ADLANDS'
DIGEST
A
Free subscribed Discussion List
of
3840 subscribers
on
web marketing and promotion
Bogdan
Fiedur, Publisher
mailto:
Bogdan@softfornet.com
Vol.
1, #63, January 23, 1999
POST AND UNSUBSCRIBE INFO AT BOTTOM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS WEEK'S IMPRESSION WINNER!
This week's winner of 1000 impressions at Adland Classifieds is
Thomas with web site "Permier Publications" at
http://www.boconline.com
To be eligible for the draw, you have to link to Adland using custom link.
When you win, your ad will be displayed on top of Adland pages till your
1000 impressions is used.
Go here for details http://www.adlandpro.com/become_an_affiliate.asp
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topics in this issue:
Sponsor Message
Word from Publisher
================
N e w P o s
t s (6)
=======================
1.)
Eve <intrapreneur@inficad.com>
~Question
about FFA and Yahoo email address
2.)
Bob Cortez <bobak@eagle.ptialaska.net>
~
Spam Haters
3.)
Leif Mogensen <lemo@takas.lt>
~
ABUSE and what can Serious Marketeers do for
protection.
4.)
Glenda Wilson <lo45go@citrus.infi.net>
~I
have a REQUEST (spam Haters)
5.)
Mischa Chillak <worm@xspace.com>
~Inquiry
about other ezines
6.)
Ron Ohlin <rzw@mcn.net>
~Marketing
Tips for On-Line and E-Commerce Marketers
C
o n t i n u i n g D i s c u s s i o n (4)
============================
1.)
CAMBOOKS" <cambooks@mailhost.target.net>
~
For your information (Spam related)
2.)
Cathy K Correia mccel31@tnweb.com
~
Opinion & Info
3.)
Eva Almeida
<healthandmoneytips@healthandmoneytips.com>
~
5 Ways To Be A Helpful To Your Fellow Marketers!
4.)
William Bontrager <william@willmaster.com>
~
About some Mac programming -- Adland's Digest #62
R
e q u e s t f o r R e v i e w (6)
=======================
~
Dee Reynolds DEEFR52@aol.com
~
Russ Swan <rswan@homebizbuildr.com>
~
Yumi Hirahara <yumi@pallasnet.com>
~
From: Clayton Turnbow <api@texas.net>
~
N S V Iyengar <iyengarnsv@hotmail.com>
~
Lewis Jackson <Papo@shentel.net>
S
i t e R e v i e w R e s p o n s e s (2)
===========================
1.)
Joseph Jobst <webmaster@linz1.net>
~
Site review and
The
top five rules creating professional-looking
web
sites
2.)
Nikki E. Bakkal WinnersWeR@aol.com
~Thank
you!
G u e s t A r t i c l e
=======================
THE TOP SEVEN FREE E-ZINES
FOR GROWING
YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE IN
1999
by
Terry Dean
================Sponsor Message ========================
Send your offer to hundreds of networkers each day
without spamming. Get your own FREE FFA page and
custom autoresponder! Details at:
http://www.sespower.com/s.cgi?00139
============ Word from publisher (2)=============
"In each crisis there is opportunity" this is saying wich I think applies
now to my situation. After being accused of spamming I found
that this topic caused lots of adland's subscribers to activly participate
in the discussion. I had opportunity to get better understanding what
subsribers are on this list. So even if we are in trouble, there is always
somthing we can benefit.
Regarding Heidi please don't email her anymore. She will try to harm
anybody who attempts to contact her. Recently she found way of bombing
with emails one of my supporters, by subscribing her ad numerous times
to FFA sites which replay with submission confirmation messages.
I initiated legal action against her and will inform you, when something
new appears in her case.
I still receive letters from you on that topic. I will include them here
Now enjoy, lots of good information in this issue.
Please also visit these two links. They are great resources .
