Don't forget to specify height and width of images, either. There are two good reasons for this: 1 The image will download a lot quicker because browser doesn't have to spend more time searching for image size; 2 When image finally appears it won't cause text that your visitor is reading to suddenly jump down page, which is extremely annoying.

If you are using scanned photographs, or maybe scans of some of your own artwork, make sure scans are good ones. Most scans need work doing on them before they are suitable for use. They should be clear and sharp, not looking as though taken with camera slightly out of focus, or as though seen through a white haze. This last fault is very common on web sites. Usually all that needs doing is adjustment of levels. Even an automatic adjustment can make a big difference.

Consult your scanner or scanning program's instruction book to find out how to make your photos look as much like original as possible, or how to correct a scan of a faulty photograph. The better your scanner, of course, less work you'll have to do on your scans.

Fourmilab Switzerland http://www.fourmilab.ch/ "OK, so site looks like early days of Web, with bare-bones text and annoying frames, but what this site lacks in visual appeal it more than makes up for in compelling content."

FuriFuri Co. http://www.furifuri.com/ "This Tokyo design company has a delightfully cool splash page, followed by a nice use of vertical links in a script-like font. In color and design, site echoes its culture. Nice job."

And today's sighting, which is just a well-designed 404 Error Page! http://noahgrey.com/404.shtml Take a look at Noah Grey's homepage as well--his content and design is just as interesting as his error pages. http://noahgrey.com/oldindex.shtml

If you're looking for something in particular (say you want to find other e-commerce/business sites to get ideas for yours), Sightings is a quick way to get some help here-their thumbnail descriptions immediately clue you in to what to skip--and what to click.