Clan MacColin

Design Philosophy

I want information to flow freely, available for those who need it, with minimum controls and restrictions, without additional problems.

• While some bells and whistles can add interest to a page, they should not be allowed to prevent getting the point of the page unless labeled as such. There must be a way of finding out if something is required, and on my sites, Site Map will contain notes as to inclusion of JavaScript (JS) needs, frames, etc. Since the Netscape JavaScript is closer to the international standard, it will be used, and Microsoft's variant supported to the extent it follows the standard.
• Multitudes of plug-ins are irritating, complicate systems, and are not needed. Those used must not compromise a viewer's system, be common enough for reuse, and used only if it truely adds to a page. ActiveX violates security, and will not be used here.
• Forms should not be concealed, nor should trickery be used to get an Email address.
• Information from forms and E-mail are considered confidential unless specified otherwise. (i.e. Publish box checked for Email address form).
• The standard elements, such as HTML, text, .gif, .jpg, midi (.mid) or wave (.wav) files, should be used to remain generally compatible. Unique formats should be reserved for unique requirements.
• Pages should be loadable with everything turned off. Tell your browser supplier you want the control to be able to turn anything OFF, for greater safety and speed.
• Because viruses are a fact of life, users should be cautious. Javascripts can be viewed with View Source to check. ActiveX is not secure, so should be avoided. There are no cookies here, and information is collected only by email.
• Limited items, large, slow, and exceptional items should be identified, and graphics routinely shrunk, color reduced, and compressed as much as possible for transmission speed.
• Anything designed for use after downloading should use relative addresses within the material, without producing artificial 'hits'.
• This site, MacColin.com, is focused on Clan MacColin of Glenderry, hibernio-scottish studies and culture. It will retain a link to my home page for links and tangentially related information. It is heavy on links to information, for my link pages are the result of my research, saving those which may be of use to myself or others in the future.
• As all authors, I need feedback. Standard equipment changes, and as a result, so does what is desirable. Tell me if you like or hate the approach tests. That which is called for will increase, and objected to will cease. But you have to tell the author, be it me, or other sites. The author will prefer "I couldn't read your x page because of the graphic behind it," to silence.