Let The Net-Sleuth Promote Your Web Site!

[Deb]

Here's a fun, and possibly profitable, announcement for the FutureQuest Site Owners.

Brian and I have begun a small project that we feel may benefit the entire FutureQuest Community providing all of you take the time to make it so.

Many of you have seen the "FutureQuest Hosted Site List (http://www.FutureQuest.net/About/List/)" where we proudly display the web sites of those site owners who volunteered to allow us to show them off to our potential clients. Over time this list has grown a bit too large to keep up as a general list of links and we feel there is far more benefit to the Site Owners themselves if we start to maintain more of a directory rather than a simple list. For this reason, The Net-Sleuth was born!

http://www.Net-Sleuth.com

With your help, we would like to fill this brand new directory with the sites that are hosted within the FutureQuest network. The directory will work as an awesome way for FutureQuest to guide those seeking various services to site owners within the community, and as a way for the site owners themselves to look 'at home' first when seeking this or that type of product, information, or service.

Now, Brian and I aren't known for being the programmers around here (hehe quite the contrary) but we did find what we feel to be a nice little script that should service our needs well. Using the Net-Sleuth you will be able to see how many people have clicked on your links which also work as a way to put your site in the "Most Popular" category. Additionally you will be able to link to the Net-Sleuth in such a way that you will get "hits in" points that can get your site placed in the "What's Cool" categories… Actually, rather than me trying to explain it to you… it'd be much better for you to go check it out yourselves ;)

You'll note that it's empty right now... and we may need to adjust the catagories a tad, depending on the feedback we receive from you. Ahem..that means all of you have some work to do in order to help us get this thing going :)

Usage Note: The Net-Sleuth will ask for a username and password when you submit a site. This does not need to be your account's username/password but any username/password you would like to use for the Net-Sleuth Directory only.

So hurry and help us fill up the Net-Sleuth - You may submit as many sites as you like, providing they are hosted within the FutureQuest realm... It should be fun and certainly an additional way to further promote all of our web sites together.

That URL again was: http://www.Net-Sleuth.com

Deb
- This search engine does not cost $299 to be listed!

[Deb]

p.s. Those banners you see running at the top of the directory are also displaying FutureQuest Hosted Web Sites. If you have not submitted your banner yet... please do so... It's another free way to promote that site of yours!!

Banner Submissions can be completed at:
http://www.aota.net/Promotion/freebanners.php4

Deb
- Free Advertising Is Always Nice

[TheEgo]

OK, I'll bite. Might as well submit Employer #2 -- for the benefit of all those thousands of FQers in Fairfield County, Connecticut. ;)

The Ego

[Deb]

That's The Spirit ! :D

Please review the following thread concerning your biting problem :P
http://www.aota.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=60549#post60549

[TheEgo]

Please review the following thread concerning your biting problem :P No biting...?

Ahhhhh!!! What am I gonna do with all these sharp teeth?! :wah:

The (Defanged) Ego
You have no idea what my dental bills look like.

[BOF]

More good FutureQuest service. Thank you!

I shall delay adding my sites as I'm in the throes of relocating from Hong Kong to Cyprus, but I'll certainly join in once I'm settled.

[Armand]

Very cool! Once again you folks prove how great you are. Still debating about adding "my personal site" as it's only a subdirectory on my domain name. :\

[Joe]

Well I've added my site and have to say it all looks very cool.

Thanks.

Joe

[Deb]

Still debating about adding "my personal site" as it's only a subdirectory on my domain name. There are quite a few web sites that probably offer a bit of diversity e.g. half business and half personal etc.... feel free to categorize the different areas where appropriate ;)

Deb
- That'll be another $299 please

[Arthur]

Deb, I just couldn't resist, I just felt it was missing something :wink3:

http://ldb.info/vbicons/netsleuthQT.png

[Deb]

Arthur you're entirely too much!! That's GREAT!!!

I just uploaded it... hmmm it seems the color is off just a tad...can you tweak it a bit?

Deb
- !WoW! We are sooo spoiled!

[Deb]

Actually you're color is better than ours lol... maybe it's we need to tweak the other side :P

[Arthur]

Fixed the color...

[chrisheng]

Any chance of a couple of new categories:

1. Webmaster Resources

2. Programming Resources

(perhaps as a subcategory of Internet Resources - which is a bit vague anyway - everything listed *is* an internet resource, being a website and all... :) )

[edit - oops, I typed before I looked. There *is* a programming resources. (where is that sheepish look emoticon?)]

[Deb]

:stardanc: :QTthumb: :QTparty: :clapper:
THANKS!

[Deb]

Any chance of a couple of new categories:

1. Webmaster Resources

2. Programming Resources

(perhaps as a subcategory of Internet Resources Yep! and Done.

Deb
- It's your directory!

