I was afraid that, since it was published in 2004, this book would already be outdated. However, it provided the perfect step-by-step instructions that I needed to build a basic web page from scratch (and to even make it pretty with frames, colors, and tables!)

One minor complaint is that it took me a LOT of extra time and phone calls to the web hosting company even once my HTML was all in place and my web page was ready to go. I had to coordinate for the domain name, web server, and ftp program to all be in sync with one another to actually get my page to show up on the net, and that is more difficult than it sounds for a neophyte. In the next edition, I would make that part a bit more comprehensive, perhaps better showing step-by-step how to get all those elements coordinated.

I would also maybe give provide suggestions on where I could find good beginner's resources for building common specific functions that require programming, such as message boards or info that comes up based on "drop- down" menu choices. I know that programming was outside the scope of the book, but it is very difficult for novices to figure out where to go next to implement simple programs, without wading through an endless sea of java text information sites geared towards experienced programmers.

All in all, I was VERY satisfied with the amount of useful, easy to understand info I was able to gain in a short time by reading this book.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Web Page & Blog, 6th Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

I can't say much more than the other reviewers, but I will say this:
Having very basic knowlegde of HTML and scripting, and after reading the first couple of chapters, I was able to start setting up my "practice" page. It's kind of a rush seeing what you created in a web browser, pre-publish of course :), and I'm only on Chapter 5. McFedries book is very page-by-page, with good explanations of the what's, why's, and how's. I actually look forward to each new step in the creation process. I have a couple of other books, and they have mispelled words, improper grammer, etc., point being McFedries and his team pay attention to detail. I highly recommend this book to anyone that thinks coding is beyond their reach. (Guess I had more to say than I thought)

There are many books on the marketplace that teach the fundamentals of blogging, but this one takes it to a whole new level.

Written in a very understandable, user-friendly format, blogging newcomers will be able to effectively create a blog in no time at all. The information written by Paul McFedries, guides you through every step of the process, from the very basics of setting up your blog to more in depth HTML tutorials.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to create a web blog without the frustration often associated to 'technical' type books. This one is far from that, two thumbs up!

Although I have read other articles and books on Creating a Web Page, I still felt I was an "Idiot" before reading Paul McFedries book. It is well laid out and explains everything in simple language, so much so that I now understand what is involved, rather than just blindly following HTML. Although I read the book from beginning to end, it is possible to pick it up at any point if you want to learn a particular part of web design. This is a book that will also act as a reference that you go back to time and again as necessary. I now feel I have moved up a grade and would recommend the book to anyone else who felt they were in the same position.

I tried a bunch of the basic books on website and blog creation which covered the same subjec matter and content, and this one was definitely the best. McFedries presents his info in clear, precise terms. He seems to know what is important to learn and what isn't for the beginner/intermediate web designer. He is also funny (which all the idiot and dummy books are designed to be) but he is appropriately funny without being condescending or using really lame humor as some other books in these series tend to do. Also recommended at this level are Learn HTML in a Weekend and Blogger (which only covers the google Blogger program).