well, almost all of it! 
Thank You.
Alex
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Excellent Bob.....
IMHO.... I wouldn't change a thing
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Bob,
I enjoyed it immensely and profited from it as much. I learned, retained, admired. Excellent work.
I have minor comments that might help improve a wonderful piece; if you never incorporate one of them, it's of no consequence.
I agree with Al; the addition of the Comet is not necessary. It's tangentially related, but with so many other threads extant, it's unnecessary.
You got lots of widows that fall under photos, making them like lost sheep. Find a way to keep them with the paragraphs.
I don't like the Ephemeral signature on each page; once ought to do it. I can remember something at least until page 3.
On the positive side, I like the fonts, use of FL and centered as additional ways of ID'g different usage. Images are clear and well placed and captioned. It's clear you have loved the your subject and plumbed deeply.
History at its best.
David
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In The Skies Over Moose Jaw There Is A Disturbance In The Force....
Tread carefully and with respect....
We have a Jedi webmaster in our presence! 
As a former desktop publisher/typesetter your use of white space is just right, making this
an easy on the eyes read.
Good choice of sans serif fonts for titles and headers!
Your serif type font for body text also a good choice. The contrast in letterform strokes of
body text makes for easier reading, and is the font style of choice by professional typesetters.
Your use of graphics is good with nice spacing, and drop shadows. I like the liberal use of
crash covers and crash site photos.
Have any relatives of victims, been aware of this, and if so what did they think of your excel-
lant job of immortalizing this horrific event?
What do Moose Jaw residents have to say of your journalistic effort?
The force is strong with this one....
TuskenRaider
PS; Have you used the Gander postcard, with the "Connie" in any web pages, and if so, are they on line yet?
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Thank you to everyone who responded. I really appreciate your feedback.
I can't take full credit for my web pages. Their appearance is based in large part on the cascading style sheet (CSS) that my son created. He based it on his own very successful web site, which is bringing him more than a thousand dollars a week in ebook sales. In fact, the Stamporama web site is based on Paul's web design skills; Roy Lingen was so impressed with my early web pages that he used many of the same ideas in designing the first Stamporama web site, from which the current version has descended.
Here are responses to individual posts; if I don't mention your post, be assured that I read it and appreciated it!:
@Michael, who said,
"Some editing is needed to be consistent with spacing between text, illustrations and captions. I figure you'd get to that when you finalize the articles."
Thanks for pointing that out. I have recently decided on a standardized spacing, and need to go back to older web pages and edit them.
@Guthrum, who said,
"I wonder if you would consider having less white space between lines."
Nope!
I am a firm believer having lots of white space. I firmly believe that text is easier to read if it's not single spaced, especially on a computer display. I won't be changing that.@Jansimon, who said,
"On a webpage one does not want to scroll through very long texts. It should be chopped in smaller bits. Now I think of it, even a book does not have such lengthy pieces of text. It has pages and that creates a sense of rhythm, clarity even. Create chapters (separate pages) and it will be a lot better. "
and @Smauggie, who said,
"I found it a little bit annoying having to click a link to continue reading. Having one long page may seem like a wall of text, but you have already broken it up nicely with pictures. If any division is required, use a small page divider icon. It could be as simple as a straight line or as complex as a row of clipart airplanes."
I agree that one doesn't want to scroll through very long texts, but I just don't see my web pages as having "very long texts". The whole point of my design is that on each screen/page, the reader soon comes to the end and has the option of clicking on the link for the next screen/page. Personally, I dislike web pages which requiring scrolling, scrolling, scrolling to get to the end, never knowing when the end will come. In addition, the use of images, sub-heads, and blockquotes adds variety and prevent boredom. Or so I hope!
@bobstewart17, who said,
"As I went through it, I couldn't help but being drawn into the story, which indeed is tragic."
