Creating the Navpanel for your Webring

A Navpanel is intended first and foremost to allow people who are surfing your webring to get easily from website to website. It needs to be very attractive, as it is your primary advertisement for your ring. As a rule, the better looking the Navpanel, the more likely webmasters are to want to join your ring. This is often the first impression people have of your webring!

Once you've got your basic design, It's a good idea to use the default HTML code from the 'Customize HTML code' page within 'Ring admin'. Simply modify this as needed to fit your webring design and theme.

A substitution symbol is a special word which the webring system will modify later on. For example, Ringlink has a special word of "[siteid]" for the website's ID. Other substitution symbols being:

For example, when that webring's Navpanel is e-mailed to a new webring member, that [siteid] will be replaced with their website's ID. It is always a good idea to use these substitution symbols, as thay ensure that when your new members receive their HTML code for the Navpanel, it is all ready for them to insert into their web page. The less work they have to do, the more likely it is that they will do it all correctly. The [cgiURL] symbol allows a Ringmaster to easily move his or her webring between different Ringlink webring systems, after having first recovered his or her webring 'data' using the 'Backup ring' feature in 'Ringadmin'.

Take the default Navpanel code from the 'Customize HTML code' page within 'Ring admin' and paste it into your text or HTML editor, then modify it as needed, being very careful to maintain the substitution symbols correctly.

When a new website is added to a webring, the webmaster receives a copy of the Navpanel customized specifically for their website (the substitution symbols are replaced with the values defined for that website and that webring). They are expected to insert this Navpanel onto their web page, along with any graphics that may be used with the Navpanel.

Once you've got the Navpanel looking good (and be sure and test it on a page), replace the default Navpanel as displayed on the 'Customize HTML code' page within 'Ring admin' with your own.

Now it is a good idea to sign up a 'home' site to the ring so that you get the e-mail with the Navpanel, and then can display it on the webing's 'join' or 'description' page, and also then be able to check for any errors. Test it carefully (you will have to add or activate your test site to the ring before testing)!! It is important to check each link, as well as any graphic images, and how the Navpanel displays in different browsers and on web pages using CSS (style shheets).

As for graphic images and Navpanel/s, display them on the webing's 'join' or 'description' page with instructions for webring members to download them to their own servers. The graphic/s should be small in size so as not to take overly long to load for the average web surfer using a dial-up connection. It or they should also be attractive and well presented if displayed within a Navpanel. Ringmasters have declined to join a webring simply because they did not want that ugly graphic or the butt ugly navpanel displayed on their website. It is also a good idea to offer more than 1 choice of navpanel as was done here in the Examples Demoring

What is provided below are just examples used for this the 'Examples Demoring'. For even more examples visit other webrings as listed in the 'Ringlink Webring Directory'.

Customized HTML Code as inserted in the text area on the "Customize HTML" code page for the Examples Demoring:

Customized text as inserted in the text area on the
"Customize add page" for the Examples Demoring:

Customized text as inserted in the text area on the
"Customize add mail" page for the Examples Demoring:

Customized text as inserted in the text area on the
"Customize get code page" for the Examples Demoring:

Making Your Webring's Home Page

Your webring's home page is where your members will learn about your webring and decide if they want to join it. It should contain all the information about your webring, such as its purpose, the kind of websites that belong, and the rules/terms of service for becoming a member.

Above all else, there should be a link to your 'join' page (If separate from the home page) for all potential new members.

There are many things on the home page of the Ringlink Webring System that is hosting your webring, that you might also like to add to your webring's home page. For instance, it is a good idea to have a form/s on your webring's home page like was done here at the 'Examples Demoring' for members to choose their ring, enter their ID and password, edit their information, or join the webring.

The home page can be as fancy or as plain as you like! Just make sure that your visitors can find the information they need easily, and provide an e-mail link so that they can reach you if they still have any questions, suggestions, or comments. It should also have your graphic/s on it for new members to copy, and an example of your navpanel/s.

For even more examples of home page design, visit other webrings as listed in the 'Ringlink Webring Directory'.

Templates that you can send to applicants
wishing to Join your Webring:

1. This one could be for applicants whose websites you have visited, but who do not have the webring's Navpanel displayed on the correct page:
   
   Hi!
   
   I have received your application to join the Examples Demoring, and have visited the page you listed on your application, where you said you would be placing this webring's Navpanel.
   
   However, I did not find the Navpanel to be present on that page, perhaps it is on a different page? If it is, please send me the correct url, and I will get your website activated soonest. If you have not added the HTML code for the Navpanel yet, do not to worry! I check the Ring Queue every couple of days. So, just add the HTML code for the Navpanel to your website, and I will activate you next time I check. You can get the HTML code for your Navpanel, and edit your website info from the Webring's Home page, by using the form provided for that purpose
   (Your Web Site ID = ________ ).
   
   We have several styles of Navpanel available, and I'm sure you'll find one that is suitable for your website. You can of course customize them any way you wish, so that the one you chose blends in perfectly with the rest of your website!
   
   Thanks,
   
   
2. This one could be for applicants who have been checked more than once, but who are still not in compliance. You might want to make several different ones for different circumstances. Below is one possible example:
   
   Note: You will probably want to set a time limit on how long you will be prepared to allow websites to remain on the Inactive List. If a website hasn't added the webring's Navpanel within eight days or so, then they probably aren't serious about joining your webring, and you should then delete them.
   
   Hi,
   
   I have received your application to join the Examples Demoring, and have visited the page/s you listed on your application numerous times.
   
   I did not find this webring's Navpanel to be present on the page/s you listed, perhaps it is on a different page? If it is, please send me the correct url, and I will get you activated soonest. If I do not hear back from you within 2 or 3 days, I will then be removing your website from this webring! You can of course rejoin at any time.
   
   Thanks,
   
   
3. This one could be for websites you refuse. An example might be:
   
   Hi,
   
   I have visited your website, and feel there may be some confusion. The Examples Demoring is a webring for websites that have a focus, topic or theme related to __________. Having inspected your website assiduously, I have determined that although it is an excellent website, it is one that is not appropriate for inclusion in this webring. Accordingly, I am removing your website from this Webring's Queue effective immediatly. However, should the focus, topic or theme of your website change so that it better fits in with the charter of this webring, I would then strongly urge you to reapply at that time.
   
   Good luck with your website,
   
   
4. This one could be for websites that you can not find:
   
   Hi!
   
   I tried to visit the page/s you listed on your webring's application, which was http://____, but I received a "404 Page not found on this server" error, and was bounced to your ISPs home page.
   
   So, I would be much obliged if you could please check the above page address/es and correct them if needed, and I will then try it/them again shortly.
   
   You can edit your website info from the webring's Home page by using the form provided for that purpose
   (Your Website ID = ________ ).
   
   Thanks,
   
   
5. This one could be for websites that you would like to invite to join your Webring:
   
   Hi!
   
   I am the Ringmaster of the Examples Demoring.
   
   I was surfing our webring this evening to verify that all the websites were linked up, and in so doing, I came across a link to your astoundingly well informed website.
   
   [INSERT THE PARAGRAPH ON THE FOCUS, TOPIC,
   OR THEME OF THIS WEBRING]
   
   Your website would thus be a great addition to this webring! So, I would like to extend a warm invitation to you, to have your website join this webring.
   
   I think you would enjoy being a member in the Examples Demoring? It is new, and I would much appreciate it if you would consider this request. I have lots of plans for the future, and would be delighted if you had any suggestions or comments in that regard.
   
   Please visit our Home page, and have a look around. If you like what you see, we would love to have your join our webring.
   
   Looking forward to hearing from you,

If you are a Ringlink System's Manager, you might post your version of this list on your System's home page for the benefit of your System's member Ringmasters:

1. Decide on a Topic for your Ringlink webring.
   
   
2. Decide on a Title for your Ringlink webring.
   
   
3. Make or obtain a Logo for your Ringlink webring.
   
   
4. Make a Home page for your Ringlink webring.
   
   
5. Create the Navpanel/s you wish to use for your Ringlink webring.
   
   
6. Go to the home page of the Ringlink System that will be hosting your webring, and install it by clicking the 'Add new ring' link found on that page. Once installed then go to the 'Ring Admin' page, login, and then customize your Webring's Admin pages as follows by clicking the 'Customize' button!
   
   
7. Edit the HTML default code Navpanel to your requirements (See the Examples Demoring for the various possibilities), set up the join and edit forms on your home page, and then be the first to join your webring, so as to test everything out.
   
   
8. Edit if necessary, the e-mail messages that are to be sent out to new applicants (Examples of which can be found on the Ringlink Customization page).
   
   
9. Using your e-mail software, create the message templates that you will be sending out to these various applicants once they have joined (Examples of which can be found on the Ringlink Customization page).
   
   
10. Post your webring's website to at least 2 search engines. (Google, Open Directory Project, and ....)
    
    
11. Announce your webring in the various announcement Lists. You may have to join the List to post to it. (Want to get your new Ringlink System or Webring announced in the alt.webrings.announce newsgroup? Just send an e-mail to Debby T at confused@cableone.net with *webrings announce* in the subject line (Please be sure to include your system/ring home page address and your contact information in the message body so that replies or inquirers can be sent to you.)
    
    
12. Post your webring to at least 2 directories, if the webring system doesn't do so for you (examples being: Ringlink Webring Directory, and World of Webrings Directory
    
    
13. Do a search on the topic or theme of your web ring. Visit the listed websites. If they are a good fit, send them an invitation.
    
    
14. Search for other webrings on your topic at the other less reliable webring systems such as WebRing, SiteRing, and RingSurf. Visit some of the websites in those webrings. Send invitations to those websites that you would like to have join your more reliable Ringlink webring.
    
    
15. Post your webring to "free-for-all" lists, forums, and newsgroups related to the topic or theme of your webring (Do not spam these Newsgroups, and ensure that you read any guidelines before posting!). This may not be too effective, but...why not. Join the Ringlink-open mailing list, and at least one other web ring related forum (The World of Webrings Forum, and.......).
    
    
16. Maintain Your Webring at least once a week. Visit the Queue, and check all inactive websites regularly. Add those with the HTML code for the Navpanel on the correct page, and delete the duds. Send an appropriate e-mail to the ones that can't be added yet (Examples of which can be found on the Ringlink Customization page). Check applicants that have been in the Queue for your allotted time. Delete those that have exceeded your limit, and send them an appropriate e-mail.

1. Check the entire webring for correct HTML code Navpanels. You can use the "Check Sites" function. Sites move. Sites close. Member websites are not always careful to change their website's information when moving to a new website. Do not let them "break" your webring. Set those websites to "inactive" and e-mail them gentle reminders that they need to update their information.
   
   
2. Keep your home page updated and error free, and consider setting up a forum for your members and having a domain name for your webring (This allows you to move your webring to a new web host if your present web host crashes and burns without having to ask members to update any of the URL addresses.
   
   
3. Have Fun! :-)

You may wish to have a TOS page that a new Ringmaster would visit after he or she had clicked on your "Add New Webring" link, and which might look like this:

Introduction:

TERMS OF SERVICE

Content Ownership clause:

RESERVED RIGHTS AND INDEMNITY

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

• the service will meet your requirements,
• that the service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free,
• that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable,
• and finally that any errors in the software will be corrected as fast as you may wish them to be.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

• the use or the inability to use the service;
• unauthorized or accidental loss or alteration of your data or transmission;
• or any other matter relating to the service.

Appendix A

ADD A WEBRING!