DavidF, WHY shouldn't we use a Master Page in a Publisher Web Pub?

[CatABird_Wr]

Hi, DavidF,

I saw your recommendation in one of your responses to someone else on this
board, and I need clarification as to why.

I've been creating my business Website using Publisher XP--it's not
published yet, so I can't provide a link to it here--for some time, and I'm
using the Master Page to create uniformity of design on all my pages (10
pages so far).

Will this cause a problem when I try to upload my publication to the
Internet--or would it just make my Site look bad?

I'm only using Publisher because I'm not fluent in HTML code (and especially
not in XML code!) and want my Site to be better than anything I could create
using HTML.

Wouldn't the Master Page act as a Cascading Style Sheet when the publication
is saved as a Website? Or does XML ruin the effect?

Please let me know! Thanks!

--CatABird_Wr

 

[CatABird_Wr]

Oops! Sorry,

I forgot to add that I'm running the WinXP Home SP2 O/S on my PC.

Oh, yeah, and I did notice that any form I created on any of my pages does
not format (layout) properly when viewed in the Website Preview (regardless
of which browser settings I choose to view it in). So, out of frustration, I
got rid of the forms for now, until I learn how to set them up properly (if
that is even possible).

One more concern. I'm trying to center my page, but no matter what I do,
the page always seems to be on the left side in the Website Preview. So, I'm
thinking this might have to be set during or after uploading to the
Webhosting Site. Correct?

And, yes, I know my hoster has to have Front Page Extensions loaded for me
to upload via HTTP settings and have all my Publisher formatting turn out
right.

Hey, any advanced tips would be greatly appreciated!

--CatABird_Wr

 

[DavidF]

Using the Master page sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately you end up
with unpredictable results when you use it in a Publisher web. Among other
things, anything you put on the Master Page will not be seen when you view
the page in FireFox and other browsers. You have the option of duplicating
everything on a page when you insert an additional page...use that to create
"uniformity".

Pub 2002 is not the best version of Publisher. Be sure you have the Office
2002 SP1 at least. Read: Web Publication Changes Made in Version 2002 of
Publisher:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/dbartosik/pages/81262.aspx

Publisher pages are fixed width and left justified by design. If you want to
center Pub 2002 pages, you have to edit the code of each page after you
produce the web pages, and before you upload. Don has a method that works
for Pub 2000 and 2002, and will likely be along. Otherwise read through the
group and you will see the subject come up often. Also read: Understanding
background padding in a Publisher web (aka white
space):
http://msmvps.com/blogs/dbartosik/archive/2006/01/07/80563.aspx
You can produce a nice looking site that is left justified. Many are...but
as I said, either read through the other posts, or Don will provide
instructions on editing the html code.

As per forms, it sounds like you have reviewed some of the reference
material, but I will relist it here for your convenience:

Publisher web publication forms 101:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/dbartosik/archive/2006/01/07/80564.aspx

Reference: How to publish a Publisher web in HTTP:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/dbartosik/pages/80557.aspx

How to trouble-shoot Publisher web upload issues :
http://msmvps.com/blogs/dbartosik/pages/80560.aspx

DavidF