Freepages-Help-L Archives

Archiver > Freepages-Help > 2001-04 > 0988023746


From: "Dennice" <>
Subject: RE: [FreeHelp] Adding MIDI Files to My Site
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2001 04:02:26 -0700
In-Reply-To: <001701c0cbdc$7fd541e0$30bcb2d1@sfrye1>


Simple HREF Link

Before the Netscape and Microsoft browsers, the universal way to implement
MIDI on the web was via a simple HREF link such as

<A HREF="cheers.mid">Cheers Theme Song</A>

This link would launch a helper application, such as the Microsoft Media
Player. Simple, easy to implement, and multiplatform. Once launched, the
helper application would continue to play as the user surfs the web
("floating music").

http://www.nch.com.au/addaud.htm#402
<EMBED src="file.mid" autostart=true loop=false volume=100 hidden=true>
<NOEMBED><BGSOUND src="file.mid"></NOEMBED>

Rule of thumb, unless your site is specifically "A MUSIC SITE" do not use
music of any sort on it (personal preference in music may not suit the text
of the site - especially do not use music on each and every page - cacophony
reigns surpreme and may have surfers decide to leave your site, especially
those who prefer to listen to their personal choices in music on their audio
system)

I believe the main objective of all Web development should be "simplicity
for the user." (no need to download yet _more_ plug-ins) I am not an
advocate of sites that require general users to install all sorts of
plug-ins to enjoy their unique creation. These are the sites people avoid.

As you begin to add sound to your site, keep in mind a few commonsense
design rules. They are all, more or less, variations of the "subtle rule."
If you forget them, you will only succeed in keeping people away from your
site.

Save loud, large or fast tempo files for special cases. These file types
should be the exception, not the norm, on your site.
Try to avoid repetitive music. If you stick to the RMF collections, you
should have no problems. Also, keep in mind that short user-interface sounds
(or Groovoids) are not meant to be looped. Rather, they are meant as
one-timers to signify a particular user action.
User-interface sounds should be brief.
Avoid the "let's put music everywhere" temptation.
The music should reflect the messages you are trying to get across or
reflect the styles of your target users. For example, if you are selling
aggressive rollerblades, you might want to avoid a classical music theme.
Once you've chosen a style of music, stick with it. Don't switch from
classical to ambient background--you want your site to be associated with a
particular music theme.



Background, which supplies looped background music covering major themes
from smooth to funky.
Fanfare and Hits, which provides entrance/exit selections (built around
themes) to call attention to the user.
User Interface, which adds selections suitable for sonifying individual page
elements, such as buttons and menus.


> I know that I have read instructions on how to add MIDI
> files on a freepages, web site, but, because, I didn't think
> it was something I wanted to do, I didn't save them. Now
> I have a need to know how to do this.
>
> I am using FrontPage 2000, therefore they probably won't
> work so what do I do?
>
> I have a test page which I am working on at the following
> URL:
>
> http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~shoofry/test_audio.htm
>
> When checking the html code for this page, this is what I see
> which was created by FrontPage 2000 when I requested
> background music:
> ==========================================
> <html>
>
> <head>
> <title>New Page 1</title>
> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft FrontPage 3.0">
> <bgsound src="AmericaTheBeauthful[1].mid" loop="-1">
> </head>
>
> <body bgcolor="#400000" text="#FFFF00" link="#00FF00" vlink="#FFFF00"
> alink="#FF00FF">
>
> <p align="center"><br>
> <strong><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="3" color="#00FF00"><br>
> </font><font face="Comic Sans MS" size="4" color="#FFFF00"><marquee
> border="0" width="490"
> height="32" scrolldelay="68" scrollamount="10" bgcolor="#400000">
> YOU PUSHED BUTTON NUMBER TWO (2)</marquee><br>
> <br>
> <br>
> Music for the patriotic<br>
> <br>
> Enjoy!<br>
> <br>
> </font></strong><br>
> </p>
> </body>
> </html>
> ========================================
> When I preview my page in FrontPage 2000 it works fine
> When I upload the page, and check the html code, it is there
> however the music doesn't play. What is missing? What do
> I need to do differently, or can I do this?
>
> Thanks for any help you can provide.
>
> Susan
>
>
>
>
> ==== Freepages-Help Mailing List ====
> FTP Settings and Help Pages:
http://helpdesk.rootsweb.com/FAQ/freephelpftp.html
HelpDesk: http://helpdesk.rootsweb.com

==============================
Shop Ancestry - Everything you need to Discover, Preserve & Celebrate
your heritage!
http://shop.myfamily.com/ancestrycatalog


---
Incoming mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.250 / Virus Database: 123 - Release Date: 4/18/01

This thread: