Join
The Network!
If
you think your site would make a good fit with the Proto:87
Network WebRing, please read the simple criteria for membership
below under "ADDING YOUR SITE", and complete the application form at
the bottom of this page.
ABOUT
THE NETWORK
Proto:87
is growing. In 2003-2004, it has been receiving considerable attention
with the
Iain Rice Proto:87 project layout in Model Railroader Magazine. This should result in increased interest
in Proto:87, in turn resulting in Internet traffic seeking Proto:87
related Web sites.
The
Proto:87 Network links sites that are
primarily concerned with
Proto:87 modeling, resource information and supply sources.
What's the advantage of a WebRing dedicated to Proto:87? A Google search for "Proto:87" returns links to a number of sites that are Proto:87 related. However these links are distributed over many pages of results, due to many duplicate links spread across the Internet. The Network simplifies this by eliminating the duplicate listings. (That same Google search places the Proto:87 Network near the very top of those returns, in third place!) Because the Network is starting now when there are relatively few Proto:87 sites, the Network should grow as a complete resource as Proto:87 grows.
HOW IT WORKS
The Proto:87 Network WebRing runs using JavaScript developed and copyrighted by E.P.Joe Tozer. It does not require any special (cgi) hosting facility and doesn't require the use of commercial WebRing hosting, hence there are no annoying pop ups or advertising splashes. (If you would like details of how the WebRing scripting works, or would like to set up your own WebRing using Mr. Tozer's scripts, click here for the tech page.)
The list and site descriptions page that is reached by clicking on the "List All" link of the Network banner displays two categories of sites 1) Modeler, and 2) Proto:87 Supplier. This enables visitors to select their basic content easily. (Navigating through the "next" or "previous" links does not index by category, however.)
ADDING YOUR SITE
If you would like to add your site to the Network, below are the guidelines for each category, followed by the site submission form at the bottom of the page:
Modeler Sites
Your site may have other railroad-related subject matter than Proto:87. If Proto:87 content is a minor or sub section of your site, the link you supply below, and the location where you place the Proto:87 banner, must be on a clearly defined Proto:87 section of your site so that visitors may find it easily. If you are primarily a Proto:87 modeler and your site reflects that overall--even though it may also cover subjects that are modeling related but are not strictly Proto:87--it will most likely be considered a Proto:87 site in its entirety.
Proto:87 Supplier Sites
It may be that some are concerned over the inclusion of commercial sites. I would hope not, but if so, I would say this: Since the basic goal of the Network is to assist the modeler in building and researching Proto:87, and since the few dedicated suppliers we have are what make Proto:87 possible for the majority of us, suppliers are a key resource.
Proto:87 Supplier listings must have at least one item specific to Proto:87 modeling, such as wheelsets, turnouts, frogs, trucks, bolsters, drivers, etc., and the Network banner must either be placed on the page displaying the Proto:87 item(s), or if a number of Proto:87 items are listed throughout the site and inter-mixed with generic modeling or non-Proto:87 items, the listings for the Proto:87 items must be easily found from the page on which the banner is located. (This could mean that you'll need to add a list of links to your Proto:87 content near the Network banner.) The actual site description may only include specific listings of the Proto:87 items offered, although a generic reference to other items, such as, "We also offer rolling stock and scenery items", may be included. This may sound a bit restrictive, but please remember, we do not want the Proto:87 focus of this Network to be lost.
Mixed Sites
If one has a site that is primarily modeling but also supplies or manufactures a limited number of Proto:87 items, the site may choose to be listed under either the Modeler or the Supplier heading. The listing rules for whichever catagory is chosen will then apply. If the Modeler category is chosen, then a brief mention of the type of items offered commercially can be placed in the site description. Please note: While this choice is offered, the final decision as to whether any given site is to be considered a Modeler or a Supplier site rests with the Network.
Thanks for your interest in the Proto:87 Network!
What's the advantage of a WebRing dedicated to Proto:87? A Google search for "Proto:87" returns links to a number of sites that are Proto:87 related. However these links are distributed over many pages of results, due to many duplicate links spread across the Internet. The Network simplifies this by eliminating the duplicate listings. (That same Google search places the Proto:87 Network near the very top of those returns, in third place!) Because the Network is starting now when there are relatively few Proto:87 sites, the Network should grow as a complete resource as Proto:87 grows.
HOW IT WORKS
The Proto:87 Network WebRing runs using JavaScript developed and copyrighted by E.P.Joe Tozer. It does not require any special (cgi) hosting facility and doesn't require the use of commercial WebRing hosting, hence there are no annoying pop ups or advertising splashes. (If you would like details of how the WebRing scripting works, or would like to set up your own WebRing using Mr. Tozer's scripts, click here for the tech page.)
The list and site descriptions page that is reached by clicking on the "List All" link of the Network banner displays two categories of sites 1) Modeler, and 2) Proto:87 Supplier. This enables visitors to select their basic content easily. (Navigating through the "next" or "previous" links does not index by category, however.)
ADDING YOUR SITE
If you would like to add your site to the Network, below are the guidelines for each category, followed by the site submission form at the bottom of the page:
Modeler Sites
Your site may have other railroad-related subject matter than Proto:87. If Proto:87 content is a minor or sub section of your site, the link you supply below, and the location where you place the Proto:87 banner, must be on a clearly defined Proto:87 section of your site so that visitors may find it easily. If you are primarily a Proto:87 modeler and your site reflects that overall--even though it may also cover subjects that are modeling related but are not strictly Proto:87--it will most likely be considered a Proto:87 site in its entirety.
Proto:87 Supplier Sites
It may be that some are concerned over the inclusion of commercial sites. I would hope not, but if so, I would say this: Since the basic goal of the Network is to assist the modeler in building and researching Proto:87, and since the few dedicated suppliers we have are what make Proto:87 possible for the majority of us, suppliers are a key resource.
Proto:87 Supplier listings must have at least one item specific to Proto:87 modeling, such as wheelsets, turnouts, frogs, trucks, bolsters, drivers, etc., and the Network banner must either be placed on the page displaying the Proto:87 item(s), or if a number of Proto:87 items are listed throughout the site and inter-mixed with generic modeling or non-Proto:87 items, the listings for the Proto:87 items must be easily found from the page on which the banner is located. (This could mean that you'll need to add a list of links to your Proto:87 content near the Network banner.) The actual site description may only include specific listings of the Proto:87 items offered, although a generic reference to other items, such as, "We also offer rolling stock and scenery items", may be included. This may sound a bit restrictive, but please remember, we do not want the Proto:87 focus of this Network to be lost.
Mixed Sites
If one has a site that is primarily modeling but also supplies or manufactures a limited number of Proto:87 items, the site may choose to be listed under either the Modeler or the Supplier heading. The listing rules for whichever catagory is chosen will then apply. If the Modeler category is chosen, then a brief mention of the type of items offered commercially can be placed in the site description. Please note: While this choice is offered, the final decision as to whether any given site is to be considered a Modeler or a Supplier site rests with the Network.
Thanks for your interest in the Proto:87 Network!
Ron
Hildebrand
January 2004
Revised February 2004