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
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carAre you looking for somebody to build you a website,... Read More
Color is one of the most important but least understood... Read More
Your web site should always adhere to standards!A professional web... Read More
Are you thinking that it is about time your small... Read More
It's a fact, Page Not Found, known as a 404... Read More
What the heck is going on lately? Most internet websites... Read More
Novice and professional designers alike ? you may probably be... Read More
We've all seen and read product testimonials. They're a very... Read More
If you are reading this, I assume you either have... Read More
Learning how to convert visitors to your web site into... Read More
One product, one long web page: this kind of web... Read More
Are you building a direct sales or mlm business online?... Read More
Writing for your web site is not the same as... Read More
1. DO NOT use excessive graphics or banner images on... Read More
Designing your own successful web page can seem difficult and... Read More
A professionally presented business website is a powerful and essential... Read More
Do you remember playing with the jack-in-the-box toy as a... Read More
Many people today are tired of the Microsoft software that... Read More
Does your website need a re-design? Here are some questions... Read More
QUESTION: We promote our web site in all our... Read More
Have you heard of 'Babel Fish'?It's a service provided by... Read More
There is unlimited possibilities when it comes to designing a... Read More
Many people hire professional web site designers for as much... Read More
The trend today to overuse animation in a website's opening... Read More
There is a widespread confusion among lots of new website... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..No question about it, web design is an art. Finding... Read More
In this article you will find the parallel between two... Read More
Are you a student of graphic design? If you have... Read More
You've likely heard of the movie, Jerry Maguire, with its... Read More
If there's one thing that I've learnt so far, it's... Read More
When you design a website how do you start ?Do... Read More
It is a well-known fact that a successful business depends... Read More
Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More
Due to the large number of people offering website design... Read More
The great debate: how much copy you should have on... Read More
Are you building a direct sales or mlm business online?... Read More
This article is the result of a conversation I had... Read More
Content is undoubtedly the most important element of a website.... Read More
Using CGI scripts to add automation to your web site... Read More
I often wonder how serious people are when it comes... Read More
Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is... Read More
There are plenty of Drupal Modules that you can install... Read More
Creating your own website can be fun and easy, as... Read More
Developing a software application is not easy at all; apart... Read More
An application is not ready for use unless you have... Read More
Page ranking by search engines such as Google are not... Read More
If you'd like to create/maintain a website, having some HTML... Read More
The way you design your web site affects your visitors'... Read More
In cascading style sheets you can specify how your web... Read More
STEP 1:Do your homeworkPlan and think about your content. Think... Read More
Web Design |