Important Matters to Realize Before Building a Web Site

Introduction

Although knowledge and experience of small web site development depends on the uniqueness of each developer's talent and wisdom, there is one basic reality that all web developers will have to acknowledge: that the web space (or marketspace) in which all blogs, sites and networks operate, is really just supplementary to actual data, operations, and transactions in the physical world (or marketplace). Interpersonal communication is still primary over electronic communication or virtual experience. This article will seek to establish this conservative truth, based on knowledge and experience obtained over a span of eight years.

1. A web development project is like a 'series connection'

In basic electronics, we are taught about series and parallel connections. Applied in the concrete, this is how most Christmas lights are structured. Traditional Christmas lights are connected in either series or parallel connection. If a Christmas light system is in series, when one bulb fails to light up, the rest of the bulbs in the light system will not light up. To correct this situation, all you need to do is to replace the bulb that does not light up. On the other hand, if the Christmas light system has a parallel connection, when one bulb malfunctions, the Christmas light system as a whole still works. You can have your Christmas lights continually working even if two or more light bulbs malfunction. So that the Christmas tree does not appear less bright, you will only need to replace those bulbs that do not work.

A web development project is like a 'series connection'. The first element in this 'series' is electricity. Electricity makes your PC desktop work. Within this PC is a modem. The modem helps you connect locally to a broadband connection. After this connection has been established, your broadband service then connects you to the internet. When the PC is already connected to the internet (what they term 'online'), only then can you work on your blog or site through your web hosting or blog hosting service. Your web or blog host provides the servers that publishes your blog or site on the Web. So if any one of this element in this 'series' of connections malfunctions, you will not be able to continue your web development work - at least for a certain period of time until the element in the series functions again.

Because of the possible consequences that can arise because of this 'series connection' in web development, going into web development with the objective of networking would be more feasible. Entering into something that would involve financial transactions online involves a greater risk. This is however not meant to discourage those who want to sell Catholic books, music, videos, DVDs, and other items online. There is just a greater risk involved when you go into web development beyond social networking online with a web site and blog as a secure and solid platform.

2. Writing web content with tact and diplomacy

As in any interpersonal encounter, we need to also practice a lot of tact and diplomacy when writing web content. Any offensive word, term or phrase directed to a certain social group or party can provoke anger. As the wise men of the Bible teach us: when we foolishly provoke anger, it can lead to bloodshed. And 'bloodshed' on the Web can be done in many ways: destruction of your web site's reputation; a web page that is hacked and redirected to a malicious site; all sorts of viruses and malware sent to the servers that host your site; and many more.

So, in writing web content or blog posts, it would be good to avoid controversial issues of a sensitive subject, as this will only lead to a spirit of discord and negative responses from readers. The best direction is to write what would be beneficial to all - something that speaks of a universal value.

3. The Web is not a 'desert' anymore

Before social networking evolved into something important in the Web, the Web was like a 'desert' - with just a few lists and forums where people gather and communicate. But even when the Web was like a 'desert' before the turn of the millenium, you still have to 'fight' for your 'space' on the Web. This is especially important if you profile yourself as a Catholic on the universal Web. It is for certain, you will find yourself at loggerheads with some members of religious groups who adhere to religious principles opposite to what the Catholic faith pronounces. But once you are able to 'settle' in your space on the Web, all that needs to be done is to maintain tact and diplomacy with others who are with you in your network.

The experience of fighting for your 'space' on the Web depends on how you are able to stand your ground well and defend your Catholic stance through intelligent strategic moves. So if you really want to have a solid platform on which to network with other Catholics online, you have to be prepared to protect your space on the Web with a combination of intelligence, wisdom, experience, tact and a diplomatic spirit.

Conclusion

There are many more matters to consider in proceeding with a web development project. The three mentioned above are some basic ones to seriously consider. John Paul II says that the Net is like the "new frontiers of other times". It too "is full of the interplay of danger and promise." If we constantly pray for the gift of faith and constantly hope that there is promise in the internet, we can avoid all the dangers that its environment may potentially give, and obtain God's blessings as we faithfully proclaim the Gospel on the Net.