The biggest challenge of all is drawing readers in, and I guess I have done that! Yay! The patience of internet surfers is measured in microseconds. If you haven't caught them with your first few words or images, they'll be gone. One of the best lessons I got from my my journalism studies at the University of Missouri was about writing a lead paragraph that would grab people. I think I do that in most of my web pages, although one Stamporamanian took me to task in a private message for the none-too-"grabby" lead in the Moose Jaw collision web page. I'm in the process of rewriting it.
@dani20, who said
"So make it a book, no? Perhaps in your book reference the visuals in the website, and on the website refer to the book for the greater, in depth, text."
No. I've thought about it, but few of my web pages (none, really) are long enough for a book. I personally don't like books that include illustrations in just one section, usually in the centre of the book; it's much more effective in my opinion to have text and illustrations conjoined, as it were. Both the text and the images would lose effect if they are separated. I can't imagine anyone reading a book and then going in search of it's online illustrations.
@smaier, who said,
"I appreciate the spacing of the lines and the large size type (don't know if this is just an iPad thing but it was very easy to see). As eyes age, clarity of printing, size, and a little extra white space for contrast really help."
Nope, it's not an iPad thing at all. My son depends on having people at their desktop computers or who are using portable devices to be able to use his web pages easily. Like his web pages, mine seem to be usable no matter what device people are using to access them.
@Al_Whitney, who said,
"You could have done without the Comet info too, but you blended it in nicely."
Agreed. I almost didn't include it, but the juxtaposition of that crash with the Moose Jaw collision was just too much to ignore. But I think you're correct; I'll probably create a separate web page for the Comet-crash details, with a link in the Moose Jaw collision page.
@amsd, who said,
"You got lots of widows that fall under photos, making them like lost sheep. Find a way to keep them with the paragraphs.
I don't like the Ephemeral signature on each page; once ought to do it."
Widows (single words on lines all their own) are unavoidable. Like widows in real life, perhaps? You men with partners: eat your spinach and exercise more!
It's impossible to design a web page that includes anything other than text that won't have widows, which result not from the source document but on the browser and hardware that's displaying it. Widows can generally be "killed" by narrowing the browser window, or increasing its width. One of the hardest lessons for a wannabe web "artist" to learn is that he or she is not in control of how the document will look on other computers, iPads, Blackberries, or what have you.
About the Ephemeral Treasures signature: I actually wish it were bigger; I've thought about adding home page links at the top and bottom of each page, along with the page links. But here's the main problem: Google searches often return not the first page of a multi-page webpage, but other pages. You might click a link and end up on page 5. If the Ephemeral Pages links weren't on each page, readers would be less likely to go to the home page.
@TuskenRaider, who said,
"Have any relatives of victims, been aware of this, and if so what did they think of your excel-
lant job of immortalizing this horrific event? What do Moose Jaw residents have to say of your journalistic effort?"
I haven't had any response from relatives of victims of the Moose Jaw crash, although I did talk with the son of the woman who was killed on the ground. He is actually a friend of a woman who used to attend my wife's fitness classes. Another of my web pages, Christmas tragedy at Prestwick, about the crash of a BOAC Stratocruiser in 1954, brought forth several responses from relatives and friends of victims. One of them turned out to be a Vancouver resident, an actor, whose father was the pilot. The pilot survived, but the crash destroyed his career and pretty much destroyed the family.
One of the reasons I am drawn to learning about aviation disasters is the incredible trauma they cause over broad swaths of society. I am also fascinated by the cascade of events, rather than single events, that cause most aviation disasters, including the plane crash I was in when I was 19. My crash, in a U.S. Forest Service "bird dog" plane used to spot forest fires and guide water bombers to their targets, resulted from using an underpowered airplane at high altitude in a storm. The pilot might have been at fault in the sense that he wasn't used to flying in the mountains of New Mexico. And I myself, as a passenger in an aircraft that didn't normally carry passengers in its forest-service duties, might have added just enough weight to destabilize the aircraft when it was hit by wind shear.
Again, thanks to everyone for responding so thoroughly. You have inspired me, and given me some direction that I might have missed if you hadn't spoken up. I really appreciate that.