[Deb]

[edit - oops, I typed before I looked. There *is* a programming resources. (where is that sheepish look emoticon?)] Because the FutureQuest client base has soooo many programmers/web designers etc in it .. we actually split "Internet" in two... One being Internet Services (for hire) and the other being Internet Resources (for learning)

They will likely duplicate each other a great deal but we felt it appropriate none the less ;)

Deb
- Full Service or Self-Serve?

[chrisheng]

Originally posted by Deb:
Because the FutureQuest client base has soooo many programmers/web designers etc in it .. we actually split "Internet" in two... One being Internet Services (for hire) and the other being Internet Resources (for learning)


Oops again! I was too quick on the trigger. I think I submitted one of my sites under the "Services" when I meant the "Resources"! :o

[Deb]

I think I submitted one of my sites under the "Services" when I meant the "Resources"! Yep you sure did ...but I fixed it on the flip side ;)

Also note... there is an "Edit" link by each of the listings... If you ever need to make a correction that's the link you want to click.

REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORDS they are encrypted so if you loose them we wont be able to replace :P

Also note the Review links by each listing if you're so inclined ;)

It's actually a nice little script :)

Deb
- Arthur, Arthur, Arthur, you blow me away :o

[chrisheng]

Thanks, Deb! :)

(now, where's that big-grin-emoticon when you need it?)

[JWM]

This is great. Helps with search engine placement as well (link popularity).

The ADD URL form doesn't like email addresses in the xxx.xxx@domain.com format, btw. Not a major bug.

jim

[0degree]

Great idea..Thanks.

Tony.
- Futurequest: Quality services all the way.

[Deb]

The ADD URL form doesn't like email addresses in the xxx.xxx@domain.com format, btw. Not a major bug. Yeah I noticed a couple of issues with the email validation... I'm hoping to steal one of the techs away from you guys for a few minutes to tidy up the code a tad ;)

Deb
- Uhh Justin... could you come here for a minute?

[SneakyDave]

Uh, I couldn't find a category for Blackcows.com (nor am I going to come up with a banner!), so I hope there isn't too much scrutiny on where sites are placed!

Thanks for this great idea!

[Deb]

I was stunned when I clicked the link to ensure it worked, and found that it was actually about BLACK COWS :P I thought for sure it was about something else...anything else...but who would of guessed blackcows.com is really about black cows?

It's fun surfing the sites hosted here... quite a variety :)

Deb
- Amazing ;)

[Mandi]

Is there a way to continue adding sites, once one is at the "Site Added" page . . . http://www.net-sleuth.com/index.php?show=add - the link "Add a Site" isn't clickable from there. Maybe a link like, "Add Another Site" could be used to route the user back to a fresh Add form?


***
And ooooops, I picked Resources, when I meant Services! Yikes, sorry.

Awesome addition to the FQ lineup :)!!

[JonnyBlaze]

Not really a problem, just a cross-browser compatability. I am using NS 4.76 (yes an oldy, but still a NS faithful user) and in trying to add a site, the left-hand categories do not show up. I switched to IE and added my site, but just wanted to let the powers that be know. That is really a great resource, keep up the good work as always.:stardanc:

Jonny:D

[chilihorse]

Deb

Good job, as usual. Easy set up. Just send the bill through the USPS; 50/50 chance we won't get it! (unfortunately, I am not kidding)

Thanks
Chilihorse buried in the snow

[Brian]

I have fixed the Netscape issue with the table being black. Apparently Netscape did not like the transparent table color. I have changed this to just white.

-Brian

[Jeff]

Just wanted to say VERY nicely done. What a fantastic idea! And the layout and colors are great too!

--but no marine related category :P

[Mandi]

If we're suggesting more categories, a Travel or Recreation/Travel category would be great :)!

**
When viewing a site's listing, there are "Hits In" and "Hits Out" stats - Hits Out would seem to be # of times that link has been clicked, but what's Hits In? Links back to Net-Sleuth from the site?

(edit) Also, I notice it's possible to post reviews of websites. Will the script notify us when a review is posted about a site we submitted?

[Brian]

Mandi,

When your site is added, the email sent contains codes to link back to Net-Sleuth, as well as a link to allow your visitors to post a review of your site. When they click on the first link to go to Net-Sleuth, this counts towards your "Hits In".

As far as getting notified when a review is added, we should have all reviews or links added that are submitted within our normal 24 hour window, so the website should be pretty up to date.

I hope this helps :)

-Brian

[Mandi]

I guess my question about notification when reviews are added, stems from concern over negative/inappropriate reviews . . . but if you are adding them by hand, it should at least eliminate overtly hateful type things.

