Attention-Getting Inserts (with Generator)

What is demonstrated here is not a lot of trouble. It's easy, in fact.

But, why do it at all?

To get attention.

How To Do Article Inserts

I'm talking about inserts where the text flows around it. An example is on the right. Notice how the text you're reading flows around the left of the insert.

The insert can be an ad, a famous quote, a quote pulled from the article itself, a testimonial, or a limited-time offer.

The insert can be text, image, the controls for a sound bite, even a form.

The insert can be inserted from the right of the text, like the above example. It can be inserted into the left of the text, like the quote on the left. And, as you've undoubtedly noticed, they can be packed together.

Notice that many inserts, close together, are distracting and may unintentionally confuse your site visitor.

The Generator

Below is a generator that provides the HTML code to insert into your own web pages.

Note that the generator is within an IFRAME. This means the generated HTML code will appear in the same place where the form is submitted. (The rest of this page won't need to reload.)

So go ahead and use the form. Then read the rest of this article while the code is being generated for you.

For most applications, it is best to insert the HTML code immediately above the beginning of a paragraph or other block of text. The top of the insert will then be horizontally lined up with the first line of the text, unless you've specified a top margin.

Inserting into the middle of a block of text has two drawbacks.

1. Some browsers put space above the insertion.
2. When editing the text in the portion above the insertion, the text may wrap differently, making it necessary to reposition the insert.

Please feel free to bookmark this page and use the generator whenever you wish.

Will Bontrager