Bob
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Extremely interesting Bob, well written and nicely presented, no faults from me on layout or "white space", font worked very well.
Couple of minor points which are probably more because of my picky nature,
Page 1, line 16 "Pieces of mail that have been damaged in aviation, rail, and shipping disasters is classified by philatelists as “adversity mailâ€. Please change either Pieces to piece or is to are.
Page 2, para 1, Material not materiel.
Page 3, you have pluralised "students" when it needs to be singular.
Page 6, in the paragraph about school children the words "sent home" have become conjoined and sent is mis-spelled.
On various pages the text under pictures tends to repeat previous paragraphs, maybe it can be amended to build upon or even shortened.
On the whole an excellent work and very informative, appreciate the effort and work that has gone into producing the pages and my thanks for sharing it with Stamporama members.
Apologies again for being picky, put it down to being English!!
Vic.
ps now waiting for corrections to the grammar/content of this message. Sorry about English spellings, F7 hates me.
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08:35:40pm
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Bob. I figured everyone else has scrutinized the format, content and grammar sufficiently well, so I just read it for fun. Well done!
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Thank you, Sheepshanks, for your eagle eye. You are hired as my editor! It is really hard to see the types of errors you pointed out. I swear that my brain just develops blind spots. Anyhow, I've corrected the errors you pointed out, and will take a look at the cutlines. One note: You suggested that "materiel" (page 2, para. 1) was misspelled, and it was, but it needed an acute accent on the first e, as in matériel, which refers to military supplies and equipment as contrasted with personnel. I could have used material, but hey, I'm pedantic!
Bob
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What's the pay scale? Sorry could never get my head around French, even though it was compulsory for 2 years, maybe it was the female student French lass who was trying to teach a bunch of 13 year olds with raging hormones.
Sometimes the incorrect words just jump out at me, guys at work reckon I'm just being pedantic or an awkward Englishman.
Please keep up the great work.
vic
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Bob, on the signature, isn't it possible to deal with that in the description section that is invisible to readers but essential to spiders? I'm not arguing for my PoV, but offering an alternative approach IF that works for you. If not, no worries.
David
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An Update:
I've incorporated many of the changes that members suggested, but not all. I some cases, I just don't agree with the suggestions! In others, I don't actually have control over formatting, but I'm discussing possible changes with my son, Paul the Guru.
I really appreciate your input. It's been…reinvigorating!
One suggestion I especially appreciated, to drop the content about the Comet crash that occurred on the same day as the North Star crash in Moose Jaw. I didn't delete it entirely, but left just a brief note about the coincidence of the Comet crash, and added a link to a new page about the Comet crash.
Another suggested change has been made — cutlines are now flush-left beneath images (which causes a slight problem with short cutlines, but overall they look good).
Bob
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Wow, stunning work, Bob. Great layout and an amazing story too. I had never heard about the crash even though I spend a lot of time in and around Moose Jaw. I need to ask my dad if he remembers it.
I love your layout (March 2 version). Very readable. I wouldn't change a thing.
Regarding pages vs one large page. So long as the page breaks make logical sense (like chapters) then go for it. But maybe give the reader a sense of what's next? Hitting 'next page' is more of a decision for the reader than flicking a scroll wheel or waving a finger on the screen.
But hey, your pages are the most readable and entertaining stamp related pages on the net, in my view. They are a cross between an exhibit, a drama and a Paul Harvey essay. The research that goes into each story amazes me.
Mark.
Ps. If you think a picture of the cairn in Moose Jaw helps the story, let me know and I'll get one for you. I see it all the time and I never knew the significance till this morning!
Pps - I feel a little awkward posting here after not posting in like 5 years or so. Trying to work my way back in. Sorry if this was too forward.
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Bob, I cannot add to the praise and comments already made by such thorough reviews. I too echo my congratulations and admiration for an excellent job. I had no particular interest in the topic area, in fact, knew nothing of it (ashamedly being Canadian too!), but your write up intrigued me and I was appreciative of the history and story. You've inspired me to think of doing something similar in my areas of interest.
