Re: Frontpage 2000 vs. Dreamweaver 2

by Reywob(at)aol.com

 Date:  Thu, 16 Sep 1999 03:19:37 EDT
 To:  liane(at)diarmadhi.mushhaven.net,
hwg-basics(at)hwg.org
  todo: View Thread, Original
>I don't use either of these products on a regular basis, but it is my
>opinion, and that of other list members that it is not the tool you use
>that gives the quality, but a combination of your own abilities and design
>sense.

You're are right there.  However, if you get a duff tool that outputs ropey 
HTML then you might as well still handcode from the start.  My abilities 
should come when I've learnt the program, and I hope I've got enough design 
sense (Soon hope to get my first client, so that'll be put to the test!) 

>  Dreamweaver, FP2000, Homesite, Hotdog etc. etc. are all very good tools,
>  but without knowing how HTML works, its ups and downs etc. these can be
>  frustrating and even bad tools.

Well, I'm convinced I have a pretty good grip on HTML now, and if I get stuck 
then I take a little peek at my book :-)

>  The tool you find best will depend on how you like to create. If you
>  prefer creating in a WYSIWIG environment, then you'll probably prefer
>  Dreamweaver and FP2000 - each of them have their ups and downs.
>  Listmembers tend to prefer the code Dreamweaver makes, however FP2000 is
>  considered easier to learn.

Well, I've found that WYSIWYG is much quicker than hand coding (all right, 
I'll admit it, I get bored writing everything by hand :->) even though I find 
that some things have to be rewritten or modified.
>  
>  If you like just writing code, wordpad, or CuteHTML (or BBEdit for the
>  Mac) are good tools. If you're looking for something a bit more
>  sophisticated, Homesite is quite good, but also has its problems.

Will still be slow, I suppose <yawn>
  
>  Above all, though, understanding what comprises eye-pleasing design and
>  HTML is what makes a better webpage. You may be more benefited by taking
>  a class in HTML or buying a book.

You are right about page design.  There are some brilliant sites out on the 
net, which I could never rival, (Take a look at some of the ones built by 
Runic Design, www.runic.co.uk) primarily because I haven't got Photoshop, and 
haven't spent 5 years learning it.  Perhaps I should be looking at getting 
that instead of Fireworks, now that Photoshop 5.5 includes Imageready and 
Imagestyler.  However, at a price of about 475 pounds Sterling that will have 
to wait until I've earned something from web design, to justify the expense.

I'm still after anyone's opinion on the programs, including Hotdog et al., as 
I don't want to invest in a duff program, or find that one half the price 
could have done just as good a job.

Regards,
Peter.
www.peterswebpage.co.uk

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