Seven Steps To E-Commerce Success
http://www.scoop2000.com/
1000's of Tips, Tools, & Tricks For Webmasters"
http://www.sitetoolbox.com/
============New Post (1) ======================
From: Eve <intrapreneur@inficad.com>
Subject : Question about FFA and Yahoo email address
< cut some opinion in regards to Heidi>
I do have a question for you Bogdan. If someone uses a software like FFA
Blaster, do you think is it OK to use a yahoo address (for example) when
submitting to handle all those autoresponder messages? It helps me to stay
organized to have separate email addresses for different things, but I sure
don't want to break the law. I do read the autorepsponder emails (well, most
of
them) but sometimes I might get 700 in 2 or 3 days, so a yahoo address makes
using link posting software convenient and keeps things organized. What do
you
think. I am not asking for legal advice, just an opinion...
You have a neat letter with useful content, and good service at your website
and
I have Adland's banner at my site! So there, mean people of the net!
Eve
----------------------------------------------
Editor comment.
I though that this question could be discussed as I wasn't sure what the
answer should be.
============New Post (2) ======================
From: Bob Cortez <bobak@eagle.ptialaska.net>
Subject: Spam Haters
Hi Bogdan and all,
I turn my back and miss reading a few issues and look what happens, you get
attacked by a certified wacko from the lunatic fringe. The good news is
that so many faithful and appreciative readers came to your aid and
support - that's what the Internet is all about, in spite of what those of
the Heidi persuasion are trying to turn it into. Aadland is a fine
publication, and Bogdan you are an honest, ethical publisher that should
never have had to deal with the likes of this asinine attack
Now for the "Bad News". As Internet Marketers we are part of the problem.
Not speaking out against Spam, is like not speaking out against violence.
By not speaking out against it, doing everything we can to fight it, in
essence we are condoning it. We all have to drink from the same well. If
we turn our backs and allow the pollution (Spam) to continue, the water
will be unfit for any of us. Everyone will be filtering all mail to the
trash bin except for the people that they decide to place on their accept
list. That is where we are headed, and it will ruin the Internet as we
know it.
I think it's time that we go the 'extra' mile in making sure that people
make a 'positive' choice to receive information from us. While the
pre-checked subscribe box is the norm and will garner more email addresses
I wonder if that is truly the highest road we could take. Why not present
the case for why they should want to subscribe? I know this is contrary to
popular opinion, and what most of the 'experts' are saying about how to
build your email list, but I think we should be more concerned about
creating relationships than lists. I would rather have 100 people that I
have relationship with that I can sell multiple products or services
repeatedly, than a thousand addresses that I may be able to sell once (and
get someone like Hedi in the process).
I'll get off my soapbox now and offer a suggestion for another way to at
least lessen the threat from people like this idiot. Use a third party
list service. http://www.egroups.com , http://www.onelist.com , and
http://www.listbot.com all offer FREE list hosting services. If you don't
like the ads, http://www.listhost.net is a low cost alternative. You'll
never risk losing your ISP again, you have a backup of your list off your
computer and away from your business in the event of some type of disaster.
Best wishes to you all, and keep fighting the good fight.
Bob Cortez
Bob Cortez mailto:bobcortez@tqm-online.com
Total Quality Marketing http://www.tqm-online.com
Integrated & Innovative Marketing Solutions For You
-----------------------------------------
Editor note.
Bob,
I can't agree more with you on that.
Subscription to Adland digest is not preselected.
It used to be preselected for about 2-3 weeks when this group started
about six months ago, but when I had some complaints about that,
I removed it and never put it again.
Lessons are learned, but I still can't agree with the fact that somebody can
use such methods like trying to hurt honest business without even
considering other ways of finding resolution to the problem. (assuming
that there was a problem)
Bogdan Fiedur
============New Post (3) ======================
From: "Leif Mogensen" <lemo@takas.lt>
Subject: ABUSE and what can Serious Marketeers do for protection.
Dear listmembers
I am very angry about the attempt to harrass this list and people
subscribing to it.
I was official sending this "Heidi Thomas" email stating that
according to our rules NON US she could be procecuted as
attempt to blackmail !.
Result was she was threatening me with getting me thrown out
from my ISP.
Thats not that easy , as in this country we do not have an ISP but
we have public accessible numbers letting us access internet
without any kind of contracts or agreements. JUST A PUBLIC
number !!.
I was answering back to her that my intension was to sue her
according to OUR rules. She backed OFF.
