We used to get a lot of requests for instructions about how to create scrolling content like on the Master Series pages.

Then we posted a link to a demonstration-tutorial. The link has a click counter. It's a popular destination. (See URL http://willmaster.com/master/ for an example).

There are two methods for presenting scrolling content — IFRAME and popup.

The IFRAME method puts a window with scrolling content on your web page. The content can be text, images, anything a regular web page can contain. The content scrolling in the window is actually inserted into the window from a separate web page. (Note: the IFRAME tag is not supported in Netscape versions prior to 6.)

The popup method is similar to the IFRAME method, except the scrolling content is displayed in a popup window instead of a window embedded on your web page.

The scrolling content can be testimonials, the latest news, lists of product features, and other information that should be available for those interested and would otherwise require lots of space. It can also be used as a design feature. The scrolling window attracts attention.

It used to require lots of custom coding to create a scrolling window and enough familiarity with JavaScript to customize according to instructions. It was a serious drawback to implementation.

Now it's easier. There's a generator. You'll find it at http://willmaster.com/a/16/pl.pl?art163

Simply fill in the form and click the button. The generator will then provide all the code you need to implement a scrolling content window using the IFRAME tag and/or popups.

NOTE: This generator installation will be available to the public only a short time. After September 17, 2002, it will be moved to the Subscribers Only area of the WillMaster Possibilities web site.

When you generate the code, you will need to specify

1. What type of scrolling window you're generating for, IFRAME or popup. If popup, must a link be clicked to launch it or will it be automatically launched. You can have one, two, or all three of those scrolling window types generated for the same web page.

2. The size of the window that will have the scrolling content.

3. The actual content that will be scrolling in the window. This can be anything a regular web page can display. In fact, what you paste here will be generated as a complete web page that you will upload to your server.

4. The file name for the complete web page of the content that will scroll in the window (see previous item).

Optionally, you may also specify

• How long to wait after the page loads before scrolling begins. If you want to hold off the scrolling, to let the visitor settle in before attracting attention to the scroll, for example, then specify the length of the wait here. Default is 1 millisecond.

• How long to pause between scrolling increments. A larger number for slower scroll, smaller for faster scroll. Default is 1 millisecond (the fastest).

• How many pixels each scrolling increment shall move the content upward. The smaller the number, the smoother the scroll. Default is 1 pixel.

• The number of pixels from the top that the first scroll shall begin at. Can be useful if you want to skip over something, an image or order form for examples, the first time the content scrolls. Default is 0.

After you click the button and generate the code for your scrolling content window, there is one number you might need to adjust. (The instructions are clear, including a count to the exact line containing the number.) It's the "ScrollDepth" number, and it represents the number of pixels the window will scroll before it starts again at the top.

The "ScrollDepth" number is the magic number you adjust to tell the JavaScript how far to scroll. You fix it right in the generated code.

The generator does a pretty good job of guessing the correct "ScrollDepth" number. If you're using default text size and no unspecified-size images or other page elements that require visual space, then you might not have to change it at all.

When you change text size or style, or use all capital letters that make more lines, or use images, or change the scrolling window size, all these things change the depth of the content. That means the window must scroll more or less than it did before.

Whenever you change your content or window size, you may also need to adjust the "ScrollDepth" number. It could require a bit of trial and error to find the best number.

Now, collect all those unsolicited testimonials folks have emailed to you, format them with HTML, and pop them into the generator.

It's about time people know how good you are :)

By: Will Bontrager

Copyright 2002 Bontrager Connection, LLC
http://willmaster.com/possibilities/
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