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Credits

You want the site specifications so you can go straight to work on your Expo webpage.

Your confidence in your ability to make the QB Expo webpage shows that you have had some or much experience in making webpages. So let's get straight to talking about how the QB Expo page should look like so we can get this show on the road.

The first thing you need to look at is how a typical QB Expo page will look like once it's done. To do that, view "test.htm", which is included in the devkit that you've unzipped. Make sure you open this page in a separate window; we're going to refer to this page every now and then.


A picture of test.htm, showing the top bar, the left sidebar, and the right column.

As you can see, test.htm is divided into three sections. There's a bar on the top of the page (you don't need to worry about this). On the bottom of the top bar are two columns that consist of a left sidebar (where you can provide links that give people an opportunity to download or know more about your product) and a right column where a written overview of the product is provided.

When designing your webpage, do not change anything featured on the top bar. That means you don't change the colors of the top bar, don't change the design at the back of the top bar, etc. The top bar you've received is merely a rough draft of the what the final system of navigation will be for the QB Expo, so any changes you've made there will probably be altered.

To help speed up the process somewhat, a blank Expo page has already been made for you to use called "blank.htm". If you're using HTML, load this file using Notepad, Wordpad, or other text program that you have at your disposal to make this blank page one of your own. It may be advisable to save yourpage.htm in a different name first in case you make some mistakes while working on your Expo page and you'd like to start over on it.


A closer look at the left sidebar.

First, let's talk about what's supposed to be shown on the left sidebar and the right column. The left sidebar is where you can place links to all the media that you want people to see of your project. This includes the location where a download of a beta or finished copy of your project can be located. Other suggestions include links to screenshots, movies, and URLs to your site or related links.

The left sidebar can also be used as a display case for small-size screenshots, game features, favorite quotes, or whatever else your heart desires. In test.htm, we tried to give the Raven Expo page a little more color by adding some mini-screenshots at the left sidebar.

If you're a real web expert, you are free to mess with the left sidebar in other ways. If you want to separate the left sidebar and the right column by a making it into frames, you are free to do so, but be wary of the risk that some frame codes will not work with all browsers. You can also manipulate the left sidebar with some additional graphics, or even remove the left sidebar altogether if you want to.


The right column includes two components: the game description and the game summary.

Now let's talk about the right column, which is made up of two parts, the game description and the game summary. The game description, which goes on top, must show the following information: Title of the game or project, The developer of this project (that's you... a URL to your webpage after this is encouraged), your e-mail, the genre of your project (ex: 1 player RPG, 2 player Platform, Library), and the Release date for your project. If you're releasing your project or a beta at the same time as the QB Expo, write "July 2000 (Downloadable at Expo)" as the release date for your project.

After the description, write down a summary of your project. Basically, just talk about your game, tool, library, or utility and just how great it is! Try to talk about features that make your project in particular prevalent. Remember, this is your chance to inform everyone about what your stuff is all about.

Note the following table specifications on your blank Expo page, that must remain the same regardless of how your manipulate the page. The top table, which consists of the top bar, has a cell width of 100% of the window. The bottom table, which consists of the left sidebar and the right column, also has a cell width of 100% of the window. However, the left cell of the bottom table (the left sidebar) must have a cell width of at least 60 pixels and must not exceed 200 pixels. These specifications should allow the tables in your webpage to work fine in screen resolutions of 640*480 and higher.

Now, let's talk about the color specifications for your Expo webpage. The bland white color of your blank Expo page can be changed almost any way you like. Simply choose the colors that will make your project look best. You can also, if you like, make a background for the left sidebar or right column, or even make a background that adorns the back of your page. Fonts are also free for color change; the only color you can't change is the color of the top bar, which must remain in that alternating green/dark green pattern.

Finally, let's talk about the various font specifications for your Expo page. Again, the top bar, whose font is Arial, Helvetica, must not be changed. On the left sidebar, you're free to use whatever fonts you think best fit with your project; you don't have to stick with the font that's used in test.htm for the left sidebar. However, for the right sidebar, you must use Arial, Helvetica Size 10 during your summary. Font changes you make to the game description are acceptable.

Note that all these instructions assume that you have knowledge of HTML, the composition tool, or whatever means you're using to make your Expo Webpage. A more detailed version of these instructions on how to make your page in HTML or through a composition tool is available. However, if you understand what the site specifications are and you'd rather move on to the next step, it's up to you.

Do you want more detailed instructions on how to put together your webpage?

Yes, I am interested in detailed instructions about the HTML for my Expo page.

Yes, I would like instructions on how to make my page using Netscape Composer or another composition tool.

No, I understand the specifications and I'm ready to work on my page.