Project: Web Authoring Video Series, Ambition is the mother of all... good? Options

[John Pozadzides]

Friends and colleagues,

I have long considered creating a few "Intro to Web Authoring" videos. I have now decided that it is time to do this, but I could use some help to properly pull it off. I wonder if anyone would be interested in volunteering to help with this project. Here is the concept:

Background
The WDG, and all of the loyal and knowledgable experts that make up our HTMLHelp community, have spent more than a decade assisting new Web authors in learning to create and improve their Web sites. All of this assistance has come in the form of either providing reference materials or one-on-one communication via our forums. While these resources have proven extremely useful for intermediate to expert Web authors, I do not believe they are best suited to beginners.

People who have decided to create their first Web site, or who desire to take over management of an existing site require a foundation on which to build. The best format for this type of instruction, besides face to face, is via video lecture accompanied by demonstrations.

The Plan
I intend to produce a set of basic Introduction to Web Authoring videos which will each range from 10-20 minutes in length. All videos will be distributed for free, forever, under some sort of a creative commons license. Videos might eventually contain a short advertisement to help defray costs. We will create a new content area on HTMLHelp.com specifically to accomodate a library of video tutorials.

Here are some general thoughts on the outlines for a few of the videos as examples.

• Web Authoring Concepts
  • How a Web site "works"
  • Software required to create a web site
  • Web site hosting
  • etc.
• Getting Started
  • Logical structuring of a site
  • Logical structuring of directories
  • Interactivity
• Introduction to HTML
  • Definition and concepts of HTML
  • Structure of an HTML document
  • Functions, attributes and syntax of elements
  • First HTML document
• Introduction to Style Sheets
  • Seperation of Markup and Style
• Designing for Everyone
  • Disabilities and the Web
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Browser and resolution independance

Help Required
Although I'm certain there are a number of things that I'm not even aware of yet, some of the areas I'm looking for assistance with include:

• Script editing / authoring
• Video editing
• Tutorial animation / video screen captures
• Video production
• Project management

My goal would be to begin delivering the initial video tutorials within 90 days of forming a team to tackle the project.

So, based on this information, is anyone interested in participating and if so, what would you be willing / able to offer to this project? I think we would likely create a project forum area here only available to team members.

Even if you aren't able to volunteer time to the project I would welcome feedback if you can think of things I might be overlooking or which would add value and improve upon the concept.

John