The point is that I would like all members of the list to give me their
opinion about starting a new public service ,filing all email
addresses of known Spam Haters , both the realistic and the
fanatic in order to give everybody the possibility to avoid similar
problems.
I am daily sending mail to 450 mailing lists - 7500 BBS - about 400
newsgroups - 200 Ezines and I would like to open a special WEB
site for reporting ,filing of actions like this .
The spam haters has their spam report system , why do we
Marketeers not have our central report system and central legal aid
possibility. ???
I as above mentioned are NOT situated in The USA and as such
NOT covered by US rules and I have more free hands to act as the
most of You.
This special WEB could also be used for our own cleaning - by
reporting FRAUD MLM and similars .
We all know that there are not so correct people trying to get
benefits without any serious business attempt.
This WEB will be free for everybody - but with password protection
and verification of sender. WHATS YOUR Opinion ?????
Please forward email to kaviar@theoffice.net
Leif Mogensen
============New Post (4) ======================
From: Glenda Wilson <lo45go@citrus.infi.net>
Subject: Re: I have a REQUEST
Hi Bogdan,
I just received your digest and visited the site with all the mail you
received on Heidi's ridiculous claim. My letter was posted also, and I
see that I failed to mention one thing that I always do. And that is,
anytime I send a letter to anyone, even friendly people, I always make a
carbon copy that will come back to me.
First, as a reference to remind me what our conversation was about; and
second as proof of what I really did and really said against any
accusations.
Ruth, from lifestyles publications, who does the ezine directory had put
out notices to all her resellers her policy against spamming again
because she apparently had received some sort of threat also. I wrote
her back about your ordeal and some suggestions I made to you. But I
added the carbon copy I always do.
She wrote me back and I notice she used my suggestion and carbon copied
her letter to me. I was glad to see this and hope you might consider
doing the same.
My request is this. I would definitely like to see a list made up of
anyone causing these kind of problems, along with any ads they may be
running. I do not want to do business with these kind of people. And if
I found out that I had done business with them, not knowing the kind of
people I am dealing with, I would be very upset.
Now, I realize that this may sound like black listing. However, these
people pose a danger all their own. And I don't like to profit in any
way by what I call blood money. It would be far better for me to be poor
all my life than to know somewhere along the way I profited at someone
elses expense.
I would like to see a footnote at the end of everyones newsletter/ezine
with the name/names of anyone who poses these threats and leave it up to
subscribers whether they want to do business with them or not. Do not
tell anyone to blackball them. Just inform people of known troublemakers
and leave it to them whether they want contact or not.
I would also like ISPs and FCCs and anyone else that would be notified,
to keep a list of people making complaints, and each time another
complaint comes in, to cross reference these complaints and see if there
is a pattern being set by any perpetrator.
The ISPs, all too often, act like GODS and don't give the accused a
chance to defend themselves. Their clients should be assumed to be
innocent until proven guilty. But they accept blindly, all too often,
the person complaining with out first checking to see if they have a
pattern of complaining incessantly against many people.
This would mean the ISPs would have to keep a list and make their
respective lists available to all other ISPs to see if this persons name
shows up on any other lists.
It can't be that hard to find a pattern. And ISPs should value us as
customers a little more than they do.
I write this, because in all the mail you received, I find that several
people have had this same problem. I recognized the names of several, as
I get their newsletters/ezines also. David Needham being one. I learn
alot from all these letters and don't relish losing out on their
expertise because of stupid, selfish people.
I believe that Heidi really committed a crime herself, when she wrote
you, and I hope you take everyones advice and turn her in for
harrassment to her ISP, to the FBI, FCC and maybe even FTC.
I will be glad to sign a petition or affidavit or anything else in your
defense.
Best Wishes for continued success,
Glenda Wilson
p.s. consider that carbon copy
I would hate to think we have to lobby our congressmen for laws to
protect us in this matter. They don't listen to the majority now.
============New Post (5) ======================
From: Mischa Chillak <worm@xspace.com>
Subject: Inquiry about other ezines
Hi Bogdan,
I
would like to first thank you for running an such an
excellent newsletter. I heard about your spam accusation, it has happened
to me once so I know the feeling. Of course with me it was sort of my
fault. I was new to the internet and didn't even know what spam was until
it was too late. I almost got kicked off my ISP. Luckily the person who
made the accusation accepted my apology and assurance that I really had no
idea that it was a crime, she revoked her accusation and all was well. I
hope a similar incident does not occur.
