Netiquette IQ Technical Term of The Day - The 404 Error Code Message

From whatis.com

A 404 page is the webpage served to a user who tries to access a page that cannot be located at the URL provided. 

The 404 error indicates that the server where the page should reside has been contacted but that the page is does not exist at that address, at that time. 404 errors can result when sites cease to exist, when pages or files are moved or deleted or when URLS are mistyped. 

Web browsers all provide default 404 error pages that explain the error and include a link to the site's home page. However, many websites create custom 404 pages to align with their brand and culture and, possibly, provide more guidance or entertainment for the user.

This haiku error message has been appearing almost as long as 404 errors have:

You step in the stream,
but the water has moved on.
This page is not here.

Here are a few other examples of creative 404 error pages:

• The Association for Computing Machinery's error page types out a lengthy message from the depressed web server.
• The Rolling Stones website provides a video of the band performing their song "You can't always get what you want."
• Magn.com features a Venn diagram with "404 page" in the intersection of "We broke something" and "You can't type."
• The Titleist 404 page is an image of a bunch of golfers searching the roughs with the text, "Sorry, but we can't seem to find the page you are looking for.
• Blue Fountain Media's 404 page apologizes for the unfound page and offers the viewer the opportunity to play a little Pacman instead.

Renny Gleeson explains the importance of a well-designed 404-page in his entertaining TED talk, 404: The Story of a Page Not Found.

============================================
 In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, " Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:
 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki
 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County, NJ.
 Great Reasons for Purchasing Netiquette IQ

·         Get more email opens.  Improve 100% or more.

·         Receive more responses, interviews, appointments, prospects and sales.

·         Be better understood.

·         Eliminate indecision.

·         Avoid being spammed 100% or more.

·         Have recipient finish reading your email content. 

·         Save time by reducing questions.

·         Increase your level of clarity.

·         Improve you time management with your email.

·        Have quick access to a wealth of relevant email information.

Enjoy most of what you need for email in a single book.
===========================================