Some of you have already built a Web page for yourself or business, or have paid someone else to do it for you. If so, you've probably had someone tell you that you need to change the page often, to keep it fresh. The truth of the matter is that many Web sites have taken this so much to heart, that their sites become a virtual Winchester Mystery House, a monument to ad-hoc architecture. If you are not familiar with this attraction, it is an amazing house with stairs that don't go anywhere, small buildings inside bigger buildings, windows that look out at walls, and so on.
If you're like me, you have discovered similar elements in Web sites: URLs that lead nowhere, search engine hits that are no longer functional, and (my favorite) "top of page" or "go back" buttons that do neither. The point is: use some uncommon sense and don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Keep the old and add the new.
Remember, someone may have bookmarked your site address or the search engine that's giving you so much traffic has cataloged the very spot that you're abandoning. Change the look, message, or the front page, and keep the location the same. Keep in mind for Web sites of this type, substance is far more important than the appearance. After all, building for the sake of building didn't keep Ms. Winchester alive either.
Finally, a great piece of news: the cost of keeping up with the Jones is coming down. New, cheaper ways to get your business on the Web are happening every day. One of the newest is Netscape Virtual Office (www.nvo.com). This product is straightforward and costs approximately $15.00 down and $20.00 a month. Also, remember that a free Web page is available from The Green Sheet, nothing down and nothing a month. Check out The Green Sheet-On-line (http://the.greensheet.com) for the steps necessary to choose your own look and feel.
