Creating a game guide

[Sandmaster]

Does anyone have any tips for creating a game guide? I tried using the PPT search for old threads but I just get frustrated most of the time with it. I want to create a game guide and post it on my pet's page for all neopians to read! Well any tips would be appreciated, guides, or things I need to be aware of so TNT doesn't remove my page.

[varii]

I would just suggest using clear screen caps and precise language. If there are codes for your game list them and suggest where to use them. Get to the point, but don't assume that everyone reading the guide knows everything you do. There have been games that I just don't get, and I read 20 guides and I still don't get it..then the 21st tell me that running through water is bad and I'm like, 'OOOH, duh.' Listing the score you need to get 1000 np may also be helpful.

Aesthetically, make sure your font color is readable on the background you choose. And no music. People hate music.

[yvonne_l_d]

I would mostly agree with what varii said. It should be clear and easy to understand. It's helpfull to have basic information as well as more information. Generally, a good layout is helpful. Something simple, easy to read, and aesthetically pleasing.

[Sandmaster]

Thanks for the tips so far. I've worked on the basic format and captured several screenies! What would be the best website to use for image hosting that's neo-friendly?

[stampsyne]

I recommend photobucket.

Also, good sizing and image quality make good game guides into GREAT game guides. Avoid hard to read texts, colors, and backgrounds.

[Sandmaster]

I recommend photobucket.

Also, good sizing and image quality make good game guides into GREAT game guides. Avoid hard to read texts, colors, and backgrounds.

Thanks. I used photobucket for storing them actually. I have a rough guide put together here. http://petpages.neopets.com/~JessSez Any input would be greatly appreciated. I think my image quality is great and the image sizes are pretty much normal. Do you think they need shrinking?

[varii]

I looked over your guide and it looks pretty good. Very neat and well layed out. I really like how you go level by level and list the max score possible per level.

The only bad thing I have to say is that there is a lot of text at the beginning of your guide. I read through it and what you have is really good, but the solid mass is kinda overwhelming. I'd suggest maybe skipping a line in between the bullet points and/or breaking up the first three sections with some pictures..maybe the actual petpets from the game? I don't know, something to just break up the look of solid text.

Good job

[yvonne_l_d]

I like what you've got so far. I agree with varii about putting a line between the bullets. That will help make the text easier to read. You might consider adding some background colour, but that's just an extra. The content is great.

[Pixa]

I love the guide. If I were you, I'd look into just adding some simple CSS coding, mainly, changing the font style, and possibly adding a simple yet effective background. Other than that, I think the amount of depth is great. The screenshots are very clear.

[Sandmaster]

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I'll add some spacing between the bullets and add a petpet image here and there to break up the text. I'd love a background where my guide is inside a box that looks like the game window. I don't have Photoshop or even know how you would go about that though. And yeah that's just my dream so I doubt it'll ever happen. I'll look for something that I like at least.

My guide made it on Garmfay's game guide directory so I'm pretty happy about that.

Where I could I find out about some CSS coding? I'm limited to html because that's all I know. If there's a decent guide maybe I can learn a few simple tricks and integrate them into my guide.

[Anoohilator]

http://petpages.neopets.com/~csshelp

That's a good page and probably has all that you need

[Pixa]

I made a background, if you'd like to use it. If it's not what you're looking for, please do not feel inclined to put it on your petpage. If you do decide to use it, I don't mind you using my photobucket. It doesn't get much use, really, heh.

Code:

<style>body{background-image: url('http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/Pixalation/backgroundpetpet.gif');
background-position: left top;
background-repeat: repeat-xy;}</style>

That's it, coded. Should display like that for all image resolutions.

[Matt]

I made a background, if you'd like to use it. If it's not what you're looking for, please do not feel inclined to put it on your petpage. If you do decide to use it, I don't mind you using my photobucket. It doesn't get much use, really, heh.

Code:

<style>body{background-image: url('http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v167/Pixalation/backgroundpetpet.gif');
background-position: left top;
background-repeat: repeat-xy;}</style>

That's it, coded. Should display like that for all image resolutions.

I see no reason why in that code the text would not just overflow the blue barrier. You will need to put something about padding in the style tag, which shouldn't be difficult

[Pixa]

Well, I made the background to the size of the guide at the moment, but realised the text was probably centralised, so that was a slight flaw in my plan. Of course, the text could go into a DIV, which would solve that problem.

*knows nothing of zee padding*

[Sandmaster]

Well, I made the background to the size of the guide at the moment, but realised the text was probably centralised, so that was a slight flaw in my plan. Of course, the text could go into a DIV, which would solve that problem.

*knows nothing of zee padding*

Yeah I tried it out and it was offcenter for some reason. So I scratched it for the time being. And I don't know how to fix it or anything so my guide is still white. Which is fine I suppose. I've been out of the loop for a bit though so sorry for the delayed response.