«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»« Merle's Mission Ezine- "The Best of the Net Straight to Your Door" July 30th,2003 Issue #116 ISSN: #1527-3105 Edited & Published by: Merle- Merle@MerlesWorld.com http://www.MerlesWorld.com/ Tell A Friend: http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=3463949 New Forum: http://www.merlesworld.com/webbbs/ «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»« NOTE: This newsletter is by SUBSCRIPTION. The only way it could have ended up in your inbox was by YOUR SUBSCRIBING to it. If you no longer wish to receive it please see the link at the very bottom of this ezine and I shall never darken your doorway again. «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»« Donations Wanted: If you enjoy this ezine and feel you have gained valuable information from it, please make a donation http://tinyurl.com/21se If you prefer to donate using PayPal use this link http://www.merlesworld.com/adtracking/lm.pl?paypal Your small gifts will help support the website and this newsletter (and bones for "the boys"). Dakota says "woof" which means "thanks". ______________________________________________ Sponsor ______________________________________________ "9 Out of 10 People Know the TAE-BO Brand Name." Would you like to learn how to use the TAE-BO branded name to generate big profits with their new product line? Find out how today by visiting: http://www.TaeBoHealth.biz/-enter »«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» One-Liners... "Suicide Hotline...please hold." Compliments of http://www.Siglets.com ----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>> E D I T O R' S N O T E ----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>> Hi Kids! Well, my birthday came and went without a hitch. If you were meaning to send a gift or card it's not too late. You know what they say, "better late then never". We went out to dinner with my Brother and his wife and I had a few too many Martini's but it was fun. Of course, the next day I felt like sleeping all day, but I survived. It's funny how you drink like a fish when you're younger and as you get older 2 or 2 can make you feel awful for 2 days. The fun of aging. Someone should write a book on that... I did my first Teleseminar last week with a few other well known women marketers. It was called "Gals Night Out". If you were able to be there I hope you enjoyed it and had a good time. The tape and resulting PDF file are available for sale so if you're interested please drop me a line for pricing info. Teleseminars are the latest thing online and if you spend a large amount of time online you'll see plenty of people hosting them. I can't believe July has come and gone. With the end of the month approaching it's a reminder to all of us that Summer will soon come to a close and it's back to business. If you've been feeling a slowdown in your Net biz you should see a pick up within another 4 weeks. If you need to pay the bills, that's a good thing! Are you sick of all the junk mail you get? I know I am. If one more person tells me how to grow a body part larger that I don't even have I'm going to hunt them down and kill them. That might stop em. Anyway, I fell across this site that is loaded with tools and articles that should help you find the perfect solution to your email overload problem http://spamotomy.com If you want to go on the "affiliate cruise" you better hurry as rooms are getting limited... Go to http://tinyurl.com/fcjc If you haven't been over to our site's discussion board you might want to join in on the fun. http://www.merlesworld.com/webbbs/webbbs_config.pl Due to the amount of filtering being done by ISP's and maybe yourself please add this ezine's email address of mmezine@merlesworld.com to your "friend list" or approved" senders" list. All hard bounces are deleted from this list the very first time so if you want to keep this ezine coming and stay a subscriber, clean out your box. No, not the litter box, your inbox silly. This week's winner for a free ad is.... Chuck Campbell. For your own chance to win fill in the survey. You'll find the link at the very bottom of this ezine. A winner is pulled twice a month. Enter now. Thanks for joining me, let's get to the good stuff. If you have any comments you can send them to mailto:merle@merlesworld.com Merle http://www.MerlesWorld.com http://www.EzineAdAuction.com http://www.MCPromotions.com -------------------------------------------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------------------------------------------- => 1. News From the Net => 2. Feature Article-"How's Your Sense of Style?" => 3. Webmaster Resources => 4. Promotional Resources => 5. Other Ezines of Interest => 6. Just for Fun or Useful => 7. E Books and Things of Interest to Publishers => 8. Freeware