Yours is a newsletter unlike any other, as I am one who loves offering help
to people I think it's a great thing you have created. I was wondering if
you knew of any others like yours? I have yet to find any, atleast none
worth subscribing to. Anyway, if you can find some time let me know.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Mischa Chillak CEO/ IF Designs
416-929-6942
worm@xspace.com
http://infid.hypermart.net
------------------
Editor note.
For your and others information, today's guest article gives some
answers to your question. You can also visit this URL
http://softfornet.com/SoftForNet/resources.htm
Some of these resources might be out of date as I didn't update them
recently, but definitely visit this
link http://softfornet.com/SoftForNet/marketing.htm
You will find there professional discussion groups on advertising and
promotion. I subscribe to most of them.
============New Post (6) ======================
From: Ron Ohlin <rzw@mcn.net>
Subject: Marketing Tips for On-Line and E-Commerce Marketers
Hello everyone.
I want to let you know about a very
successful way to do business on the Internet.
I own my own business and I have discovered
that the best way to market my product is by
simply letting my customers see it before they buy it.
This concept is called shareware and it is available
now thanks to the Internet. However, shareware
is only cost effective when your product is
information based. If you would like to see how this
method of marketing works, you can check a site that
offers FREE information using this concept. You can
get a first-hand example by going to the site in
my signature line and checking it out for yourself.
Another method you can use is to give access to
segments of your book, report, etc., and then ask
the reader to purchase the remainder.
My personal experience is that giving away a complete
work is more convincing and produces more sales than
the second method; it just depends a lot on your personal
preferences. Its all a matter of the choices you make
for yourself. Remember, you're in charger, so do what
works best for you.
I Hope this information will be helpful,
Ronald Ohlin
The Ronald Ohlin/ Associates Presents
http://www.secrets2success.com/special2040
$ecret$
2 $ucce$$</a>
Check Out the information that will open the door
to
Success and Money...and
It's
FREE!!
http://www.secrets2success.com/special2040
============New Post (7) ======================
From: "tomica sarenana" <t_sarenana@hotmail.com>
Subject: Question
I am a newbie to the internet. My sister and I have started marketing
business tools on the internet. I am in the process of creating banners
to help attract customers to our site. My problem is, I cannot seem to
copy these banners to my computer system so that I can paste them on web
pages. I have a pentium with Microsoft Windows. Everywhere that I read
says I shouldn't have a problem opening from MS Paint but I still cannot
get the banners to open. If anyone has an idea what the problem is
please e-mail me at t_sarenana@hotmail.com. And for reasonably priced
autoresponders, secured forms, CGI's and Java check out my page at:
http://freeyellow.com/members6/tsbiz/index.html.
-----------------------
Editor note.
I included this posting here but I believe that there are other groups
which would be more approprite for it.
Try http://www.hwg.org/
========C o n t i n u i n g D i s c u s s i o n (1)=========
From: "CAMBOOKS" <cambooks@mailhost.target.net>
Subject: For your information (Spam related)
This is a place to find information about the proposed e-mail law.
SECTION 301. Per Section 301, Paragraph (a)(2)(C) of S. 1618,
http://www.senate.gov/~murkowski/commercialemail/S771index.html
========C o n t i n u i n g D i s c u s s i o n (2)=========
From: Cathy K Correia mccel31@tnweb.com
Subject: Opinion & Info
Hi,
I have come across many mailing list, but none seemed to capture
my attention like this one did, I started reading from begining and
did not stop until the end. Even though it was near one am!
First of all I would just like to say that I completely agree with
Debbie Duckers statements! If you get an unwanted email, first of
all you can usually tell by the subject even that it will not interest
you and to go ahead and hit that delete button, it only takes a few
seconds to hit the delete button, it takes alot longer to report the
person for spam, so, someone that reports a person is usually
reporting them saying that the emails they are recieving from such
individual is wasting there time, HELLO??? It took longer to cause
trouble than it did to just delete the message. To each his own I
guess but in this world I figure that everyone can get themselves in
enough trouble without me going around doing it for them! I have a
motto that I will treat everyone the way I expect to get treated.. the
old saying says you can attract more flys with sugar than vinegar.