What surprises me is that no-one has commented on your last line:
"And I'm beginning to wonder if I'm wasting my time!"
This is a labour of love. Such are never a waste of time. If your motivation is to post about something that you've learned, in the hope that others will delight in its discovery too, you've accomplished that no matter how many read it.
All the best and I, too, look forward to the Channel Islands write up.
Cheers,
Peter
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Thank you for the recent kudos about my web page. Such responses make me want to get up in the morning!
Mark Dyck made a suggestion that I’d actually been considering:
"Regarding pages vs one large page. So long as the page breaks make logical sense (like chapters) then go for it. But maybe give the reader a sense of what's next? Hitting 'next page' is more of a decision for the reader than flicking a scroll wheel or waving a finger on the screen."
Voila! I have now begun to add next-page descriptions to the bottom of each page of multi-page web pages, except for the last page, of course. Click on this link to my TCA-crash web page, and scroll to the bottom to see the result:
http://www.ephemeraltreasures.net/tca-crash-moose-jaw-part-1.html
Bob
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03:25:30pm
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I would appreciate having your opinion about the design of a web page, not just any web page, but one of mine in particular, which is representative of several that I have completed.
Despite my best intentions to create "quick and dirty" web pages that highlight stamps, covers, and postcards in my various collections, and teach people about them and the history that surrounds them, I usually end up writing and illustrating a book rather than an article. I hope that collectors and non-collectors alike will appreciate my efforts, and they do — I receive occasional emails from readers that I have obviously managed to make a connection with. But I worry that my web pages often turn people off because of their length.
This web page, North Star Falling is typical of the style I am asking about. As you can see, it contains eight separate parts, each of which discusses one aspect of the horrific collision between a Canadian airliner and an RCAF trainer in 1954.
I would very much appreciate it if you could browse through it — even read it all! — and tell me whether you think I'm on the right track. (I understand that people who aren't particularly interested in aviation and postal history aren't going to bother with such a web page, but I'm not hoping to connect with them.)
One of the reasons I am bringing this up is that I've been working — and working and working, forever it seems! — on a complex web page about philately of the Channel Islands during their occupation by the Germans in the Second World War. And I'm beginning to wonder if I'm wasting my time!
A large part of the reason I create my web pages is that it's kinda fun. I use software that my son created, and enjoy the things that I learn about my collection as I explain it for other people. But if long web pages are going mostly unread even by people like members of Stamporama, I need to know that. And I would appreciate suggestions of how to improve the pages, and your experience with them.
Bob
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12:09:47am
re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob, I think your web pages look very nice. The contrast is good and the text is easy to read. I like how you have the parts separated into different pages. That eliminates the need to scroll forever down, which people don't like to do. The illustrations are liberally provided, and the placement of them helps to break up the text.
Some editing is needed to be consistent with spacing between text, illustrations and captions. I figure you'd get to that when you finalize the articles.
I only looked at your structure, not the content.
Overall a nice job.
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I agree with Michael. Very well done. I really like how there are links to the different sections, and to other exhibits. Nice job.
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Bob, I wonder if you would consider having less white space between lines. Michael mentions scrolling, and I reckon your page takes up nearly six 'screen-heights' on my computer, which means more scrolling than would be necessary if your text was single-spaced.
Otherwise it looks very well, and I am looking forward to the Channel Islands feature!
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Bob
Although I haven't read through everything, in my opinion this is near perfect presentation. I detest huge 'gobs' of crammed text, which makes me glaze over.
Trying to reduce the white space (other than the odd tweak) would achieve nothing, other than reducing (not eliminating) scrolling. Are we really that lazy?
This is a most professional work; far better than many web published pages I've ever read.
I'd be very proud of this.
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08:50:40am
re: I would appreciate your opinions…
North Star Falling ...excellent Thankyou for the time and work put into this site. Cheryl
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If this were a chapter in a book or an article in a magazine, it would be great. A very professional looking layout.
