Well, you might already see one thing that’s new…the font on this page. We’re gradually changing every page in the Lexicon to this new font, Georgia, since it’s designed to be particularly easy to read on a web page. Josh and I are changing each page that we edit, so it might be a while before we catch them all, but who knows…maybe I’ll figure out some way to trick Dreamweaver into changing them all at once. I have a feeling it would be able to do that.
Of course, some of you are wondering why I don’t just change the style sheet, but since I don’t use style sheets on the Lexicon that’s not a possibility. I know, I know, it seems crazy that a site as large and complex as the Lexicon doesn’t use some of these modern site tools, but you have to realize that the Lexicon started five years ago when all I knew how to do was put a simple HTML page together. I’ve learned quite a bit since then, but the site is still written in fairly simple HTML. Now that there are over 700 pages, it’s a bit hard to retrofit.
Someday I’d like to turn the Lexicon into a database-run site, but that might just never happen. To convert a site as complex as the Lexicon, with it’s complicated interlinking, into a database would be a huge job indeed. If it weren’t for Dreamweaver’s ability to manage links site-wide, I don’t know how I’d manage it the way it is.
Okay, enough on that.
Many, many pages have been updated and edited. I’ve been concentrating on adding new pages to the the Reader’s Guides, along with Mike Ball, who is our page editor, and Matt Allair, who is writing the amazing chapter chronologies. So far the book with the most chapters in place is Prisoner of Azkaban. Take a look at our progress when you get a chance (go through the Bookshelf link on the main menu). Things are a bit wonky in spots–I noticed that the chapter art is a bit off, for example–and quite a few things are currently “Still to come.” But overall it’s a great resource in the making. I’ll make a big announcement when the entire PA Guide is done.
Josh has been working all over the site editing and correcting. He’s been fixing broken links and typos here and there. He’s also updated the Floo Network page with some wonderful new information, including a very nice new feature called Transfiguration Today and weather feeds from the dragon reserve in Romania and from Beauxbatons. There’s one from the Ministry of Magic, too, and you never know WHAT that one might say. If you get a chance, drop Josh a line and tell him what you think (and give answers to the trivia test).
Several new artists have been brought on board recently, including Riikka Jäntti and Red Scharlach. You can find out more about them on the Artists page and you’ll find their work on various pages throughout the site.
