Frequently Asked Questions
Flash Templates
1. What comes with my new flash template?
When you receive the download address,
you will download a zip file which will contain the following:
- The file displayed when you viewed the template (This file has an
extension of .swf)
- The file you will edit to insert your own content (This file has an
extension of .swi)
- All display pictures that were used to make the template as shown.
- All fonts, except Arial and Times New Roman (which should be standard on your computer).
- Any sound effects
- If a calendar and scrolling text box were displayed, you will receive
notepad text files
used to configure and update those items.
2. I'm stuck! Can I email you for help with editing my template?
Absolutely! I know it can sometimes be confusing, especially if you haven't had a lot of experience editing flash, and I am very happy to help if you have questions or get stuck when editing your template. Please check out the Flash Editing Help Page first though as I have tried to anticipate common questions and have posted help files on questions that arise frequently.
3. Do I need any special software to edit my flash template?
All flash templates were made with a program called Swishmax I chose that program because it is very user friendly, it works with a wide variety of systems, is an inexpensive program and they provide a free trial period through which you can initially edit your flash template. If you choose to purchase the program after you have edited your flash template, you can purchase their latest version called Swishmax 2.
4. Can I edit the .swf display file?
No you cannot. Think of creating a flash template like making a cake. The .swi file is all the individual items in the "recipe". The .swf file that is displayed is all those items combined to make the "cake". Once you've combined all the ingredients and baked the cake, you can't undo the cake and turn it back into it's original components. If you are a beginner at working with flash media, then when editing the .swi file, I would suggest saving it under a new name BEFORE you make any changes. If you make a mistake and can't fix it, you can always go back to the original "recipe" which you downloaded and start baking again!
Web Templates
5. What comes with my new website template?
When you receive the download address, you will download a zip file which will contain the following:
- You will receive a
web page file (extension .html) for each link shown on the template, including
pages for the drop down menu links if you have that type of menu.
- All images including pictures and shapes that were used to make the
template as displayed.
- Any gradients used to create the images on your website.
- All fonts, except Arial and Times New Roman (which should already be on your computer.)
- If a calendar and scrolling text box were displayed, these two items are a flash file
and you will receive the .swf (flash file) and the
text files used to configure and update those items. You will have no need to
edit the flash file, just simply upload it to your website. The editing is done in the text files.
- If your
website included a drop down menu, you will receive files with
extensions .js and .css files that go with
those menus as well as the button folder which contains the buttons shown plus a blank if you choose to make your own buttons.
If you email me the names of your links,
however, I will make the buttons for you at no additional charge and email you a new button folder.
All three of these items must be uploaded to the same destination as the html files they are shown on. In other words, if you have a drop down menu on your index.html which you upload to the root directory of your website, you must also upload the buttons folder, the .js and .css file to the root directory of your website.
6. Do I need any special software to edit my website template?
No. Xhtml, html, css and js files can all be edited with notepad which is found under the accessories on all windows computers. However, unless you are completely comfortable with coding, I do not suggest this method as you will have no way to view the changes as you make them before you save them and upload them to your website. A free program that can be used to edit your web page is Coffee Cup or another free editor is Chami's HTML Kit. You can also use Microsoft Front Page which comes standard with the Microsoft Office Package. Many web designers do not recommend MS Front Page, however, this is because they are looking at it from the standpoint of writing html code, to which I agree with them. However, if you are only editing the text and the image addresses, MS Front Page will work just fine as an editor to insert your content into the template.
7. How do I change the pictures and text which are already on the template for my own?
Please refer to the Web Editing Helps Page for information on how to change images and text.
Unique Designs:
8. How long before my unique website is ready for publishing?
This is dependant upon how quickly we can communicate to create your design and establish the content you want displayed. After the design is created, depending upon the number of pages you will need for your website, it should be ready to publish in approximately 3-4 weeks.
9. Do I need any special software to update my website if I choose to do so on my own?
No. Please see question no. 6 which discusses the editing of a web template. The same information also applies to updating your website. Regarding uploading your web pages, most web hosts provide a method for uploading content to your website.
Website Updates
10. How will I notify you of updates?
Normally you would email me with your updates. You can email a list of changes to which I will reply to let you know I have received the information. I will then email you to let you know the changes have been made. Often times a client will email me with their church bulletin or other document that they use to pass along important information or events. I do understand that sometimes important changes need to be made immediately and you may need to contact me by phone to implement those changes.
11. What if I need an important update done but I have already reached my bi-monthly limit?
This is done on a case by case basis and is dependant upon the amount of time required to make the change. If you have a small change that needs to be done, this will cost less than a larger change. I will let you know before I make the change, how much it will cost so you can decide whether to wait for the next update or proceed immediately. If you are a monthly pay customer, the additional charge will show up on your next monthly billing cycle. If you are paid for a full year, remember that included is three emergency updates for the year which are over and above your bi-monthly limit. If you are beyond that, and still wish to make the change, you will be billed immediately for that update. If this happens on a regular basis, it might be a good idea for us to discuss changing your plan.
12. Does website updates include changing the design if I want a new look?
No. If you want to redesign your website that is evaluated on a case by case basis. It is dependant on whether you are changing some components of your current design or require a completely new design. You can contact me to discuss your redesign and price quote.
13. What is included in the website update?
Website updates include changing and/or removing text, pictures and changing text colors or fonts. It includes the editing of the html file and publishing of the updated file as well as any files that would be needed in connection with the update. Minor design changes will be made if needed to accommodate the new text or pictures and is also included as part of your update, however, this does not include a redesign of the website.