However, this is a website and as such it is still beautiful but not very functional. On a webpage one does not want to scroll through very long texts. It should be chopped in smaller bits. Now I think of it, even a book does not have such lengthy pieces of text. It has pages and that creates a sense of rhythm, clarity even. Create chapters (separate pages) and it will be a lot better.
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Bob,
You write:
"I usually end up writing and illustrating a book rather than an article."
So make it a book, no? Perhaps in your book reference the visuals in the website, and on the website refer to the book for the greater, in depth, text.
Best,
Dan C.
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Beautifully done!
I have only one suggestion: Make it one long page.
I found it a little bit annoying having to click a link to continue reading. Having one long page may seem like a wall of text, but you have already broken it up nicely with pictures. If any division is required, use a small page divider icon. It could be as simple as a straight line or as complex as a row of clipart airplanes.
Then you wouldn't have to work as hard to encourage people to keep on reading.
Just my two cents.
Antonio
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob, I took a look at your website, and while at first I was just looking at the formatting (which I think is great, with lots of pictures/stamps/postcards! BTW)
As I went through it, I couldn't help but being drawn into the story, which indeed is tragic.
I like the paging, which gives me a break from scrolling down.
Overall, a terrific job!! BOB in ORLANDO
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob,
Absolutely fantastic presentation! I read through most of it on a iPad and found it well organized, easy to navigate, and nicely formatted.
Scrolling doesn't bother me at all. I appreciate the spacing of the lines and the large size type (don't know if this is just an iPad thing but it was very easy to see). As eyes age, clarity of printing, size, and a little extra white space for contrast really help.
As far as being a waste of your time? Oh my no, no, no. I learned a lot and am not all that into planes, etc.... You have no way of knowing who reads it and benefits - both now and in the future. Will these pages remain forever or will you take them down at some point? I would hope they will stay. It's nice from an author's perspective to get feedback from your readers, but you know that most will never contact you.
I say, keep on keeping on. Do it for your enjoyment and education. If others benefit, that's great. If not, you certainly have created something that nicely illuminates history and blends it with stamp collecting. Just a wonderful project.
Just my opinion.......
Sally
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Bob,
Excelent web design and execution of the data. You have a good mix of info and stamps and covers too.
But, 8 pages does make it a bit too long, I think.
You could have done without the Comet info too, but you blended it in nicely.
I'm an aviation buff, or was I guess, but too young to remember this crash thou.
I will say one thing, the "article" is very complete and you really did your homework!
I enjoyed reading, well, almost all of it!
Thank You.
Alex
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Excellent Bob.....
IMHO.... I wouldn't change a thing
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob,
I enjoyed it immensely and profited from it as much. I learned, retained, admired. Excellent work.
I have minor comments that might help improve a wonderful piece; if you never incorporate one of them, it's of no consequence.
I agree with Al; the addition of the Comet is not necessary. It's tangentially related, but with so many other threads extant, it's unnecessary.
You got lots of widows that fall under photos, making them like lost sheep. Find a way to keep them with the paragraphs.
I don't like the Ephemeral signature on each page; once ought to do it. I can remember something at least until page 3.
On the positive side, I like the fonts, use of FL and centered as additional ways of ID'g different usage. Images are clear and well placed and captioned. It's clear you have loved the your subject and plumbed deeply.
History at its best.
David
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
In The Skies Over Moose Jaw There Is A Disturbance In The Force....
Tread carefully and with respect....
We have a Jedi webmaster in our presence!
As a former desktop publisher/typesetter your use of white space is just right, making this
an easy on the eyes read.
Good choice of sans serif fonts for titles and headers!
Your serif type font for body text also a good choice. The contrast in letterform strokes of
body text makes for easier reading, and is the font style of choice by professional typesetters.
Your use of graphics is good with nice spacing, and drop shadows. I like the liberal use of
crash covers and crash site photos.