and Shareware to Download => 9.Subscribe/Remove Information ---------------------------------------------------------- 1. NEWS FROM THE NET ---------------------------------------------------------- Getting Listed with Froogle http://www.highrankings.com/issue065.htm --------- Domain reseller breaches transfer policy http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/07/31/1059480450512.html --------- Instant Messages Onrise at Work http://www.crmassist.com/news/dispnews.asp?i=98128&t=99 ------ Man Puts Wife Up For Sale http://tinyurl.com/in9k ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv Get Your Own Ready-To-Run Software Business. You will receive hundreds of quality ebooks and over 70 software products to use for yourself, giveaway or ReSell Unlimited Copies. All for a One Time Fee. http://tinyurl.com/cjo6 --------------------------------------------- 2. FEATURE ARTICLE --------------------------------------------- "How's Your Sense of Style?" By Merle http://www.MCPromotions.com No, I'm not referring to your wardrobe here, but to cascading style sheets, also known as CSS. Developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, it allows webmasters to separate site layout from the design. CSS is actually a standard for controlling the appearance of your Web pages. It's essentially a set of rules that, when linked to or embedded in HTML pages, control their appearance. Right about now you're probably thinking "What's so great about that?" The benefits are numerous -- two of the biggest are: 1) Easy Site Updates: Global site updates will be simpler when you can make all your changes in one place to update the entire site. It's much better than going through page after page of HTML code. For example, say you have a site made in Times New Roman font and your customer calls you up and tells you he wants Verdana. Can you imagine scrolling through 25 pages or more looking for every incident of the tag and changing it to Verdana? What a nightmare. With CSS you would simply specify the font in one location and the change would be implemented site wide. 2) Faster Loading: Your HTML pages will load faster due to cleaner code. All of the extraneous coding will be in a style sheet, leaving less clutter and faster downloading of the site. So now that you've seen a few of the "benes" to style sheets,let's learn more about them. Let's clarify up front that while both Netscape and Internet Explorer both support CSS from version 4.0 and higher, they don't exactly see eye to eye on CSS and interpret some style properties differently. You'll want to test your pages in both browsers to check and correct any inconsistencies. So what can you control with CSS? Things like paragraphs

, Headings

, borders, table layouts,Fonts and font colors, text alignment, pixel size, line height, letter spacing,word spacing, font weights, page margins, and even background images; and the way they work is a big improvement over just plain old HTML. Are you beginning to see the possibilities and just how powerful this can be? There are three ways to use CSS: 1) Inline: The CSS tags are applied to the web page itself, to any body element you choose. This is not the best method,as you'll have to find each incidence in the web site in order to make changes in the future. Example of this: Text Here In the example above the text would be highlighted yellow. 2) Embedded: The actual CSS code is part of the HTML page placed between the tags on each page. Again, placing the tags inside the pages defeats the convenience of CSS and being able to make global site changes from one document, but some do like to use this method. Example of embedded: 3) Linked: In my opinion, the best method to use. You place a link to the CSS between the tags on your web pages. The link looks like this: The style sheet is a separate text document that is saved with a .css extension like this: style.css. So now that you know your three options for using CSS, how do you write the code? Every style sheet rule starts with a selector followed by braces. A selector is any part of HTML coding like P,Font, Body, etc. Here's what it looks like in action: P {font-size: 12pt} The P above is the selector and the font specification between the braces is the property. This code says that all paragraphs will be 12 pt font in size. A rule can always have multiple properties. Semicolons separate multiple properties, commas are used to separate multiple selectors. Example: P { color: black; background-color:white; font-size=12pt } This code says you want all paragraphs black with a white background and a 12 pt font. (Why anyone would want that is beyond me; it's just an example so go with it.) You can always group more than one selector tag like this if you want them all to look the same. TD,H2,H1 { color: