IMA uses cascading style sheets -- which are files that define styles for elements such as document titles and subtitles, navigation, captions, rollover hover effects, and other common elements of a Web site -- on every site we create. Style sheets help speed development and produce documents that are consistently implemented from page to page.

However, style sheets must be respected. If they are ignored by individuals who make Web site changes outside of the style sheets, the entire framework is compromised.

It's in situations like these where discipline is required in maintaining a style sheet -- i.e., always call a header1 a header1, and not simply using HTML code to create format change (a boldfaced green 14 point Arial header, for example). When you set aside the discipline for the expediency of getting the document changed and posted, that's when you are then positioned for trouble later on.

The beauty of a cascading style sheet is that it can implement "universal" changes to the format of your Web site. By changing a single file definition, you can change the color or font or font size on every screen in an entire Web site. The time required to do this is less than a minute, but the change to the site cascades down to every page, in the manner of a waterfall.

However, if in haste or ignorance you had changed one of the style sheet elements on a single screen manually, it would not accept the changes dictated by the style sheet change. It would remain as it was -- ruining the design of your site -- and is very difficult to discover, except by a comprehensive re-test of the entire site. Users who then access the page are witness to your sloppy coding, and it reflects badly on your company's image and your attention to detail.

The lesson learned? Use style sheets, and follow them. In recent implementations, particularly when we know our clients intend to maintain the site on their own, we use style sheets in conjunction with the latest content management tools, offering a versatile and powerful solution. In older sites, you can learn how to utilize the style sheet by looking at the source for other similar pages, and following the appropriate code. Or call us, and we'll be happy to give you a quick style sheet lesson on your site.