Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter : Issue #2
Copyright (c) 2002 : http://www.ground-z.org
February 28 2002 : All Rights Reserved
Editor : Rik Tairea - webmaster@ground-z.org

This is a FREE monthly newsletter created for webmasters and website owners who are looking for resources, website tools, editorials, software, eBooks, promotion and design tips to help get the most out of a website. For in-depth webmaster resource reviews, website related articles, website awards and past newsletter issues then visit the Groundzero website located at http://www.ground-z.org.


- In This Issue -

1. Introduction
2. Recommended Resources
3. Top 10 Resources @ Groundzero
4. Editors Corner
5. Promotion Tip
6. Recommended Download
7. Subscriber Sites
8. Contact/Subscriptions/Privacy
9. Final Thoughts
10. Newsletter Details


- 1.Introduction -

Welcome to the second issue of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. We've added a new section showcasing the top 10 resources @ Groundzero, I share my thoughts on website theft and fee-based services and we also have our first subscriber site.

By the way, if you write articles I'm currently on the look out for writing related to search engines and search engine optimization. If you want it featured on the Groundzero website then submit it by e-mail : webmaster@ground-z.org Complete and total full credit will be given and we are currently not accepting articles for the newsletter.

Tell me what you think about this newsletter at the same e-mail address. I'd really appreciate the feedback, especially about the size and format because I purposely tried to add more content (hopefully that's what you're looking for). Jokes aside I'd like to know if you think it should be bigger, smaller or just stay the way it is.

Enjoy : Rik.


- 2.Recommended Resources -

JavaScript Source - http://javascript.internet.com
There are plenty of websites that offer a huge library of JavaScript's but when ever I need a script for Groundzero I check this site out first. You can find it all here, they have scripts ranging from page navigation to page effects. Recently I downloaded a script which allows me to pop-up a window with set out dimensions when a user leaves the main index page. This script also plants a cookie so that a visitor will only see that pop-up once a day.

PicoSearch - http://www.picosearch.com
Here is a fully professional search hosting service that gives you a search engine over the internet to search your own website or any collection of websites. PicoSearch is easy to setup, and can offer unlimited searching with no additional software required. The standard service is free and displays the PicoSearch branding, while paid accounts are not required to carry advertising or branding.

Alxnet - http://www.alxnet.com
Another webtool provider but with a major difference, no banner or graphic ads. They provide guest books, web polls, web quizzes and chat systems and instead of incorporating the use of banner ads they place text links at the bottom of the page that advertise their free service and sponsors. All services are modified from a easy to use control panel, standard membership is free and there is a professional service available with no required advertising.


- 3.Top 10 Resources @ Groundzero -

Here are the top 10 rated webmaster resources located @ Groundzero - http://www.ground-z.org - Visit the resources section to read the in-depth reviews.

1 : A Best Web
2 : Sitepoint Tribune
3 : Trafficology
4 : Bravenet
5 : Commission Junction
6 : CPA Bank
7 : Click Quick
8 : Hits4me
9 : Kickme.to
10 : Website Forums


- 4.Editors Corner -

"Website Theft"

I'm an active member @ the A Best Web forum and I have read discussions where webmasters have reported the stealing oftheir designs, content, graphics and even whole websites.

Like many of you I am a webmaster with ethics and I am totally disgusted with this. It's now a major pet peeve of mine because a couple of my webmaster peers have been the victims of this (insert your expletive here) crime.

For example : a webmaster of a freebies site had his site design, layouts and graphics copied and all his content was translated into another language. No doubt as you can all imagine the webmaster (or should we say victim) of the original site was a bit mad. To tell you the truth when I read the news so was I for that matter because if it can happen to him it can happen to anyone.

The good thing about this story is that after some communication between both parties (and a public ribbing from A Best Web members) the offending website was taken down and the defendants confessed to their crime and apologized. Albeit no one really accepted the apology because it sounded like a case of "you got caught".

Is it really that hard to create your own work? For some maybe but I am a firm believer that if you put the time and effort into a website and keep at it you can achieve the desired results that you are looking for. If you place someone else's property onto your website is it really that hard to ask for their permission first and give complete and total credit where credit is due?

For example : @ Groundzero I have plenty of content which I have created myself and I also showcase the articles of other's who are experienced at what they do. I make it an absolute rule to obtain permission to post their work, follow their guide lines for publishing it, give complete and total credit (including their name, byline, website and optional e-mail address) and inform them that I have placed it on my website. It's not that hard to do.