I also read on the list of someone having trouble with their site, I
would like to offer them a FREE preview of Master the Web which
would teach them all they needed to know about Professional
HTML, if your interested go visit
http://www.mtwhosting.com/members/kristenec/index.shtml it is a
really educational program to me and I am sure you will find the
same.
One last note: Remember to put the shoe on the other foot, in
other words take a minute to think if you would want someone to
do to you what you are doing to them before you go causing
trouble for other people. We need more peacemakers in this world
rather than troublemakers and also we need the peacemakers to
convert the troublemakers!
Thank all of you for your time and have a wonderful and prosperous
day!
Cathy K Correia
mccel31@tnweb.com
========C o n t i n u i n g D i s c u s s i o n (3)=========
From: Eva Almeida <healthandmoneytips@healthandmoneytips.com>
Subject: 5 Ways To Be A Helpful To Your Fellow Marketers!
Hi Bogdan,
This is in response to the following post:
From: Debbie Ducker <m_dducker@centuryinter.net>
Subject: 5 Ways To Be A Helpful To Your Fellow Marketers!
I just briefly wanted to congratulate Debbie on her mini-guide to fellow
marketers regarding spam. In my opinion, treat others as you would have
them treat you...this goes for the internet too. If you treat people with
disrespect and harass them it will eventually come back to you! So try to
be considerate to all on the net even when they aren't!
I applaud you Debbie and I wish there were more people out there so
understanding!
Eva Almeida
http://www.healthandmoneytips.com
========C o n t i n u i n g D i s c u s s i o n (4)=========
From: William Bontrager <william@willmaster.com>
Subject: Re: About some Mac programming -- Adland's Digest #62
>From: Simon Dean <simon.deane@virgin.net>
>Subject: About some Mac programming
<snip>
>Can anybody point me to a Mac programming software that allows me to strip
>addresses from e-mails received by me and automatically places them into
the
>mail-out list for an automated message?
Simon,
I believe Perl is available for the Mac platform. http://www.perl.com/
could tell you for sure. Perl is especially suited for the job you're
wanting to have done.
Sincerely,
William Bontrager
--==-- WillMaster
--==--
Awesome web site and graphic design.
Screaming hot CGI programming.
http://www.willmaster.com/
If you link to Valentine sites, don't miss:
http://www.willmaster.com/kissofhearts/
===============Request for Review (6) =============
------------------(1)---------------------
From: Dee Reynolds DEEFR52@aol.com
I would like to submit my site for review.
It is at <a href="http://www.tradezone.com/tradesites/deereynolds.html">
http://www.tradezone.com/tradesites/deereynolds.html</a>
Global Trade Center...
provides many valuable international trade services for manufacturers,
importers exporters, trade service businesses and opportunity seekers. See
their international trade business opportunities and World Trade Plan, free
import export trade leads, famous trade bulletin board, traders web sites
and
web site advertising services.
You can get your own free website at Tradesites just go to
http://www.tradezone.com and join.
Best Regards
Dee Reynolds
Best Rates Telecommunications WorldWide Services
-------------(2)-----------------
From: Russ Swan <rswan@homebizbuildr.com>
Hi,
I reckon it's timely to introduce myself. My name
is Russ Swan, and I've just finished writing up
a new website and registering a new domain name.
It's at http://www.homebizbuildr.com
The site is focused on the needs of brand new or
inexperienced internet marketers. It's my intention
of introducing them to a free or low-cost home business,
then helping them promote it and build it up. Also
using free or low-cost resources.
Nothing new in that, but I have been around for a
little while, and frankly, many of the 'netpreneurs'
talk at too high a level for the beginner.
I hope to make it a bit simpler for them.
I have a monthly ezine on the drawing boards and it
is fairly well developed, I think... :) It will
be called 'HomeBizBuildr Monthly' will be coming
out soon.
Any comments on the website would be appreciated bearing
in mind that I have yet to develop the pages ready for
search engines and other developmental ideas.
