Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter : Issue #19
Copyright (c) 2003 : http://www.ground-z.org
July 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 #19 of the Groundzero Webmaster Newsletter. This month in the "Editors Corner" I talk about research and we also have the usual recommended resources, promotion tip, eBook, website design and software reviews.

In last months issue I quipped about going into some kind of partnership with someone, or hiring an assistant, or getting an intern in order to spread the workload.

The way this month went, I should have gotten some help some time ago. I'm not looking for sympathy (well, not on a conscious level) but July hit me with an injury, a sickness, throbbing headaches and a major lack of energy due to the fact that I spent a few days not eating.

For the two people out there who care, don't worry, there's nothing wrong with me because I'm fine now and it was just a coincidence that all of this occurred during the time span of three weeks.

Here's my point.

I have majorly fallen behind in my workload. I had planned to have a couple of websites that contain a good number of pages finished by now but I'm not even close. Put it this way, this months issue is the first thing I've created in a few weeks that is even website related and I've only just recently caught up on all the e-mail that filled my inbox.

All I've really managed to do during the last couple of weeks is check stats, read forums but not input anything and read e-mail but not reply. If I had an assistant to do everything I say (webmaster related of course) I'd be ahead in the plans that I have made for the next two months.

On the other hand, I'd probably have to pay them something.

Enjoy this months issue!

Editor - Rik Tairea
Groundzero - http://www.ground-z.org


- 2.Recommended Resources -

All Good Things Webmaster Newsletter :
http://pamela-heywood.com
A fr#e weekly newsletter that will try to help you build an online business. This eZine is published by Pamela Heywood and features her original writing on topics ranging from website owner business issues to affiliate programs.

Simple Search Website Search Script :
http://www.scriptarchive.com/search.html
Simple Search allows you to integrate a keyword and boolean search program into your site so that users can search specified text and HTML documents. It then returns a list of filenames (displayed based on their title tag found in the HTML page) which matched the specified keyword(s).

CGI Made Really Easy :
http://jmarshall.com/easy/cgi
This primer can teach you the basics of CGI in a few minutes and focuses on writing CGI scripts to process HTML forms on the web. It skips some details, but can bring you up to speed fast and covers 90% of real world situations.


- 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 - Ulead Cool 3D
5 - A Best Web
6 - CoffeeCup Firestarter
7 - 123 Log Analyzer
8 - Ulead GIF Animator
9 - Shareasale
10 - Effect 3D Studio


- 4.Editors Corner -

"Research"

Over the last few months, I have been reading on the various webmaster boards and newsletters numerous posts about how it's best to create sites based on what you know and/or what you're interested in. Of course I agree with this statement, but I also disagree with it as well.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Even if you're creating a site solely dedicated to selling products you're not exactly familiar with, you should still do it. Now some might say that's not the best piece of advice to be flinging around and I'd have to agree, this is because if you know pretty much nothing about the product then how do you expect to sell it to people.

The answer? Research the products and/or markets.

The first couple of sites I made around six years ago were dedicated to subjects I was into, I had no interest in selling anything and I didn't even display any banners or ads (and this was during the CPC/CPM gold rush).

I found it easy to create the content because I had first hand knowledge about the subject matter. The interesting spin off in creating my first few webpages was that I was gaining a lot of experience in creating, promoting and maintaining websites and this lead to the creation of Groundzero a couple of years later (which of course is a webmaster resource website).

A few months ago I created a wine products and accessories website that is dedicated to selling said products. Here's the kicker, I'm no wine expert, I've had about three glasses of wine in my lifetime and I don't even have a stray bottle of wine laying around the house.

What business do I have selling anything wine related.

This is where research comes in. Before launching this site I had to study up on what wine products (not the actual liquid itself) were in demand on the internet, and then look into the actual products themselves.

For example, do you know what a rabbit corkscrew is?

It's a corkscrew wine bottle opener that has a metal gear mechanism designed to pull a cork out of a bottle in only three seconds. It's called a rabbit corkscrew because it's handles look like rabbit ears and their ergonomic design makes feels very comfortable in your hands.

I'm still not a wine drinker but I know what a rabbit corkscrew is now and how it works, not only that but I also know how a wine preservation kit and an estate wine opener works as well.

It's amazing what a little research can do.

Like I said earlier in this piece, I do somewhat agree with the old cliche of focusing on what you know and/or what you're interested in, but I'm a firm believer in branching out. Through research, you can open doors to niche markets that you wouldn't usually touch because your lack of knowledge and preparation would produce no results.

Knowledge is power, arm yourself with research.


- 5.Promotion Tip -

Family Friendly Sites Directory :
http://www.familyfriendlysites.com

The Family Friendly Sites (FSS) directory lists websites where families can expect to find content and links that support their physical, mental and emotional development in a healthy way.

If your website meets the FSS Guidelines you can register your website for a fr#e listing and display the FFS Emblem. A fr#e listing can be obtained with a text link and/or an emblem link displayed on your homepage or an appropriate information page.

Displaying the FFS emblem offers you instant recognition as a suitable site for families. If your website qualifies according to the guidelines, then you may add the FFS emblem to your site and get your fr#e listing.

FFS also has a pay per inclusion program. With premium sponsored listings you get a premium listing at the top of each appropriate category. The cost is $49.95 per year and supports the promotion of FFS on the Internet.


- 6.Recommended eBook -

Title : 100 Do's and Don'ts in Web Design.
Format : adobe acrobat document
Size : 100 KB
Price : Fr#e
URL : http://www.spiderpro.com/pr/prstgeb001.html

This eBook features (as the title implies) 100 do's and do not's in relation to website design. Topics range from discussing what works and what doesn't work when creating webpage content to cross browser compatibility.

Topics covered include :
- content (18 do's and don'ts)
- navigation (16 do's and don'ts)
- design (8 do's and don'ts)
- bandwidth (9 do's and don'ts)
- presenting text (16 do's and don'ts)
- images and colors (10 do's and don'ts)
- compatibility (13 do's and don'ts)
- general (9 do's and don'ts)

The eBook displays it's information in concise paragraphs that quickly cover it's designated topic. 100 Do's and Don'ts in Web Design is published by Spider Pro, a website that presents information for webmasters.


- 7.Design Review -

Site Name : Discovergirls
Type : models/actresses portfolios
URL : http://www.discovergirls.com

Discovergirls originated in 1999 as an open forum for aspiring models and actresses. Members are carefully screened to ensure that only the finest models and performers are included. This website is also a past Groundzero Design Award winner.

Discovergirls combines quality and professional design, layout, color scheme and graphics very well. The site also displays it's pictures of it's members in a professional manner not unlike a hardcopy portfolio.

It's navigation is simple but is very prominent which in turn is also very effective. This makes it easy to go through the site and showcase it's members to potential clients and/or future members.


- 8.Recommended Software -

Name : VisualScript XML
Type : xml tool
Size : 30 MB
Price : $495 (30 day fr#e trial)
Operating System : Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP
URL : http://www.smartdraw.com/products/visualscript

VisualScript XML is the first visual scripting tool for XML. Visual scripting allows you to program XML statements into graphical symbols, then simply drag and drop the symbols to sketch the flow of a business process. Then the software translates that sketch into an XML script.

VisualScript XML features include :
- program XML into graphical symbols.
- build libraries of reusable symbols.
- easy drag and drop diagramming.
- automatically insert user entered data into script output.
- add your own models to the user interface.
- also has many more features.

VisualScript XML is made by the same people who created SmartDraw Photo. It's a good tool to define and propagate XML standards and help business users and webmasters translate their process knowledge into XML.


- 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 #19 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 August 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.