Have any relatives of victims, been aware of this, and if so what did they think of your excel-
lant job of immortalizing this horrific event?
What do Moose Jaw residents have to say of your journalistic effort?
The force is strong with this one....
TuskenRaider
PS; Have you used the Gander postcard, with the "Connie" in any web pages, and if so, are they on line yet?
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Thank you to everyone who responded. I really appreciate your feedback.
I can't take full credit for my web pages. Their appearance is based in large part on the cascading style sheet (CSS) that my son created. He based it on his own very successful web site, which is bringing him more than a thousand dollars a week in ebook sales. In fact, the Stamporama web site is based on Paul's web design skills; Roy Lingen was so impressed with my early web pages that he used many of the same ideas in designing the first Stamporama web site, from which the current version has descended.
Here are responses to individual posts; if I don't mention your post, be assured that I read it and appreciated it!:
@Michael, who said,
"Some editing is needed to be consistent with spacing between text, illustrations and captions. I figure you'd get to that when you finalize the articles."
Thanks for pointing that out. I have recently decided on a standardized spacing, and need to go back to older web pages and edit them.
@Guthrum, who said,
"I wonder if you would consider having less white space between lines."
Nope!
I am a firm believer having lots of white space. I firmly believe that text is easier to read if it's not single spaced, especially on a computer display. I won't be changing that.@Jansimon, who said,
"On a webpage one does not want to scroll through very long texts. It should be chopped in smaller bits. Now I think of it, even a book does not have such lengthy pieces of text. It has pages and that creates a sense of rhythm, clarity even. Create chapters (separate pages) and it will be a lot better. "
and @Smauggie, who said,
"I found it a little bit annoying having to click a link to continue reading. Having one long page may seem like a wall of text, but you have already broken it up nicely with pictures. If any division is required, use a small page divider icon. It could be as simple as a straight line or as complex as a row of clipart airplanes."
I agree that one doesn't want to scroll through very long texts, but I just don't see my web pages as having "very long texts". The whole point of my design is that on each screen/page, the reader soon comes to the end and has the option of clicking on the link for the next screen/page. Personally, I dislike web pages which requiring scrolling, scrolling, scrolling to get to the end, never knowing when the end will come. In addition, the use of images, sub-heads, and blockquotes adds variety and prevent boredom. Or so I hope!
@bobstewart17, who said,
"As I went through it, I couldn't help but being drawn into the story, which indeed is tragic."
The biggest challenge of all is drawing readers in, and I guess I have done that! Yay! The patience of internet surfers is measured in microseconds. If you haven't caught them with your first few words or images, they'll be gone. One of the best lessons I got from my my journalism studies at the University of Missouri was about writing a lead paragraph that would grab people. I think I do that in most of my web pages, although one Stamporamanian took me to task in a private message for the none-too-"grabby" lead in the Moose Jaw collision web page. I'm in the process of rewriting it.
@dani20, who said
"So make it a book, no? Perhaps in your book reference the visuals in the website, and on the website refer to the book for the greater, in depth, text."
No. I've thought about it, but few of my web pages (none, really) are long enough for a book. I personally don't like books that include illustrations in just one section, usually in the centre of the book; it's much more effective in my opinion to have text and illustrations conjoined, as it were. Both the text and the images would lose effect if they are separated. I can't imagine anyone reading a book and then going in search of it's online illustrations.
@smaier, who said,
"I appreciate the spacing of the lines and the large size type (don't know if this is just an iPad thing but it was very easy to see). As eyes age, clarity of printing, size, and a little extra white space for contrast really help."
Nope, it's not an iPad thing at all. My son depends on having people at their desktop computers or who are using portable devices to be able to use his web pages easily. Like his web pages, mine seem to be usable no matter what device people are using to access them.
@Al_Whitney, who said,
"You could have done without the Comet info too, but you blended it in nicely."
