The technologically impaired are an endangered species here at FHS. Every day, more people use the Internet, World Wide Web, E-mail, laser disks, and some even learn how to program a VCR. But some students are going beyond just surfing the web Ð they're making "waves" by establishing their own Web Sites.
For those who are not familiar with the Internet or the World Wide Web, a web site is a page on the Internet that can contain anything, depending on the author. Some Web sites contain essays, pictures, graphics, or links to the author's favorite Web Sites. There are fan-club type Web Sites on actors and musicians, personal Web Pages from famous people, and even on-line shopping pages.
"Creating graphics for a site is the most time consuming part of it," explained junior Kris Hanson. "You can rip off graphics and HTML (hyper-text markup language) coding from anybody, but to have your own trademark graphics and coding makes it a lot more worthwhile."
Many of the students here at FHS got started on their pages by looking at other people's sites. First, they explored the Web to get a feeling for the creativity possible on a site. Then they found a server to host the web site, got a HTML editor and got to work on laying out the page. Most pages are constantly under construction.
"My boyfriend is a computer genius, and it's only because of him I have the home page I do," explained junior Mandy Duelfer. "I can manage minimal HTML programming, but nothing like putting in search engines."
"The difficulty on a web site creation depends on yourself," added Hanson. "For mine, it wasn't that hard. It just took a little time, because I hadn't ever really done anything like that before. I'm in the process of totally redoing it, and it's taking substantially longer."
Most students have recieved positive feedback.
"I've gotten very positive feedback so far," said Duelfer. "everyone I've heard from likes my page."
"I've gotten good feedback on my page," said Hanson. "I've also gotten some helpful feedback on outdated links, which helps me out a lot."
Parents also seem to support the technological endeavors of their children.
"My parents are supportive of my cyber fascination," said Duelfer. "Since [being on] the internet is one of my main hobbies, they're interested with what I do with it."
Reasons students start their own pages include curiosity and creativity.
"I've always wanted a web page," said junior Jonathan Nelson. "I think it's because I wanted people to know who I am. Also, the internet is a megalith of information, and I wanted a pieceof that."
Anyone can start their own page, with the proper technological equipment, a HTML editor and lots of patience. It is a long process, but some FHS students have found the rewards as well.
Nelson explains. "Right now, 1,438 people indirectly have seen and admired some of my work. I cannot help but be proud."