Have you seen this pic? It is hilarious… someone has tattooed the closing head tag and opening body tag on the back of his neck. (That’s HTML code for you non-techies out there. It signifies the end of the header of a web page, and starts the body section. Clever.) I don’t care even if it turns out to be a photoshopped image… it’s awesome

Click the photo to see it at full size.

The fourth edition of my first book is now shipping. I wrote the first edition 10 years ago, during my oldest daughter’s first year of life. I can’t believe it has been that long! In many ways it feels like yesterday, but I digress

The new edition has been updated to address the latest version of Internet Explorer, as well as the upcoming HTML5. In addition, it has a brand new chapter on creating HTML for email. (Which, by the way, I was really excited to include!)

As always, I look forward to helping you learn to create your own web pages. Keep the valuable feedback coming, as that is what helps me make each edition better.

Download the project files for the fourth edition.
Now, I move on to my next project, which is a long-awaited update to my Web Design book. Happy coding!

So I’m working on the final chapter for my HTML: A Beginner’s Guide book. It’s a new chapter discussing how to translate your freshly acquired HTML skills into the world of HTML email.

While researching some online resources for the chapter, I came across a site that beautifully illustrates the answer to what is probably the number one question posed by companies seeking to send marketing and advertising emails to customers:

Can I Use a Purchased Email List? (click for the answer)

The answer comes from MailChimp, which is one of the top email service providers (ESP) for businesses. Here’s a little more explanation if you’re still confused: “If you’re not sure why importing a purchased email list into a 3rd party ESP is a bad thing, then promptly turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Thanks.” Gotta love a company with a sense of humor .

It’s that time again… HTML: A Beginner’s Guide is now back on my plate to update. I love that Osborne/McGraw-Hill keeps this book current. Even though there isn’t a new version of HTML/XHTML, the new browser releases really require these types of books to be updated on a regular basis.

One new chapter to be included this time will cover HTML email (finally!). This is a chapter I’ve wanted to include for years, but for one reason or another it never got picked up. It’ll be a tough chapter to write, given all the less-than-stellar (i.e., crappy) email programs out there, but I’m just really excited to include it in the book.

So if you’ve read the current version and have comments/suggestions, bring ‘em on!

I’ve just signed a contract to update my HTML book, to coincide with the release of Internet Explorer 8 early next year. So if you have any suggestions for edits/changes to HTML: A Beginner’s Guide, please send ‘em my way! I look forward to bringing the book up to date.