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Creating Your Own 4-H Site: Using Templates

Have the job of creating or updating a website, but don't know where to start?
With this template and instructions it shouldn't be an overwhelming task.

Example of the template discussed in this document.

Download the templates.

So what are all of those files, and what do they do?
There are several types of files used in websites. We've tried to keep the files used with this one to a minimum. Here's a quick description of each file:

files ending with ".css"
Define the styling of the website - colors, fonts, and text sizes there are several different color schemes included.

default.html
This file is the bare-bones layout for the website. It isnt necesary for the website to function, but I included it so that you could add pages to the site rather easily and quickly.

other files with a name ending in .html
These are the actual pages of the website. One file per page.

Customizing the template
Most of the work on the website has been done. Basicly all that is left to do is fill in the blanks. If you choose to use a website editor like Netscape Composer, this is extremely simple. It's just like editing a letter.

If you prefer to go the geekier route, you can edit the code by hand. It's not a teribly difficult process if you know the basics, but a little beyond the scope of this help file.

You can change the colors and text formatting throughout the entire website via the files with names ending in .css Included are several preset color schemes. To use one of them just rename it style.css.

Adding Pages to the Website
To add a page just make a copy of the default.html file, fill in your information, and add a link to it from another page in the site. It's quick, clean, and easy.

Using the Calendar
To add events to the calendar, just type them in. It's reccommended to use separate lines for each event and putting several lines between each month. You may also want to remove the past events to keep the current information at the top of the page.

The Photo Album
A picture is worth a thousand words, and online thats no joke. Images can take a while to download so try not to put more than about 10 on a page. After 10 or so, make a new page and link to it from the previous photo album page. Also, you may want to make individual pages of photos from each event. Organizing events makes it easier to find a specific photo, and keeps everything clean and fast.

After the Site is online

Once your website is online contact the Georgia 4-H tech team so that they can add a link on the Georgia 4-H website for your county. The Tech Team can be contacted at ga4h@uga.edu.

If you have any questions concerning this template, publishing files to the web, or just general computer questions, email the Georgia 4-H Youth Technology Leadership team at ga4h@uga.edu.

Template was created by:

Josh Gibbs,
Georgia 4-H Technology Leadership Team Volunteer
N4-HYTLT Alumni Member

© 1999 - 2008 Georgia 4-H Technology Leadership Team

The University of Georgia and Fort Valley State College, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. An equal opportunity / affirmative action organization committed to a diverse work force.