• Do I have to learn HTML?
• Are there any content restrictions on my NSCC HTML documents?
• Are there any link restrictions and suggested links to include on my page?
• Is there a suggested format for my NSCC HTML documents?
• Where can I find graphics and tools for webpage authoring?
• How do I get my web pages on the Internet?
• Can I store my HTML documents on the National Website server?
• How do I request a link to my pages from the National NSCC Website?

Do I have to learn HTML?

There are numerous HTML editors and converters available on the Web for download. However, I recomend that you familiarize yourself with at least the HTML basics, as even the best of editors and converters cannot handle every HTML task.

I use Arachnophilia as my web editor. It does not have as many features as some fo the "advanced editors," but it is good for beginners and it is FREEWARE. This means that you do not have to pay anything to use it and you can use it as long as you want. You can download it here.

There are many good reference books available. I would suggest, if you can get around the demeaning title, "HTML for Dummies." It is an excellent resource for beginning web authors and is available in most major bookstores.

Are there any content restrictions on my NSCC HTML documents?

By the very nature and ease of use of the World Wide Web, it is difficult for users to tell when you move from one server (or area of responsibility) to another. Visitors to the National USNSCC Website might find themselves on a unit page without even realizing that the document was not on the same server. For this reason, I ask that the following guidelines be followed when considering appropriate content for your unit webpages:

• Above all, remember that you are representing the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Your pages could be viewed by thousands of people.
• Be careful in your choice of words. While you may have authority to speak for your unit, you do not have the authority to speak for all of the USNSCC. Don't confuse people as to where the USNSCC Webpage is located. You may want to modify the disclaimer for use on your unit page.
• Inclusion of Chat Rooms and Discussion Forums can detract fromt the professional look and feel of a site. While Cadets are representatives of our organzation, sometimes we forget they are still minors and tend not to think before they talk or type. A permenant record of this in a forum can be disasterous.
• If you choose to include photos of NSCC personnel in uniform, make sure that the personnel meet the requirements for uniform wear established in the Uniform Guidelines put out by NHQ.
• Respect the privacy of others. It is not a good idea to publish the MARS report (or other personal information) on the web, unless you make use of authentication and encryption techniques.

Are there any link restrictions and suggested links to include on my page?

You should be very careful when choosing which pages (if any) to link to from your page. Your unit webpage is a reflection of the Sea Cadets. Consequently, any page that you link to will also seem to reflect the views of the USNSCC. When in doubt, use your common sense or run your proposed links by the rest of your unit command structure. If there is still some doubt as to the appropriateness of the link, do not link to the page.

• Do not link to pages with objectionable material: such as pornography, racist or sexist material, etc.
• Avoid political and religious sites in your links. While there is nothing inherently bad or offensive about these sites, we want to avoid the perception that the USNSCC is advocating a particular religion or political party.
• Create an obvious link to the National Webpage www.seacadets.org for visitors who may not be from your area. It is quite common for web surfers to arrive at a unit site which is not in their home state If they see something that interests them on your site, they will naturally want to see if there is a unit in their area. This is why the link is necessary.

  If you'd like, you can use one of the banners provided here. The idea is to provide the graphic and link it to the NHQ site. The necessary HTML code follows the graphic example.

  

  
          <A HREF="http://www.seacadets.org">
          <IMG SRC="nsccweb.gif">
          </A>
  

• Another recomended link is to the International Sea Cadet Association page. This link will help international visitors to your webpage find a unit in their area.
• Some other suggested links are to the Navy League of the United States, the United States Navy, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

Is there a suggested format for my NSCC HTML documents?

No. But I strongly recommend that you read the Yale HTML Style Guide. If you choose to not read the Style Guide (or a similar document), your pages will probably reflect that you ignored the suggestions set forth in the guide.

Feel free to use the USNSCC crest and clipart in your local home pages, but do not use them for commercial purposes without permission from the Executive Director.

If you have questions beyond the scope of this document, please email your specific questions to the Site Administrator.

Where can I find graphics and tools for webpage authoring?

There are many, many sources of help on the Web for webpage authors. My current favorite is Mega Web Tools. This site contains links to graphics sites, CGI script archives, and HTML editors, etc.

The graphics that I have collected in creating and maintaining this website, can be acquired through your browser. Simply place the cursor over the desired graphic and right click. Choose save graphic and specify a filename. All NSCC Graphics are hosted on the NSCC/NLCC Graphics Page.

How do I get my web pages on the Internet?

The first step in getting your HTML documents on the Internet is finding an Internet service provider. A service provider may be one of the major on-line services, such as America Online, Compuserve or Prodigy. Some of these services may include customer HTML publication as part of their standard service, or they may charge you an extra fee for the service.

Your provider probably allows homepages. Contact the people that provide your email and web service. There is probably a local Internet service provider in your community. The List is a list of internet service providers, most of which will allow users to create and post HTML documents on the internet.

Many service providers will provide service at a reduced cost (perhaps even free) to non-profit or public service organizations. Some popular services are Geocities and Tripod. Both pay for their service through advertising revenue; they will require you to display advertisements on your webpage. The ads are screened for content and they are appropriate for USNSCC pages. You may want to stress that the USNSCC does not endorse or certify any of these products.

Can I store my HTML documents on the NHQ webserver?

No.
Here's why:

• Pages kept on the National Website server are not immediately accessible by the author/maintainer. In the past, I have updated the information. I no longer have the time to do this.
• Disk space on this server is limited.
• Because the author/maintainer cannot access the pages directly, I invaribly end up with the responsibility for determining if the documents are current, etc.

How do I request a link to my pages from the USNSCC Webpage?

You can have a link to your pages put on the National Website by e-mailing the Site Administrator. Your page will be reviewed and then included in the U.S. Unit Locator and National Directories.