Being a writer, when I was asked to do some research into what makes a good website, of course I straightaway went to check out all of my favorite authors. After sifting through a few standard sites I remembered to look at one of my all time respected writers-Paulo Coelho. Judging by how many books he has sold he is obviously a lot of people's favorite, and his website is exactly what you'd want to keep the fans happy.
If any of you are familiar with Coelho's work you will know how prolific he has become all over the world. People love the simplicity of his stories about the spiritual quests of all people and the idea that the magical happens in everybody's lives, even the so-called 'ordinary, normal' person. He to me comes across as a perfect example of the power of human connection, his books having affected millions across all national boundaries. As an Internet writer, to me he symbolizes the possibilities lying in the future of the Web. Like a good book, the Internet too can cross all imagined ideas of separation bringing people from all walks of life together in the context of positive thought and action.
Coelho's website's homepage starts off with a simple black screen, and a large photo of the man smiling-a very humanistic approach to this new medium. It then has many different sections as well as links to relevant sites, even his own web log (on-line journal) entitled, " Warrior of the Light Online". I think I could spend innumerable hours reading over his personal thoughts and pieces of information he has integrated from elsewhere. Having this added website of an on-line diary gives the site even more humanistic qualities, as any person can truly connect with Coelho's innermost feelings and thoughts.
The sections on the main site are separated into categories like: Biography, Paulo Coelho Institute, Photo Gallery, Road to Santiago, Agenda, Books, Editions, Free downloads, Meditation, TV on-line (videos), Warrior of Light, To journalists, FAQ, Message for the author, and Recommend this site. We are talking about a very extensive and well thought out site. Any type of individual or business, especially writers, could learn a lot from this example.
Just to touch on a few aspects of the site's categories I'll focus on the one's I had a good look at. The biography was excellent, an extremely in-depth look at Coelho's life from childhood until present day. No holes barred, he's not ashamed to tell of all his low points as well as the usual list of one's achievements. It is very honest, he tells of how his parents institutionalized him several times thinking he was crazy, as well as stories of being tortured as a political prisoner and of his 'dark' experiences with drugs and black magic. This humanistic perspective gives the site a much more personal feel as well as eliciting reactions in readers, much more powerful than a bland website that solely focuses on a writer's books and how to purchase them.
The photo gallery is another dimension I have not witnessed on many other sites. He again gives vision to his whole life with photos included from areas entitled, Childhood, Transition, The crazy years, 2000/2001, 2002, and Today. You see, this website isn't just a shop front or a facade for a business. It gives the individual an opportunity to share his identity with the whole world, a courageous act only taken by people who aren't afraid to put themselves on the line, sharing their spirits with all of humanity. This is the key to why the website is so powerful, one needs to take risks to achieve success in life.
I could write extensively on the other categories of the site but I think you could just go and check them out yourself. Me telling you what is a good website isn't going to teach you much, you've got to experience things for yourself to truly gain the knowledge you are looking for. Maybe you'll be so inspired, one day it'll be your website I'm writing about!
About The Author
Jesse S. Somer is a human who wants to help uncover the underlying unifying power that lies in the future of the Internet. http://www.m6.net
top rated cleaning service Lake Forest ..Are you going to design or redesign new website or... Read More
Creating your own website is actually easy in today's world... Read More
There are two camps when it comes to flash web... Read More
What the heck is going on lately? Most internet websites... Read More
Here is a quick list of components that make a... Read More
You have good traffic, but low client sign ups and... Read More
Persons engaged in website design, here's a scoop for you!... Read More
Unarguably, the most important part of your website is content.... Read More
I've seen articles (and websites) that suggest you can buy... Read More
Have you ever walked pass a shop that, for some... Read More
There are often many mistakes encountered when creating a webpage... Read More
Due to the large number of people offering website design... Read More
When your company built its website, did you think about... Read More
Setting up a survey on your site is extremely simple... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
CNN.com's designers have gone out of their way to make... Read More
Don't just put your slogan in the title tag when... Read More
As of September, Smartads went through what so many have... Read More
Everybody talks about the importance of testing your sales copy... Read More
Contrary to the beliefs of some, advertising for web and... Read More
Most web designers and web design companies will try to... Read More
STEP 1:Do your homeworkPlan and think about your content. Think... Read More
You have only 10 seconds to impress your potential buyer.... Read More
You know that I'm always extolling the virtues of an... Read More
insured cleaning company Morton Grove ..There are several very good reasons why you should consider... Read More
When it comes to marketing your website, you should really... Read More
Since I'm a web designer, I have a tendency to... Read More
The internet continues to grow and has become the default... Read More
Have you heard of 'Babel Fish'?It's a service provided by... Read More
When JV Media Design was formed, the year was 1995... Read More
I hate to imagine that in your web development project... Read More
Hello, how is your website doing?Are sales flowing in?If you... Read More
The Psychology of ColorAre you using the best colors for... Read More
In the early years of the internet the actual design... Read More
When your company built its website, did you think about... Read More
A website should firstly be searched out by visitors before... Read More
This is a very perfunctory look at the website code... Read More
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead... Read More
Surfing the internet is basically an information-fest! From intellectual discussions... Read More
10 Ways Web Site Text Can Impact Your Reader's Buying... Read More
This is my second article on maximising web site viewability.... Read More
What the heck is going on lately? Most internet websites... Read More
If you are trying to sell a product or service... Read More
1. Web site File Structure / File NamingMost search engines... Read More
You know that I'm always extolling the virtues of an... Read More
When you're self-employed, choosing a website designer is a crucial... Read More
A search for "web design" on Google returns more than... Read More
Do you have a website? If so, you need an... Read More
Should Generating Revenue From A Website Be The Prime Motivator?... Read More
Web Design |