Red; background-color:pink } This would make all table cells, and heading 1 and 2 tags red with a pink background. Attractive don't you think? Again, this is an exaggeration to prove a point (even if it is gaudy). Selectors are not case sensitive, so "P" is the same as "p." H2 { color: blue } this would make all heading 2 tags blue in color. As you can see from these examples, CSS is not that hard to pick up and can really give you more control over your website's appearance. For further information, check out some of these informative sites and you'll be a CSS pro in no time at all: http://www.InternetBrothers.com/CSS_Basics.htm http://www.users.f2s.com/faq/cssbasic.php3 http://www.freewebmastertips.com/tutorials/css http://www.builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/authoring/CSSCenter/ There are also software programs you can download that will make the creation of CSS so much easier: TopStyle http://www.bradsoft.com/topstyle/index.asp Dutch's CSS http://www.dutchthewiz.com/styles/Default.asp In Part 2 of our discussion of CSS, we'll discuss some fun things you can do with styles that will dress up your website and have you looking like a "Professional Webmaster" in a flash. ********************************************** Merle http://www.EzineAdAuction.com "Where some of the BEST Deals in Ezine Advertising are Made" Buy & Sell Ezine Ads in a live auction setting! Publishers sell off your excess inventory and Buyers pick up some Fantastic bargains. Go now! ************************************************ ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ 3. WEBMASTER RESOURCES ------------------------------------------------- Yahoo Site Builder Create a professional web site - without any prior HTML or design experience. Our free software makes it easy! http://webhosting.yahoo.com/ps/sb/ --------- How to Block IP's If you've ever wanted to block some bad people from accessing your site read over this quick tutorial that allows you to do just that. http://www.icthus.net/CGI-City/tut_htaccess3.shtml ----- Webmaster Tools A sweet collection of online tools for creating CSS pop ups, meta tags, tables and more. You'll want to bookmark this one. http://www.ahfb2000.com/webmastertools.php ----- RightStats Right Stats provides free hit counters and free site stats.Right Stats is one of the best and oldest site tracking service on the net. It provides more then just free hit counters. Use it to track your complete web site stats such as hits, pageviews, referrals etc 24 hours a day. Adds a small graphic to your site. Free. http://www.rightstats.com/ «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»« Tip «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»« If you have a good website that has great content go and apply for Google's New AdSense Program and make money just for showing ads on your site. If approved you can make a nice little income. https://www.google.com/adsense/ ----------------------------------------------- 4. PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES ----------------------------------------------- "Only $10.00 to Advertise?" Sure you can, at EzineAdAuction.com it's EASY! You'll reach Thousands of prospective customers in the process.Why Waste hundreds of dollars on advertising when you can test your ad campaigns so inexpensively with us. The answer for a "small ad budget". Click Here to start Saving.. http://EzineAdAuction.com --------- !!! $10 BONUS CREDIT !!! with Overture As an Overture advertiser, I'd like to personally let you know that Overture is the one online advertising buy that will drive more targeted customers to your site. With Overture’s Search Advertising, you only pay when someone clicks on your search listing. And because their search results reach 80% of all Internet users, you can be sure to get tons of high-quality, targeted customer traffic! Earn a special $10 bonus credit if you become a new active Overture advertiser* between now and September 30, 2003. ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ Friendlyhosting.net - simple, reliable and cost-effective web hosting, with the highest quality support and customer service. Special offer for Merle's Mission only - get up to 3 months of FREE hosting. Check www.friendlyhosting.net/offer.html now! ---------------------------------------------- 5. OTHER EZINES OF INTEREST ---------------------------------------------- If you'd like to swap ads with this ezine please send your requests to mailto:adswap@merlesworld.com Please include your ezine name and the number of subscribers. --------------------------- ATTENTION: Small Online Biz Owners! If you're trying to market your Website and are not sure where to turn, subscribe to MC Promotions Press Newsletter and get the information you need to be a success online. Sure-Fire