I have been known to send an article to this list
about dealing with your prospects. I hope readers
liked it and could make use of it. I have another
one available from my webpage about taking your first
steps in advertising. By all means take a visit
and take a look if you're interested.
Cheers,
Russ
Home Business Builder & Promotions
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
** HOME BUSINESS
BUILDER & PROMOTIONS **
Building work-at-home businesses on the internet.
Powerful Free or low-cost webpage promotion tools.
Personalised FREE Classified Ad site and giveaways.
Email:
rswan@topend.com.au
Website:
http://www.topend.com.au/~cygnet
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
-------------(3)-----------------
From: Yumi Hirahara <yumi@pallasnet.com>
Hi all.
My name is Yumi, and this is my first post. I'm an entrepreneur with a
very new small business in Tokyo. My mission is to help other small
businesses in Japan to go global - show them how to use the Internet,
support their English communications, etc.
There is one client site that I'd appreciate your feedback on. They
can't even take orders on-line yet, but they want to target the world,
so the site is all in English. The company is called InteGlobe, and as
the name implies, they market an interesting globe (their only product).
InteGlobe site: <http://www.inett.or.jp/globe/>
I know that this site, by global standards, needs a lot of work, and I'm
trying to figure out where to start. Any suggestions, ideas, criticism,
gut reactions(?) you can give me will be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks in advance.
Yumi
<yumi@pallasnet.com>
---------------------------------------
Yumi Hirahara, Pallas Global Enterprise
Pallas: http://www.pallasnet.com/global/
Sigma Jay: http://www.sigmajay.net/
Personal site: http://hot.netizen.or.jp/~yumi/
---------------------------------------
-------------(4)-----------------
From: Clayton Turnbow <api@texas.net>
Please review my site and be brutally honest. Its at www.apimage.com Thanks
for your time in advance. Clayton Turnbow
-------------(5)-----------------
From: "N S V Iyengar" <iyengarnsv@hotmail.com>
Please visit a new site.(http://mysiteinc.com/scorpio} It is still under
preparation. This is regarding Mail order Business,Amazon
Books,Beyond.com
Thanks
N.S.V. Iyengar
-------------(6)-----------------
From: "Lewis Jackson" <Papo@shentel.net>
Hi Adland Subscribers,
I'd like to submit my sight for review. Its theme is "Gift Giving Is Always
In Season." I look forward to hearing your feedback-- pro or con. To those
who enjoy free websites, I'd to recommend my three favorites:
Myfreeoffice.com; Angelfire.com; and freeyellow.com.
Please visit my website: http://www.myfreeoffice.com/clairescorner
Sincerely,
Papo@shentel.net (comments welcome)
===== S i t e R e v i e w R e s p o n s e s (1)=======
From: Joseph Jobst <webmaster@linz1.net>
Subject: Site review and guidelines
Bogdan,
referring to Nikki E. Bakkal's request for site review in
Adland's Digest #62, I would like to express, that there is an
instant need on information and teaching provided for, and to
Newbies.
Nikki's site was "developed" by using an inadequate HTML editor,
and by lack of knowledge. It should be a business site, but
he/she has simply no experiences regarding marketing etc.
I've re-formatted his/her page, added some explanation and
comments, and emailed directly to him/her.
I sincerely hope that Nikki interprets my comments as
criticism rather than denigration.
Attached please find an article I've written some month ago, but
it's still topical.
Virtually Yours,
Joseph
==========================
THE TOP FIVE RULES CREATING PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING WEB SITES
By Joseph Jobst
As a professional website developer, learning by doing on the web since
1994,
my first suggestion is that you invest to have a simply professional website
designed for YOUR business!
However, with some good HTML editing software available on the market today
like FrontPage98, HomeSite, PageMill,etc. I realize that more and more
businesses are trying to create their own websites.
If you choose to do this, it's imperative that you DO NOT begin advertising
your website until it looks professional. Get opinions from some dependable
web-familiar acquaintances for this. A poorly designed website conveys an
unprofessional message to your customers/prospects/visitors.