If someone creates a carbon copy of your website then I suggest you enter into some sort of dialogue with the criminals (yes, that's what they are) because if they have some sort of conscious they will right their wrong very quickly (hopefully). If nothing comes from that then I'm not sure what you can do next.

I don't know squat about copyright or infringement law so I won't even try to give you some legal advice because the chances are is that it would cause more harm than good. A search @ Google http://www.google.com for copyright law would yield better results, either that or talk to a lawyer for about a $200 per hour (in any currency).

"Survey - what would you pay for"

What I meant to say is as a webmaster, what online webmaster tools, services or resources do you or would you pay for if you couldn't get it free?

I ask this because I'm noticing that newsletters, websites and former free website tool providers have been changingto a pay-per-subscription or pay-per-member service/model in high numbers over the last few months.

Don't worry, I'll never charge for access to the Groundzero website or newsletter, I'll just hope that you are supporting our sponsors (wink-wink hint-hint).

I'm sure a few of you have been hearing over the last year or so that "the free ride is over" or "free isn't exactly free anymore" or something along those same lines. So in order to find a high quality service that will benefit your website your going to have to pull out the credit card or search very hard for that free service that is both high quality and advertisement free, which is very rare.

On a side note this is not to say existing free services that are sponsored by advertising are bad. In fact there are some free webtool providers that provide very good services (like Bravenet) and are in some cases better than companies that offer fee based services.

I've got a little confession to make. In order to keep overheads to a bare minimum I use a fair amount of free services over a range of websites, this even includes my favorite projects the Groundzero website and newsletter. On a side note I don't even work on other websites anymore even though they still get good amounts of traffic (I did all the promotion work before hand).

But as Groundzero grows (content, traffic and subscriber wise) I'm going to have to start paying for a lot more things in order to provide a quality service. This doesn't bother me one bit because it gives me more control over things and as I mentioned before allows me to provide a quality service for my visitors and subscribers.

Just to let you know I don't do the "website thing" full time (I sure wish I could) because this is pretty much a hobby thing for me (which is great because I hardly get bored anymore).

The reason I asked what you would pay for is because lately I've been getting a few requests from website/webmaster related companies (and other webmasters) asking me if I would like to place links, banners or reviews on Groundzero and work out some sort of Cost Per Sale or Action deal that would benefit all parties involved (me, the advertisers, visitors to the website and newsletter subscribers).

So far I haven't said yes but I haven't said no either. If you have a good look around Groundzero you will notice that the only sponsors and resources featured are available to webmasters for free, but some do also provide a fee based or professional non advertising service along side.

I will start to phase in CPS/CPA advertisers and fee based resource reviews in the near future on the website but I would like to know what you would pay for and what you need. I'll get the ball rolling and list what webmaster and website related services I'm prepared to pay for (better blow the dust off of my credit card).

- domain names
- web hosting
- advertising
- software
- search engine listings
- merchant/affiliate program
- scripts and implementation
- automated mailing service

What about you? Let me know - webmaster@ground-z.org

There's my rant for this month.


- 5.Promotion Tip -

"Submit your site to The Langa List"

The Langa List is a free bi-weekly email newsletter from computer guru Fred Langa that helps you get more from your hardware, software, and time online. Besides being a great source of computing information it's also a great place to get some free exposure for your website.

Featured in the newsletter is a section called "They Loaded The Code" and in it features a whole bunch of varied sites that are submitted by subscribers. With a subscriber base that numbers over 150,000 readers, the chance of getting a few visitors from a listing is pretty high.

First thing you have to do is subscribe to The Langa List @ http://www.langa.com/newsletter.htm

Secondly you have to place a Langa List banner, button, graphic or link somewhere visible on your website that points to http://www.langa.com/newsletter.htm

Finally you have to contact Fred and inform him of the exact location of the banner/button/graphic/link by e-mail to link@langa.com It's also a good idea to include your name/handle and actual website address. It also wouldn't hurt if you included some sort of thank you, just remember that the keyword is "thank you" not "butt kiss".

I've had three websites listed in The Langa List with excellent results and having your website listed in the newsletter also gets it listed on http://www.langa.com Just remember that results will vary depending on the type of your website content and target audience.

There are a few points you should consider :
- Your site should be viewable to a general audience.
- Make sure you submit the right url.
- You might have to wait a few weeks to see the listing.
- Follow Fred's instructions carefully.

