Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter : Issue #8
Copyright (c) 2002 : http://www.ground-z.org
August 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 eBook
7. Design Review
8. Recommended Software
9. Contact/Unsubscribe/Subscribe/Privacy
10. Final Thoughts
11. Newsletter Details


- 1.Introduction -

Welcome to Issue #8 of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. This month in the "Editors Corner" I talk about how your online reputation as a webmaster can matter. We also have the usual recommended resources, software, eBook, promotion tip and design review.

It seems that I can't stop adding new sections to Groundzero because this month I have added two. First up I've added a section called "Webmaster Books" where I have reviewed threebooks that can help you with e-commerce, web design andusability. If you're looking for the legendary "Web Design Usability" book by Jacob Nielsen then be sure to visit this section as soon as possible!

I have also added a "Webmaster Software" section where I recommend four pieces of essential software. These include further recommendations of the excellent "Logo Creator" and "Groupmail" products. These two applications have both been listed in the Groundzero Top 10 Resources for a few months.

Remember that Groundzero was built for webmasters and website owners. It has articles galore with topics that include web design, usability, revenue, website promotion and search engine optimization. It has also numerous reviews of webmaster resources, website tools, software, affiliate networks, promotion tools and traffic generators.

Groundzero also caters for those who don't have a website up and running yet. The "Webmaster Books", "Webmaster Software" and "Website Package" sections combine well to help anyone who wants to get into or master the webmaster game.

If that isn't enough then don't forget that Groundzero is the home of this newsletter. All past issues are posted at the "Webmaster Newsletter" section so if you have missed anything then check it out. If you think you know anyone who might benefit from this eZine then send them to the site.

Groundzero - http://www.ground-z.org

Enjoy this months issue!


- 2.Recommended Resources -

MSA : Matt's Script Archive
http://www.scriptarchive.com
MSA offers free Perl CGI Scripts. These include form mail, guestbooks, discussion forum, basic site search, counters, random text, random link, random image, text clock, free for all links, cookie library, countdown and more.

Overture Search Term Suggestion Tool
http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion
The Search Term Suggestion Tool shows related searches that include your specific term and how many times that term was searched for on the previous month.

Hitbox Central Site Doctor
http://www.hitbox.com/cgi-bin/page.cgi?tools/doc
Webpage analyzing tools that test meta tags, html errors, spelling mistakes and load time. The site load time tool shows times for 14.4k, 28.8k, 56k, ISDN and T1 connections.


- 3.Top 10 Resources @ Groundzero -

Here are the top 10 rated webmaster resources reviewed at Groundzero - http://www.ground-z.org - Visit the "Resource Reviews" section to read in-depth reviews on various website tools, affiliate networks, traffic generators and software.

1 - A Best Web
2 - iPowerWeb
3 - Shareasale
4 - Group Mail
5 - Commission Junction
6 - Ignite Search
7 - Trafficology
8 - Sitepoint Tribune
9 - Fineclicks
10 - Logo Creator

The top 10 list is kept up to date @ Groundzero.


- 4.Editors Corner -

"Your webmaster reputation can matter"

At the beginning of every month I go through Groundzero Webmaster Award applications. This month as I was having an in-depth look around a submitted website I came upon an "about" page that detailed what part of the world the group of webmasters came from and their names.

I had a quick glance at the page, disregarded it and then moved to another but one second before the page disappeared from view I quickly pressed the stop button.

What had caught my eye was that the city and country that these guys had come from was the exact same place that another webmaster who I know of (who doesn't exactly have the best reputation) resides. A detailed look at the list of names showed that the person who I was suspicious of was not associated with this website.

I take running my award program seriously and I follow a set of guidelines when determining what websites earn the Groundzero Design Award. The thing is I was prepared to completely disregard the website in question because it could have been associated with a known "website copier".

Now there could be some unethical behaviour displayed on my part in that situation. This is due to the fact that I don't list anywhere in the award criteria that I have to like the webmaster, I have to review the website but this is a different issue (which could make a good editorial).

My point is that your reputation as a webmaster can matter. The reason I say "can" is because not all webmasters use real names when dealing with others. I use my name online everywhere (websites, newsletter, forums, e-mail, etc).

A good reputation can serve you well where as a not so good one does have the ability to interfere with future online dealings. I don't claim to be Mr. Perfect but a few months ago I made a decision to compose myself when it comes to my online behaviour. I spend 50% of my online time at the A Best Web forums so I don't go looking for flame wars.

Like I said before, a reputation that does not flatter you does have the potential to interfere with link exchange requests, partnership offers, affiliate program and network acceptance and so on.