Top five rules for creating a professional-looking web site:
1. Get a domain name!
It is cheaper now than ever and almost a necessity to having a
"professional" site. Web addresses that begin with the name of a
free web
community simply sound like a personal home page. Your own domain name
(www.yourcompany.com) will not only be easier for visitors to
remember, but will make your business seem more trustworthy.
Is your company name already taken? You can see if your expected name is
available as a domain name by going to <http://linz1.net/vsdomck.html>
using the "Whois" search feature. If your business name is not
available, try inserting a dash or coming up with a phrase that
describes your business instead.
2. Clear objectives
When you're designing a website, always keep in mind that you only
have a few seconds to capture your visitor's interest before they move on
to the next site. Many websites are just too confusing. Content next to
nothing, but omnium-gatherum of banner-ads and obscure biz opportunites.
Make sure that visitors know immediately what it is that you can offer
them. Don't limit yourself by putting important information within a
graphic, consider that text loads much faster than graphics.
3. Simple and Easy navigation
Pay attention that your website visitors are an impatient crowd! If
your website is not quick and simple to navigate then your visitors are
history. Give your visitors lots of options for navigation and always
include a text navigation bar at the bottom of your page. Visitors will
look for this if anything goes wrong with your other navigation elements.
If you use graphic buttons, make sure to supply alternative text so that
viewers don't have to wait for the buttons to download before moving
around
within your site.
4. Graphics -- or Not
By all means, use graphics on your site. But don't get too fancy. Not
everyone has the fastest modem connections available and graphics always
take longer to load than text. If your pages use lots of graphics, be
sure
to use <img alt="...>-tag as an alternative text view for each
graphic so
that your visitor will quickly get a sense of what is coming and be able
to
decide to move onto your next page without waiting for the graphics to
download if they wish to do so.
Should you use animations?
Generally speaking-- No! In some rare exceptions-- Yes.
Too much animated movement on the page can be annoying. If you want some
animation by all means, go ahead and have a few custom animations made.
Don't over-use all that cheesy free stuff off the net; it's all been seen
before and is becoming quite boring. And poor or humorous animation can
sometimes suggest an unbusinesslike attitude.
Background and text colors: black & white is your best bet.
Add color with a side bar and a few graphics.
5. Browsers - Modems - Resolution
Take care about that your site will work differently with different
browsers, so test your site with as many browsers as possible
(hint: free browser compatibility test at
<http://www.cast.org/bobby/>).
Believe it or not, many people are still using browser versions that are
years out of date which is unfortunate because lots of great features
don't work on older browsers. If you use such features, then your site
won't work correctly for viewers with older browsers.
Remember, the average modem speed online is NOT 56k! A 70k page test
showed
a load time of over one minute with a 14.4 modem! If your start page is
too large, break the information up into several pages.
One people out of three is using a montitor less than 15 in.,
one third out of your customers! Therefore the 'old' rule of thumb
creating a web page based on a resolution of 640 is still the most
applicable way. (Hint: There is a free service online where you can
see how your site looks on different monitor sizes:
<http://www.browsersnapshot.com/?journal>
Finally, don't forget to check all of your links once your site is
uploaded to the web. Make sure everything is working correctly!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Joseph Jobst, Founder & President of josconNetworks, Inc.,
joscon.mediaconsult, and Global Internet Marketing, Inc.
webdevelopment - webhosting - webdesign - webpromotion
<http://linz1.net> comments: <mailto:joseph@linz1.net>
-----------------------------------------------------------
===== S i t e R e v i e w R e s p o n s e s (2)=======
From: Nikki E. Bakkal WinnersWeR@aol.com
Subject: Thank you!
Hi Everyone,
I would like to thank everyone for responding to my plea for help. The out
pouring of information and help is greatly appreciated! Again, thank you so
much for being ready and willing to help me find the solution to my
frustration.
Nikki E. Bakkal
Bakkal Enterprises
==================Guest Article ===================
THE TOP SEVEN
FREE E-ZINES FOR GROWING
YOUR
BUSINESS ONLINE IN 1999
by
Terry Dean
-----------------------------------------------------------------
These days, e-zines are too easy to publish and distribute. With
the introduction of egroups, onelist, and others, everyone and his
hamster is getting into the game. The result is redundancy across
topics (i.e. marketing) and a ton of fluff.
