Salutations from Webmonkey, the site where Web developers have been coming to learn how to make good, clean sites since 1996. By now you've discovered that building websites is like eating cake: Once you start, you can't stop. (Still have yet to build your first site? We suggest you begin at the beginning.) If you're itching to make that site better, stronger, and faster, then here are some ways to scratch that itch.

Build Your Skills

One of the best and easiest ways to fancy up a static site is with JavaScript. Luckily for you, Webmonkey is home to the Web's best learning tool, Thau's JavaScript Tutorial, so you should be an expert in a lickety split-second. Another way you can improve matters is by inter-activating your site with some good forms. Or dedicate some tweak time to optimizing your site so it attracts more search traffic. And for the sake of appearances, you should also put on a happy interface.

Look, Feel

For more control over how users experience your site, try some stylesheet-ing action. Creating your own version of our expanding/collapsing dHTML toolbar is another way to liven things up. And while you're updating the site interface, why not dish everything up on templates using eXtended Server-side Includes (XSSI)? Build those pages right, and your next redesign will be a snap, crackle, and pop — especially if there's some well-formed XML behind the scenes.

Move, Shake

Nothing titillates the eyes of your users like a few tasteful animations, and Flash is one of the most popular ways to create them. You can also use your new-found JavaScript know-how to create the ubiquitous rollover.

Greasing the Wheels

As you ramp up that learning curve, our "Quick Reference" section — with its color codes, browser chart, special characters, and more special treats — is a mighty fine thing to keep handy. And make sure you stay au courant with the latest Web developments by getting your daily dose of Webmonkey.

It's All in the Script