I don't have a super reputation but I don't have a bad one either. So before you go out and start the flame war of the century or send out mass amounts of spam with your name on it (yes I do know you guys are too intelligent to do this) just think about how this might affect you down the road.


- 5.Promotion Tip -

51 Links : Web Directory
http://www.51links.com

51 Links is a set of links to the most searched for topics on the net. Unlike the regular search engines, portals and directories, this one lets site owners add their own sites and get them listed instantly. Adding your link to their site is easy - first choose the category of your site and then click "Add your link".

51 Links gets thousands of daily visitors currently divided into 67 categories. While all categories aren't equally popular, you're almost guaranteed to get quite a few visitors your way as a result of getting listed here. Unlike the regular search engines where it takes forever to get indexed, your site will be instantly added as long as you have linked to the chosen 51 Links category.

I've listed one of my sites @ 51 Links and the results are what I expected, I've gained a little bit of traffic but nothing to write home about. This is due to the fact that the category I listed in isn't as popular as others (the humour and jokes category is pretty popular).

Depending on the type of website you have and what category you choose the results can vary. 51 Links is good for a quick way to generate some free traffic without any effort.


- 6.Recommended eBook -

Title : Valuable Tips to Those Looking for Hosting
Size : 530KB
Price : Free
URL : http://www.fastebook.com/cgi-bin/pub/demo/get.cgi?p=1

This ebook contains exclusive materials and valuable advice on finding a right hosting provider, choosing a domain name for your site and starting reselling hosting services.

Topics covered include :
- Finding the Web Hosting Co. That's Right for You.
- Top 10 Requirements for Choosing the Right Web Host.
- Web Hosting - Why Pay?
- Avoid eCommerce Hosting Horror.
- WebHosting Bandwidth - An Introduction.
- The many advantages of having your own domain name.
- Domain Names... Setting The Record Straight.
- The Reselling Arrangement.
- Choosing a Provider: for Those Who Starts Host Reselling.


- 7.Design Review -

Site Name : Download.com
Type : download/software portal
URL : http://download.cnet.com

I'm pretty sure most of you have either heard of or visited Download.com. The reason I'm reviewing it in this months issue is because I want to highlight their advertising creatives. Those of you who read last months newsletter may remember my editorial where I commented on how 468 x 60 banner ads are being ignored.

The other day I was visiting Download.com and I just couldn't help but notice the 740 x 100 ad located on the top 1/3 of the page. My eyes couldn't help but take a proper viewing of the creative. Although the product featured in the ad didn't really interest me (it was for Quicken) I didn't feel the need to click on it, but it was highly targeted (software advertised on a software site) so I'm sure it must do ok.

If you're considering changing the way you display advertising then have a look at Download.com and weigh up whether using bigger advertising creatives (including skyscraper/tower ads) are for you.


- 8.Recommended Software -

Name : Dyro Pop Maker
Type : popup/under code generator
Size : 316KB
Price : Free
Operating System : Windows (all)
URL : http://www.fun.bg/Dyro/popmaker.html

Dyro Pop Maker is a code generator that creates popUp and popUnder window code. Use the simple configuration options, hit the Make Code button and your code is created. Dyro Pop Maker code is cross-browser compatible, even in cases where the major browsers don't function identically, Dyro Pop Maker creates the best possible compromise code.

You can choose :
- popup or popunder window
- screen position
- when opening or exiting page
- from a link or button
- 5 to 120 seconds after opening page


- 9.Contact/Unsubscribe/Subscribe/Privacy -

If you have any questions regarding this newsletter then please feel free to contact me by e-mail. You can also send in any feedback about the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. I love receiving e-mail so feel free to send in a message to just say hello or, if you need any help (website wise) then send in a question that I might be able to help you with.

contact - webmaster@ground-z.org
unsubscribe - unsubscribe@ground-z.org
subscribe - subscribe@ground-z.org

I absolutely despise SPAM and I will respect your privacy. I will not share or sell your e-mail address with anyone, I will not send you any unsolicited mail or collect any demographic information about you. Your e-mail address will only be used to receive the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter and any correspondence with me will remain confidential.


- 10.Final Thoughts -

I hope you enjoyed Issue #7 of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. Remember you can always read past issues of this newsletter on the website and the next issue will be sent out September 28th 2002. Please feel free to send any feedback or comments you may have about this newsletter.

If you want to recommend some webmaster resources/websites, eBooks, software or any well designed websites then let me know, even if it's yours. If it benefits others then I'll feature it in an issue of this newsletter so send it in.

If you want to just say hello then go for it!

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

Just remember to inform them that "you" are recommending them the copy because I don't want to be perceived as a"spammer". If you want to help out some more and you think that this newsletter is useful then feel free to put a link on your website pointing to http://www.ground-z.org

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


- 11.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.