Promotion/Marketing Tips. Sites that will help you. Little known advertising tricks.....and much more. Start increasing traffic to your site Now http://www.MCPromotionsPress.com --<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>----- Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ CAN YOU MAKE A LIVING ONLINE? People from all walks of life are becoming wealthy online.Could YOU do it too? Find out, in this free, step-by-step Guide to Making a Living Online. (By someone actually doing it!): http://www.Make-A-Living-Online.com/?d010153 -------------------------------------------- 6. JUST FOR FUN OR USEFUL -------------------------------------------- Disposable Email Sometimes you need a "throwaway" email address. Maybe for registering at a site or posting to a discussion board. Jetable will allow you to generate an address that lasts from only 4 hours or up to 48 at the longest. Your call, your email make it expire at will. http://jetable.org/ --------- BidNapper Bidnapper delivers bids to eBay auctions at the last moment in a process called "sniping." If you want to swoop in at the last minute and steal auctions from your competitors this tool is for you. Unlimited usage is only 5.50 a month but there are other pay plans available. http://www.bidnapper.com/ ------- Test Your Typing Skills If you're like me you can fly around the keyboard. But some people still type with one finger. If you'd like to test your skill with a fun Java typing game and see how many words you really type per minute you'll love this. And no, 5 words per minute is not a good score. http://typera.cjb.net/ ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>---- Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ Discover the jealously guarded secrets to creating powerful autoresponder messages, killer emails and ezine ads that sell like crazy! http://www.webmarketingmagic.com/app/aftrack.asp?afid‰470 ------------------------------------------------------- 7. E BOOKS AND THINGS OF INTEREST TO EZINE PUBLISHERS _________________________________________________ Fr^ee eBook! "Internet Fortune on a Shoestring: How To Wisely Build Or Promote a Profitable Online Business With Only $100 In Your Pocket!" Visit: http://www.ldpublishing.com/100.html -------- PASSING THE SP>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>----- Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ Affiliate$ Wanted! ModernRomance.com is seeking affiliates. Earn up to $80.00 per subscriber. Sign up is FAST, FREE and EASY at ------------------------------------------ 9.IMPORTANT STUFF ------------------------------------------ Well, that wraps it up,once again thanks for joining me. If you have any comments please send them to comments@merlesworld.com or visit http://www.MerlesWorld.com For advertising rates for this ezine send... mailto:advertising@merlesworld.com Current subscriber base is over 5,300- My list is clean as all email addresses are removed the very first time they bounce. 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Send to mailto:testimonials@MerlesWorld.com «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» If you haven't yet filled in the subscriber survey, get your free gifts by doing it now..and be entered into a drawing for a free ad in this ezine. Winner pulled twice a month. You'll find the survey at: http://www.advancedsurvey.com/ when there put 901 into the survey number box at the top left to take the survey. -------------- I'm now offering my articles for syndication on your website All you have to do is paste SOME code where you want the article to appear and every 10 to 14 days when I update it on my end it will display a fresh article on web design/ maintenance on your site. Easy to do and gives you fresh content without any work whatsoever. For more info and to get to the code go to.... http://tinyurl.com/aohr Thanks for being a subscriber and I'll see you next time! If you enjoy this ezine and would like to make a small donation please go to ...http://tinyurl.com/21se «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Disclaimer: Merle's World does not accept any responsibility for any liabilities as resulting from any claims in this newsletter or by the advertisers in it. This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We respect your privacy and do not share our mailing list with anyone. All content provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Comments in this ezine are strictly the opinion of the publisher. Merle does not endorse, and is not responsible for, the above ads. Please use your own discretion when responding to ads in this ezine. Copyright 2001-2003 All Rights Reserved. View our Privacy Policy at... http://www.merlesworld.com/privacy_policy.htm Site Disclaimer can be found ad... http://www.merlesworld.com/disclaimer.htm