Step 1a:	Surf the internet and find a web site you would like to "Sherlock"
.	Look for a "search box" somewhere on the web site. (Example: Here's Beaucoup!, an excellent resource for searching the internet)

.

Step 1b:	Does a Sherlock plug-in already exists for the web site you've chosen?
.	Here are some places to look: At the web site itself. At Apple Computer's Sherlock Plug-in page. At another Sherlock-related website (some are listed on my links page). Granted, it's less fun to use someone else's plug-in, but don't worry: There's plenty of web sites out there to try!

Step 1c:	Have you seen Apple Computer's tutorials on Sherlock?
.	While I'm flattered you're reading my instructions, you may first want to check out these two Apple Tech Notes on Sherlock, covering: How to write a Sherlock plug-in, (Apple Tech Note #1141, and it's only 1 page long) and How Webmasters can take advantage of Sherlock & it's "Find By Content" feature (Apple Tech Note #1180, geared more towards programmers)

Step 1d:	Would it be worth creating a Sherlock plug-in for the web site you've selected?
.	Take a quick look around web page: If the web site's Search feature: Here's why you may not want to make a plug-in. Requires you to log in before using it's search feature(s). When running Sherlock, you can only enter the word, words or phrases you are looking for. If you need to login or enter a password first, a Sherlock plug-in can't be written. Uses a search form that lets you enter more than one or two search criteria The Sherlock plug-in would have to pre-specify all of the search criteria except one: It is possible to write a Sherlock plug-in, but it might be overly restrictive. Offers a number of different search options you could use. You would probably need to create a plug-in for each possible search option: This could result in a lot of Sherlock plug-ins, a time-consuming task. Now run a quick search at the web site using a word or phrase you know will find some information: If the search results: Here's why you may not want to make a plug-in. Are displayed in a novel or graphical format. (example: links2go.com) Sherlock will probably not be able to display the results: It can only handle results displayed as lists. Don't contain any web links. Sherlock wouldn't display any results at all: It's designed to key off of web links found in the search results. Tip! As you gain experience in making Sherlock plug-ins, you'll know which web sites to "Sherlock".

.	Still want to create a Sherlock Plug-in? Great! Let's continue:

Step 1e:	Gather your Sherlock plug-in building tools!
.	When I'm writing a Sherlock plug-in, I use these tools: Tools for Building Sherlock Plug-ins A text-editing program (BBEdit Lite works best, and it's free!) A Browser, to view the web page and its' HTML Source Code. (such as Netscape, iCab, Internet Explorer, or even AOL 4.0 or above) Sherlock, to test your plug-in. ...and: A Sherlock plug-in! You'll be using this plug-in as a guide to help build your plug-in. Open the System Folder and look for a folder called "Internet Search Sites". Open this folder, and you'll find some plug-ins (or folders of plug-ins) to choose from. Copy one of the plug-ins and move it to the Desktop: Do not use the original! Tip! If you are going to create a custom icon for your plug-in, copy a plug-in that already has a custom icon. Otherwise, just copy a plug-in that uses Sherlock's default icon, shown at the right:
	(click here for Part 2)