What is a Hypertext, a root/remote folder, a local folder, a file server, etc… As a novice web designer, I struggled in my English 138: Internet Culture class trying to comprehend how to organize my materials so that when uploaded on a server, was legible, the images were in tact, and the links functioned. Coming from a Graphic Design background, I understood the basics of a webpage layout, but never before was I involved in coding a website. In hopes to advance as a graphic designer and creative guru, my next step naturally became to take advantage of designing and creating websites. Because this class focused on problem and project-based learning, it was hard to fall behind. I fell behind right off the bat with my personal hypertext and have had a hard time getting caught up ever since. The first hypertext was a project to celebrate my “networked self” and while I enjoyed writing about a passion of mine (searching for the most innovative and creative ideas) my hypertext became too broad and my vision for my hypertext disappeared in the confusing generalized site. Then came issues with using Filezilla. It was challenging for me to try and understand that the within the local folder there needed to be specific files and within a remote/root folder (usually on the desktop of the creator of the site) files needed to by organized in a very specific, systematic way.

Once I got some of my bearings, I moved forward with the podcast hypertext. I actually found this project to be more enjoyable. While it was still a struggle, it was more interesting having to actually find an issue, visit a site and create a podcast. I will say however, that writing the podcast transcript was actually painful and it was incredibly hard to take out the um’s, ah’s and awkward pauses. I did enjoy placing in the maps as well as the quicktime player to add more interactive elements to my site.

Finally, we are working on the Analytical hypertext and I think so far with my group it has been successful. We are efficient and so far have had no complaints towards one another or issues on the project. I look forward to blogging about my Analytical hypertext down the road.

Overall, I feel like my designs can definitely be improved. I feel as though these hypertexts are almost my first, second or third versions, and when I get more comfortable, and can afford a more advanced website builder my user interface will be better. In terms of my writing, the fact that it is open for the public to read, well, it allows me to continue to practice my writing. I definitely think I take more time to plan out what I write, but what is great about the exposure on the internet is that I will receive feedback and critiques by more than my professor, but my peers and other followers.  I would like to think that I provide somewhat of an interesting read, but there’s always room for improvement.