Agreed. I almost didn't include it, but the juxtaposition of that crash with the Moose Jaw collision was just too much to ignore. But I think you're correct; I'll probably create a separate web page for the Comet-crash details, with a link in the Moose Jaw collision page.
@amsd, who said,
"You got lots of widows that fall under photos, making them like lost sheep. Find a way to keep them with the paragraphs.
I don't like the Ephemeral signature on each page; once ought to do it."
Widows (single words on lines all their own) are unavoidable. Like widows in real life, perhaps? You men with partners: eat your spinach and exercise more!
It's impossible to design a web page that includes anything other than text that won't have widows, which result not from the source document but on the browser and hardware that's displaying it. Widows can generally be "killed" by narrowing the browser window, or increasing its width. One of the hardest lessons for a wannabe web "artist" to learn is that he or she is not in control of how the document will look on other computers, iPads, Blackberries, or what have you.
About the Ephemeral Treasures signature: I actually wish it were bigger; I've thought about adding home page links at the top and bottom of each page, along with the page links. But here's the main problem: Google searches often return not the first page of a multi-page webpage, but other pages. You might click a link and end up on page 5. If the Ephemeral Pages links weren't on each page, readers would be less likely to go to the home page.
@TuskenRaider, who said,
"Have any relatives of victims, been aware of this, and if so what did they think of your excel-
lant job of immortalizing this horrific event? What do Moose Jaw residents have to say of your journalistic effort?"
I haven't had any response from relatives of victims of the Moose Jaw crash, although I did talk with the son of the woman who was killed on the ground. He is actually a friend of a woman who used to attend my wife's fitness classes. Another of my web pages, Christmas tragedy at Prestwick, about the crash of a BOAC Stratocruiser in 1954, brought forth several responses from relatives and friends of victims. One of them turned out to be a Vancouver resident, an actor, whose father was the pilot. The pilot survived, but the crash destroyed his career and pretty much destroyed the family.
One of the reasons I am drawn to learning about aviation disasters is the incredible trauma they cause over broad swaths of society. I am also fascinated by the cascade of events, rather than single events, that cause most aviation disasters, including the plane crash I was in when I was 19. My crash, in a U.S. Forest Service "bird dog" plane used to spot forest fires and guide water bombers to their targets, resulted from using an underpowered airplane at high altitude in a storm. The pilot might have been at fault in the sense that he wasn't used to flying in the mountains of New Mexico. And I myself, as a passenger in an aircraft that didn't normally carry passengers in its forest-service duties, might have added just enough weight to destabilize the aircraft when it was hit by wind shear.
Again, thanks to everyone for responding so thoroughly. You have inspired me, and given me some direction that I might have missed if you hadn't spoken up. I really appreciate that.
Bob
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Extremely interesting Bob, well written and nicely presented, no faults from me on layout or "white space", font worked very well.
Couple of minor points which are probably more because of my picky nature,
Page 1, line 16 "Pieces of mail that have been damaged in aviation, rail, and shipping disasters is classified by philatelists as “adversity mailâ€. Please change either Pieces to piece or is to are.
Page 2, para 1, Material not materiel.
Page 3, you have pluralised "students" when it needs to be singular.
Page 6, in the paragraph about school children the words "sent home" have become conjoined and sent is mis-spelled.
On various pages the text under pictures tends to repeat previous paragraphs, maybe it can be amended to build upon or even shortened.
On the whole an excellent work and very informative, appreciate the effort and work that has gone into producing the pages and my thanks for sharing it with Stamporama members.
Apologies again for being picky, put it down to being English!!
Vic.
ps now waiting for corrections to the grammar/content of this message. Sorry about English spellings, F7 hates me.
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
28 Feb 2015
08:35:40pm
re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Thoroughly enjoyed it, Bob. I figured everyone else has scrutinized the format, content and grammar sufficiently well, so I just read it for fun. Well done!