However, there are some genuine treats out there. They make up the
10% that I intend to continue reading religiously. I'd like to
tell you about a few in the 10% that make the grade and why it's
important that you subscribe.
Like many people who market their businesses on the Internet, I
find this medium to be one of the most competitive and challenging
environments entrepreneurs face. It's also one of the most
rewarding. I know you can relate.
So, in wishing you and your Internet business a great new year,
I'd like to point you in the direction of seven of my favorite
email newsletters that will help you build your Internet business
faster, easier, and more securely through intelligent Internet
marketing.
You can subscribe to each of these ezines at once by visiting
http://www.bizpromo.com/ezines.html or by following the
instructions under each description:
1. PETER KENT'S "POOR RICHARD'S WEBSITE NEWS"
Peter has been around the block several times. He has written
dozens of books, many of which can be found at BookStar, Barnes &
Noble, Borders, etc. His e-zine is always chock full of useful
pieces of information. If he tries something new (software,
marketing process, etc.), he will report back to his subscribers
about his success/failure. His e-zine on "Website Creation" is
archived at his site. Please check this one out.
To subscribe: http://www.poorrichard.com/
Or email: subscribe-prwebnews@lists.lyris.net
2. GREG SCHLIESMANN'S "BREAKTHROUGH INTERNET MARKETING WEEKLY"
Every issue of BMW is jam-packed with solid information. Greg
doesn't write articles as much as complete guides. He will take
you from point A to point B on a particular topic. Those who
subscribe to this e-zine know exactly what I'm talking about. BMW
is one of my favorites. (Thanks, Greg!)
To subscribe: http://www.jvmarketer.com/
Or email: subscribe-internet-marketing@maillist.dundee.net
3. DR. RALPH F. WILSON'S "WEB MARKETING TODAY"
It has always been my favorite and is sure to become one of yours,
as well. Dr. Wilson archives this e-zine at his site. His writing
style, candor, consistency, knowledge, and ability to explain
things to the proverbial 4-year old is second to none. Check this
one out right now.
To subscribe: http://www.wilsonweb.com/wmt/
Or email: join-web-marketing@sparklist.com
4. KEVIN NEEDHAM'S "ACTIVE INTERNET MARKETING"
This is a very professional e-zine. Each week, it discusses
marketing, service, e-commerce and a variety of other subjects.
The articles are well-written, well-researched and always
enlightening. They also have a gigantic subscriber base (over
50,000 subscribers served each week).
To subscribe: http://www.inetexchange.com/
Or email: subscribe-inet-mailer@send.memail.com
5. JIM WILSON'S "VirtualPROMOTE GAZETTE"
I've always enjoyed this e-zine for its content and dry wit. There
are plenty of resources here. Another thing I like about Jim's e-
zine is the familiarity that he promotes for those who write
articles for it. To explain, Jim has a group of people that submit
a continuing series of articles to his e-zine. One guy, "The
Hitman," is on article #40-something in the series. As a result,
you get to know, like and look forward to "The Hitman's" articles.
To subscribe: http://virtualpromote.com/gazetteform.html
Or email: webmaster@virtualpromote.com subject: "subscribe"
6. "DIRECT EMAIL MARKETING CONNECTION"
DEMC focuses on small business and entrepreneurial issues. DEMC
will keep you and your business on the cutting edge with
insightful tips, reviews, and features. As one of the most popular
ezines anywhere, you should definitely check this one out!
To subscribe: http://www.demc.com
Or email: Subscribe@demc2.com
7. JIM DANIEL'S "THE BIZWEB GAZETTE"
I've always enjoyed Jim's e-zine. Despite its large subscriber
base and Jim's reputation and fame, I get a real grassroots
feeling from his writing. Jim has sold thousands of books,
software copies, and other products over the Internet - and you'll
get a real "insiders" perspective from Jim.
To subscribe: http://www.bizweb2000.com/subscrib.htm
Or email: subscribe@jdd-publishing.com
I hope you find these free email newsletters to be very valuable -
I know I have. Again, you can subscribe to each of them at once by
visiting www.bizpromo.com/ezines.html Enjoy!
======================================================
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