How would you like to jazz up your website or blog ... really give it some pzazz, so it stands out from the crowd?

Think about using a script on your webpage, or a plugin for your blog. Modules like this are designed by programmers, and are usually tested thoroughly before they're offered to the public.

The trouble is ... you can't understand how to install the script. The instructions were obviously written by someone whose native language is not English!

When I first began designing websites, I had the same problem. I used to be a teacher, and I'm very good at explaining things to people who want to learn how to do something.

But I really get upset when I read instructions that are poorly-written. There is no excuse for that! How does the author expect people to use the script? He needs to take some time to carefully explain how to use it, or else hire a writer to do that for him.

So what can you do? In my case, I decided to learn to program in order to become familiar with the jargon. Luckily, I already had some knowledge about designing websites.

I owned a website designed by someone else, and wanted to change a few things, so I made some modifications to the site. In the process I learned a little HTML, and that intrigued me enough to want to learn more.

I took the time to learn HTML and CSS, so I could design a webpage. I even learned Javascript and Perl so I could modify other people's scripts, and tailor them to fit my own website.

Let's go back to the original problem. Should you have to learn to program? Is it really necessary for you to take months out of your busy schedule, just so you can understand how to use someone else's script or plugin?

Not at all! You just need to find a script to use that comes with easily understandable instructions. Here's what to do:

1. Do a Google search. What if you wanted a script to hide your email address from spammers? Then you would search for "hide email address". ( There are over 58,000,000 results returned! )
2. Look through your search results to see what's available.
3. If you see a script that looks like it might be what you had in mind, go ahead and download it. ( Find a free one if you can, but if not -- make sure it has an iron-clad guarantee. )
4. Read the instructions.
5. If it's easy to understand the installation instructions, GREAT - Your Search Is Over! If it's gobble-de-gook, go back to step 2 and start over.

This list is the same procedure I use myself. I don't take the time to write my own script if it's already been done. If it's exactly what I need I'll use it on my website. If not, maybe I can change it a bit to suit.

Now you don't need to go through the five steps above to find an easy-to-understand script to use. Check out the links in the box below.

About the author

Do you need scripts for your website? I only recommend scripts that I have tested and used myself, and that are easy-to-use. Many of them are available at the Professor's scripts blog.