Being a writer, when I was asked to do some research into what makes a good website, of course I straightaway went to check out all of my favorite authors. After sifting through a few standard sites I remembered to look at one of my all time respected writers-Paulo Coelho. Judging by how many books he has sold he is obviously a lot of people's favorite, and his website is exactly what you'd want to keep the fans happy.
If any of you are familiar with Coelho's work you will know how prolific he has become all over the world. People love the simplicity of his stories about the spiritual quests of all people and the idea that the magical happens in everybody's lives, even the so-called 'ordinary, normal' person. He to me comes across as a perfect example of the power of human connection, his books having affected millions across all national boundaries. As an Internet writer, to me he symbolizes the possibilities lying in the future of the Web. Like a good book, the Internet too can cross all imagined ideas of separation bringing people from all walks of life together in the context of positive thought and action.
Coelho's website's homepage starts off with a simple black screen, and a large photo of the man smiling-a very humanistic approach to this new medium. It then has many different sections as well as links to relevant sites, even his own web log (on-line journal) entitled, " Warrior of the Light Online". I think I could spend innumerable hours reading over his personal thoughts and pieces of information he has integrated from elsewhere. Having this added website of an on-line diary gives the site even more humanistic qualities, as any person can truly connect with Coelho's innermost feelings and thoughts.
The sections on the main site are separated into categories like: Biography, Paulo Coelho Institute, Photo Gallery, Road to Santiago, Agenda, Books, Editions, Free downloads, Meditation, TV on-line (videos), Warrior of Light, To journalists, FAQ, Message for the author, and Recommend this site. We are talking about a very extensive and well thought out site. Any type of individual or business, especially writers, could learn a lot from this example.
Just to touch on a few aspects of the site's categories I'll focus on the one's I had a good look at. The biography was excellent, an extremely in-depth look at Coelho's life from childhood until present day. No holes barred, he's not ashamed to tell of all his low points as well as the usual list of one's achievements. It is very honest, he tells of how his parents institutionalized him several times thinking he was crazy, as well as stories of being tortured as a political prisoner and of his 'dark' experiences with drugs and black magic. This humanistic perspective gives the site a much more personal feel as well as eliciting reactions in readers, much more powerful than a bland website that solely focuses on a writer's books and how to purchase them.
The photo gallery is another dimension I have not witnessed on many other sites. He again gives vision to his whole life with photos included from areas entitled, Childhood, Transition, The crazy years, 2000/2001, 2002, and Today. You see, this website isn't just a shop front or a facade for a business. It gives the individual an opportunity to share his identity with the whole world, a courageous act only taken by people who aren't afraid to put themselves on the line, sharing their spirits with all of humanity. This is the key to why the website is so powerful, one needs to take risks to achieve success in life.
I could write extensively on the other categories of the site but I think you could just go and check them out yourself. Me telling you what is a good website isn't going to teach you much, you've got to experience things for yourself to truly gain the knowledge you are looking for. Maybe you'll be so inspired, one day it'll be your website I'm writing about!
About The Author
Jesse S. Somer is a human who wants to help uncover the underlying unifying power that lies in the future of the Internet. http://www.m6.net
limousine chicago serviceRemember the famous line from the movie Field of Dreams,... Read More
The effective design is this one, which is maximum simplified,... Read More
A search engine robot actually reads the wording on your... Read More
The internet is filled with sites and they are good... Read More
If you've a website that is not generating a lot... Read More
As a web designer, I have a personal interest in... Read More
Getting a customer is not easy.Getting a visitor to decide... Read More
So you're on the computer, as usual. Your eyes are... Read More
Most of us at times need advice on different aspects... Read More
Every day internet marketers are inundated with the latest fad... Read More
The "Wow" factor that accompanied the introduction of streaming media... Read More
Novice and professional designers alike ? you may probably be... Read More
In today's world, a web site is virtually mandatory for... Read More
A question we frequently get asked is, "how do we... Read More
Customers will form an opinion of your business as soon... Read More
Web advertising has taken many forms, including those that appear... Read More
When designing elements for your webpage, you will often be... Read More
Read the title of this article over a couple of... Read More
Before I discovered the concept of Web site templates, I... Read More
When a prospect lands on your website will he or... Read More
In retailing there is a saying that sales are made... Read More
What are websites? Are they sales tools for vendors and... Read More
If you have a web site to which people pay... Read More
Good websites stand out from the masses of boring, hard... Read More
We all want high impact graphics for our Web sites... Read More
outdoor postlights led road lighting Pete's produce ..Creating your own website is actually easy in today's world... Read More
Creating your web site can be a tricky process. Choosing... Read More
First impressions are extremely important if you hope to do... Read More
So your web site's online and you've got high rankings... Read More
One of the challenges of moving a web site up... Read More
Daily article:One of the most debated subject among webmasters is... Read More
What is the relationship between Marketing and Web designing? How... Read More
Graphics are fun, but if you put in too many... Read More
The question that I most frequently hear from people is... Read More
New Web sites are springing up online by the millions.... Read More
Think of the people who visit your site as blind... Read More
When it comes to marketing your website, you should really... Read More
Content is king. Without content your website is an empty... Read More
What are websites? Are they sales tools for vendors and... Read More
Seeing is believing.One trick to increase your visibility as well... Read More
There is nothing wrong with making your own website if... Read More
Every day internet marketers are inundated with the latest fad... Read More
There can be zillions of reasons why your visitors return... Read More
Navigation must be simple. Since it's the backbone of your... Read More
Websites, there are literally billions of them out there in... Read More
When I surf the Net, I often see web sites... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
Your website design may be affecting your sales in ways... Read More
Tips to brand your websiteInclude your logo in all pages.... Read More
Ever wonder how HTML color codes are put together? For... Read More
Web Design Web Design |