On a side note don't be one of those "people" who sign up and then unsubscribe as soon as their site is listed. It's (for lack of a better phrase) "not cool". As I said before, The Langa List is a great source of computing information and with all newsletters and ezines if you feel your not happy with a publication and the information it provides then by all means unsubscribe, try not to use it and then dump it.

By the way, this promotion tip is pretty much universal when it comes to newsletters that let subscribers submit their sites for a listing (including the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter).

The Langa List - http://www.langa.com/newsletter.htm


- 6.Recommended Download -

Name : Evrsoft 1st Page 2000
Size : 5.2 MB
Price : Free
Operating System : Microsoft Windows (all versions)
Minimum Requirements : Pentium 75 MHz - Internet Explorer
URL : http://evrsoft.com/1stpage

Evrsoft 1st Page 2000 is a free script editor that helps you write, edit and improve your HTML. It's powerful tools let you author websites faster, easier and better. Most new builders don't realize the time they're losing by relying on traditional based text editors like Windows Notepad to author their sites. Whether you're a beginner or an HTML guru you'll find 1st Page 2000 great to use and you can't beat the great price (there is none) and it's a great way to learn HTML and see how JavaScripts work.

Features Include :
- 450+ Javascripts/VBScripts.
- DHTML Zone with re-usable DHTML scripts
- Full support for SSI, CGI, Perl, Cold Fusion, ASP.
- JavaScript Rollover Images.
- JavaScript/VBScript Object Tree.
- HTML Source Compressor - Reduce webpage file size.
- Flash 4/Shockwave/Java/ActiveX Support.
- 6 Common JavaScript Wizards.
- And much much more.


- 7.Subscriber Sites -

To get your site featured in this newsletter just send an e-mail to webmaster@ground-z.org As long as your site is viewable to a general audience and doesn't contain anything offensive then please feel free to submit. Only available to subscribers, a website link to http://www.ground-z.org would be highly appreciated.

To celebrate our first subscriber site I have decided to dedicate this months section to one website

Web Address Stickers :
http://www.webstickerscompany.com

People read promotional advertising, bumper stickers, window stickers and vinyl car graphics written on the back of the car in front. There's a captive audience out there, offline website promotion and advertising is important and is made affordable @ Web Address Stickers.


- 8.Contact/Subscriptions/Privacy -

If you have any questions regarding this newsletter then please feel free to contact the editor at the following e-mail address : webmaster@ground-z.org. You can also send in any feedback about the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter to the same address.

If for some reason you no longer wish to receive this newsletter then send an e-mail to webmaster@ground-z.org with the subject heading "Unsubscribe" from the address you signed up with. You will be removed from future mailings.

If a friend has sent you a copy of this issue and you would like to subscribe then sign-up by visiting Groundzero at http://www.ground-z.org You can also sign up by sending an e-mail to webmaster@ground-z.org with the subject heading "Newsletter Subscription" and your address in the body.

I hate SPAM and I will respect your privacy. I won't share or sell your e-mail address with anyone, send you any unsolicited mail or collect any demographic information. Your e-mail address will only be used to receive the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter and any correspondence you have with us will remain confidential.


- 9.Final Thoughts -

There we have it, the second issue of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it and found some of the information useful. Issue #3 will be sent out March 28th 2002 so spread the good word around.

I also want to let you know that this issue won't be posted on the website until the end of March. All future issues will not be posted on Groundzero until after a month has passed. This is to make sure that subscribers get total exclusivity to all the information that is provided.

But you are still welcome to share this newsletter with others. If you think you know someone who might be interested in reading this newsletter then do them (and me) a favor and forward them this entire e-mail or point them to the Groundzero website located @ http://www.ground-z.org

Even if they are not a webmaster yet they may find this info useful in the future when/if they decide to create, maintain and promote their own websites. Just remember to inform them that "you" are "recommending" them the copy because I don't want to be perceived as a "spammer".

Thanks for your time and stay safe.
Your humble editor : Rik


- 10.Newsletter Details -

You are receiving the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter because you submitted your e-mail address by way of a sign-up form located at Groundzero or at one of our partner sites. You may have also subscribed by e-mail. If you do not wish to receive this publication anymore then please follow the unsubscription e-mail link located in section 9.

No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. You may forward this newsletter by e-mail as long as you forward it in its entirety. It is forbidden to post this newsletter on any website or republish it in print or other media without prior written consent from the editor.