Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter : Issue #13
Copyright (c) 2003 : http://www.ground-z.org
January 28 2003 : All Rights Reserved
Editor : Rik Tairea - webmaster@ground-z.org

The Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter is a monthly eZine created for webmasters and website owners who are looking for useful resources, tools, editorials, software, eBooks, promotion and design tips to help get the most out of a website. For in-depth reviews of webmaster resources and website tools, articles, books, software, awards and past newsletter issues visit 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 #13 of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. This month in the "Editors Corner" I talk about what eZines I read and we also have the usual recommended resources, promotion tip, eBook, website design and software reviews.

One year ago the first issue of this newsletter was sent out to it's first readers. One year later and it's still going out to a webmaster audience who are obviously very smart and good looking (hey, would I lie to you).

The Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter is a labor of love and publishing it was one of the best ideas I have ever had for quite some time. It took about 4 issues to get it just the way I wanted it to feel and I'm happy with the results.

Another thing that I'm also happy about regarding this eZine is that I've managed to send out every issue on time each month and I haven't resorted to filling the "Editors Corner" with someone else's article. I've had a couple of really close calls with writers block.

If you have ever thought about publishing an e-mail newsletter then I highly recommend you get one out. I've found that it is good for traffic increases and brand awareness in relation to the Groundzero website.

One year down and 200,000,000 to go baby.

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

Enjoy this months issue!


- 2.Recommended Resources -

Favicon :
http://www.favicon.com
A Favicon is an image featured in the address bar and favorites folder ol Internet Explorer. Favicon.com helps webmasters develop Favicons for their own sites by providing a professional icon design service, and by recommending software for those who wish to build their own.

GUIStuff :
http://www.guistuff.com
GUIStuff offers free web designs and tools for creating website add-ons suitable to all levels of designers or webmasters. The novice may choose a GUI and implement it as-is, while an advanced designer may use parts of the graphic files in their designs, or study how elements were created in order to recreate them in a different form.

Webmaster World :
http://www.webmasterworld.com
Webmaster World is a forum/message board that deals with the design, coding, maintenance, promotion, marketing, and management of a website. Highly recommended for it's sections that deal with the main search engines (especially Google), search engine issues and webpage optimization.


- 3.Top 10 Resources @ Groundzero -

Here are the top 10 rated webmaster resources reviewed at Groundzero. Visit the "Webmaster Resources" section and read in-depth reviews on various website tools, guides, affiliate networks, traffic generators and software. New webmaster resources are added weekly and are rated out of 5.00.

1 - Logo Creator
2 - iPowerWeb
3 - Group Mail
4 - A Best Web
5 - CoffeeCup Firestarter
6 - Ulead Cool 3D
7 - Fineclicks
8 - 123 Turnkey
9 - CoffeeCup HTML Editor
10 - Shareasale


- 4.Editors Corner -

"I Read Newsletters Too"

Good newsletters/eZines are full of useful information, it's a fact. This is why I'm subscribed too quite a few that target my interests (which is mainly webmaster related). I really like eZines because they have the desired information that I am looking for, are a good length for my attention span and they keep me up to date with trends and issues.

I'm actually not sure how many I'm signed up with but these are the main ones I look forward to receiving in my inbox.

Sitepoint Tribune :
http://sitepoint.com/newsletter

The Sitepoint Tribune is a weekly publication that covers building, managing and marketing a website. I'm pretty sure that a good percentage of you out there have either heard of this publication or receive it like I do.

I consider Sitepoint.com to be one of the big boys when it comes to website development. The Sitepoint Tribune is a good extension of that site and is a good way to keep up to date with the latest articles published there and issues regarding the webmaster and website development world.

Pandia Post :
http://www.pandia.com/post

The Pandia Post is a bimonthly newsletter on internet searching and search engine ranking. When I realized how important search engine optimization was and knowing how search engines worked I was glad that I found this eZine.

If you don't frequent forums/message boards that keep up to date with search engine optimization and search engine news/issues then the Pandia Post is perfect for you.

eZine Articles :
http://ezinearticles.com/subscribe.html

The eZine Articles weekly digest sends you articles that are available for you to include them in your newsletter or on your website. The authors of these articles have given their permission for you to reprint the articles, as long as you include the resource box and leave the articles intact.

If you're looking for free content, looking to submit your own articles or looking for new articles to read that cater to your needs, then this weekly digest is recommended.

Trafficology :
http://www.trafficology.com

Trafficology is a newsletter that has a huge following and highlights unique ways to boost website traffic. Some ideas make you think "wow that's amazing" or "why didn't I think of that" while others make you think "that sounds dodgy".

I haven't personally used any of the ideas presented in this publication (they didn't really suit my situation) but I have seen a lot of methods that can suit a wide range of sites. If you can get your hands on a few back issues then you will be in for a lot of good reading.

Being an avid newsletter reader led me to produce my own publication. I've often contemplated making the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter a bimonthly eZine but I'm happy with the current setup.

I've said this many times before and I'll say it again, Newsletters are a great source of information. Knowledge is power, so arm yourself.


- 5.Promotion Tip -

FindWhat PPC Search Engine :
http://www.findwhat.com

FindWhat is powered by a unique proprietary listing system that allows e-business and website owners to bid on result page placement for the relevant keywords and phrases associated with the products/services offered by their site.

Open an account membership with FindWhat and bid on keywords and key phrases within search results. You have complete control over how much you want to spend, where you want to be found and when you want your program to be active. You only pay for traffic which clicks-through to your site.

Minimum deposit of $25 and a minimum bid of 1 cent.


- 6.Recommended eBook -

Title : Make Your Site Sticky
Size : 547 KB
Price : Free
URL : http://www.firstwebbuilder.co.uk/sticky.html

Written by Diane Reuby, Make Your Site Sticky outlines what a sticky site is, why you need one and what makes it sticky. Quite simply, a sticky site is a site that visitors return to. The more sticky your site is the more people return.

Topics covered include :
- navigation
- making your site load faster
- site search, bookmarks and guestbooks
- colours and colour schemes
- custom 404 page
- free content
- message boards / forums
- ezines / newsletters and ebooks


- 7.Design Review -

Site Name : Hoerr Nursery
Type : nursery / garden center
URL : http://www.plantconnection.com

Established in 1926, D.A. Hoerr and Sons Inc. prides itself in 76 years of quality service and has garden centers in Peoria and Galesburg. This website is an extension of the business and features online shopping and catalogs.

What really caught my eye about this site was it's good use of text color on a white background. A dark blue is used for headings, light blue for links and black for body text. This all fits on a very clean layout with good text size and a header logo/image that fits in with the color scheme.

A very good example of clean webpage design.


- 8.Recommended Software -

Name : HTML Builder Lite
Type : Webpage Editor
Size : 22 MB
Price : Free
Operating System : Windows (all)
URL : http://www.code-builders.com/hbxp.shtml

HTML Builder XP is an easy to use development environment for HTML that includes features which will help you to create webpages. HTML Builder XP is a fully functional software package for web development and design.

It includes libraries of Java and DHTML scripts for personal and business use, as well as professional functions as found in well used programming languages such as Borland Delphi and Microsoft Visual C++. It features plugins for regular functions such as FTP, Telnet and others are also able to expand the functionality of HTML Builder XP.


- 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 #13 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 Feburary 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 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

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

Thanks for your time and stay safe.
Rik Tairea :)


- 11.Newsletter Details -

You are receiving the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter because you submitted your e-mail address by way of e-mail or a sign-up form located at Groundzero. If you do not wish to receive this publication anymore then use 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 eZine 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.