Adults are becoming Internet-savvy.

A recent study by the Nielsen Norman Group found that, contrary to stereotype, teens as a group are not as proficient as adults in navigating the Web.

A group of 13- to 17-year-olds was assigned tasks at 23 Web sites, operated by Apple, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble and other companies. The teens completed the tasks 55% of the time. Adults completed the tasks 66% of the time. These results are consistent with other studies.

Immaturity and poor reading skills partly explained the lackluster performances. So did the teens' weak research skills and unwillingness to tough it out when a site posed design obstacles.

We tend to believe that these amazing multi-tasking, multi-gadgeted kids can run circles around us. And sometimes they do. Ok, many times they do. But, at the same time, adults are becoming increasingly Internet-savvy.

The study poked holes in other stereotypes as well. While teens like cool-looking graphics, they prefer sites with a clean design, relevant content and easy navigation.

Ah, music to my ears.

A bad Web site fails to consider the site visitor's experience.

Now that my Mom has her new Dell computer, I am impressed how she is surfing the Web like a pro! She has been researching everything from condos to antique oil lamps. Mom called me last week to tell me about a Web site she came across. "You have to see this Web site - I really hate it!" Curious, I asked her what the problem was. "Well, the color is 'puke green,' the text hurts my eyes and there is a picture on the second page that doesn't show up." She was very proud of her analysis.

A bad Web site fails to consider the site visitor's experience in fundamental ways. Not everyone who uses the Internet has a daughter in the Web design business and takes the time to analyze what they see when they click on a Web site. Most people will take only seconds to determine if a site makes them feel welcome or makes them want to go elsewhere.

As the Internet continues to grow in popularity and importance for both consumers and businesses, the quality of sites needs to keep pace.

Creating and maintaining a high-quality Web site is more important now than ever. Higher quality equals more revenue.

Memorial Day weekend is coming up. Many people will be celebrating with a Good Old Fashioned Hot Dog Cookout in the backyard. Is there any better way to kick of the summer season?!

Here is a link to the National Hot Dog Council. You can find recipes, information about hot dog history and even rules of Hot Dog Etiquette!