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Thank you, Sheepshanks, for your eagle eye. You are hired as my editor! It is really hard to see the types of errors you pointed out. I swear that my brain just develops blind spots. Anyhow, I've corrected the errors you pointed out, and will take a look at the cutlines. One note: You suggested that "materiel" (page 2, para. 1) was misspelled, and it was, but it needed an acute accent on the first e, as in matériel, which refers to military supplies and equipment as contrasted with personnel. I could have used material, but hey, I'm pedantic!
Bob
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
What's the pay scale? Sorry could never get my head around French, even though it was compulsory for 2 years, maybe it was the female student French lass who was trying to teach a bunch of 13 year olds with raging hormones.
Sometimes the incorrect words just jump out at me, guys at work reckon I'm just being pedantic or an awkward Englishman.
Please keep up the great work.
vic
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob, on the signature, isn't it possible to deal with that in the description section that is invisible to readers but essential to spiders? I'm not arguing for my PoV, but offering an alternative approach IF that works for you. If not, no worries.
David
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
An Update:
I've incorporated many of the changes that members suggested, but not all. I some cases, I just don't agree with the suggestions! In others, I don't actually have control over formatting, but I'm discussing possible changes with my son, Paul the Guru.
I really appreciate your input. It's been…reinvigorating!
One suggestion I especially appreciated, to drop the content about the Comet crash that occurred on the same day as the North Star crash in Moose Jaw. I didn't delete it entirely, but left just a brief note about the coincidence of the Comet crash, and added a link to a new page about the Comet crash.
Another suggested change has been made — cutlines are now flush-left beneath images (which causes a slight problem with short cutlines, but overall they look good).
Bob
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Wow, stunning work, Bob. Great layout and an amazing story too. I had never heard about the crash even though I spend a lot of time in and around Moose Jaw. I need to ask my dad if he remembers it.
I love your layout (March 2 version). Very readable. I wouldn't change a thing.
Regarding pages vs one large page. So long as the page breaks make logical sense (like chapters) then go for it. But maybe give the reader a sense of what's next? Hitting 'next page' is more of a decision for the reader than flicking a scroll wheel or waving a finger on the screen.
But hey, your pages are the most readable and entertaining stamp related pages on the net, in my view. They are a cross between an exhibit, a drama and a Paul Harvey essay. The research that goes into each story amazes me.
Mark.
Ps. If you think a picture of the cairn in Moose Jaw helps the story, let me know and I'll get one for you. I see it all the time and I never knew the significance till this morning!
Pps - I feel a little awkward posting here after not posting in like 5 years or so. Trying to work my way back in. Sorry if this was too forward.
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07:49:37am
re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Bob, I cannot add to the praise and comments already made by such thorough reviews. I too echo my congratulations and admiration for an excellent job. I had no particular interest in the topic area, in fact, knew nothing of it (ashamedly being Canadian too!), but your write up intrigued me and I was appreciative of the history and story. You've inspired me to think of doing something similar in my areas of interest.
What surprises me is that no-one has commented on your last line:
"And I'm beginning to wonder if I'm wasting my time!"
This is a labour of love. Such are never a waste of time. If your motivation is to post about something that you've learned, in the hope that others will delight in its discovery too, you've accomplished that no matter how many read it.
All the best and I, too, look forward to the Channel Islands write up.
Cheers,
Peter
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re: I would appreciate your opinions…
Thank you for the recent kudos about my web page. Such responses make me want to get up in the morning!
Mark Dyck made a suggestion that I’d actually been considering:
"Regarding pages vs one large page. So long as the page breaks make logical sense (like chapters) then go for it. But maybe give the reader a sense of what's next? Hitting 'next page' is more of a decision for the reader than flicking a scroll wheel or waving a finger on the screen."
Voila! I have now begun to add next-page descriptions to the bottom of each page of multi-page web pages, except for the last page, of course. Click on this link to my TCA-crash web page, and scroll to the bottom to see the result:
http://www.ephemeraltreasures.net/tca-crash-moose-jaw-part-1.html
Bob
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
05 Mar 2015
03:25:30pm
re: I would appreciate your opinions…
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