[Joe]

Is there a way moving categories? When I added my site I didn't notice (or maybe it wasn't there to begin with) a section for 'Automotives'. Anyway, it's there now and I think I'm better off in there.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Joe
jspares.com

[Deb]

Is there a way moving categories? There's an "edit" link by each listing. Clicking Edit will allow you to make adjustments to your listing which include changing which category it's in. but if you are adding them by hand, it should at least eliminate overtly hateful type things. Correct... we wont allow anyone to be too mean to our Site Owners.... constructive criticism OK..but rude? Nope! Will the script notify us when a review is posted about a site we submitted? No I do not believe that's a feature yet...but that would make it a darn good reason to visit the Net-Sleuth everyday! ;) If we're suggesting more categories, a Travel or Recreation/Travel category would be great Yes suggestions are encouraged. We sort of just picked in extreme generalities but it will be up to all of you to shape the categories into something that fits the community. I'm sure we'll end up removing some that are not used and adding others that are requested :)

Deb
- WooHoo It has links now!

[Pontist]

Hey Deb!

How 'bout a Science and Engineering category?

:hrmm:

[Deb]

Ok...

Travel and Marine have been added as sub-categories under Recreation and Sports.

Science and Engineering has been added as a sub-category of Education & Reference... I was going to add it as a new main category but everything become seriously out of alignment so we'll wait to add main categories until we have three to add at a time ;)

Deb
- Taking the easy way out

[MTDesigns]

OOh, fun! Gonna go check it out :)!

Best always,

Joi~

[MTDesigns]

There's an "edit" link by each listing. Clicking Edit will allow you to make adjustments to your listing which include changing which category it's in.

Hmmm...Deb...when I clicked on "edit" all I saw was the code to link to net-sleuth.com...? I would love to change one of my categories ;).

Best always,

Joi~

[Joe]

Joi,

That's what I thought at first, but if you click Edit and look below the code link boxes, you'll see "Click here to update your listing" or words to that effect. Click on that and you'll be taken to a screen where you can change categories etc.

Joe

[MTDesigns]

Ahhh...thanx Joe! You know, I did recall seeing that line, but for some reason it didn't register as a link :D !

Thanx again!

Best always,

Joi~

[Monty]

Can we get a fishing and hunting catagory under the Recreation and Sports section please?

Mont

[Deb]

I'll meet you half way with Fish & Game ;)

[Monty]

"fish and game" sounds like a state regulatory agency and not the great outdoors we all fish and hunt in. Thanks anyways,

Mont

[LightGuide]

Originally posted by Monty:
"fish and game" sounds like a state regulatory agency and not the great outdoors we all fish and hunt in. Thanks anyways,

Mont

Actually it's the category for those trendy new restaurants where you can get fresh scrod and play Nintendo while you eat it...

[Marbledog]

I just added a thousand or so sites - would be nice to have a "community service" or something like that category, and something for a retirement home but I'm not quite sure what.

Great stuff FQuest.

[sheila]

would be nice to have a "community service" or something like that category, and something for a retirement home but I'm not quite sure what.
Seems to me, that in the ODP (http://dmoz.org), this would go under a category named something like "Society" with appropriate subcategories: Charities/Service Organizations, Communities, Residences...something along those lines???

[Deb]

I've added some subs to the Society Category that should help a bit :)

Again..if we need to restructure..adding or deleting..or replacing just let us know...

The goal is for the directory to work for all :)

Deb
- It's just about ready to be promoted 8}

[Marbledog]

Wow! And you even moved the sites there! Thanks - what service!

[jak]

just finished adding my client sites (and mine) located on FQ.

thanks deb et al.!

julie
jak graphic solutions, inc.

p.s. but do yah think i'm really going to allow people the chance to review my site. egads. now i have to REALLY work on the look of my site. :P

[manish]

For some reason, I cannot browse to any location in the banner ads.

I did not know that nr.com was hosted on Futurequest. For those who don't know, nr.com stands for Numerical Recipes. I have been using NR in C - in my opinion one of the best books on practical scientific applications ever written.... Any more engineers out ther on Futurequest? :)

Manish

[jokesplus]

Deb using IE6 don't think the search results page is quite as you'd like it to be. If you do a search that results in more than 1 site then the table alignment goes a bit awry. Just thought you'd want to know.

btw - great idea.

Jarrod
http://themeerkat.com/

[Brian]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will look into this to see what the problem may be.

-Brian

[TheEgo]

Shouldn't the listings be alphabetical, now that the categories are starting to fill in? Seems to be first-come, first-served at the moment. Not that I mind my client/employer's site coming up on top, of course. But I don't want to be greedy or anything. mE

The Ego

[Monty]

Deb, take the Monty challenge:

Go to google and search on "fish and game" and you will find almost exclusively the regulatory agencies that oversee these activities.

Do the same thing with "fishing and hunting" and you will find almost exclusively the end users, the guides, the tackle dealers, ect.

Still no chance of a fishing and hunting catagory?

22+ URLs are all ears :)

It's not that we hunters and fisherman don't get along with the state agencies, in fact, it's quite the opposite. But, we also don't won't to be classified with them when it comes to search engines. Folks looking for a guide or boat to fish from use hunting and fishing as search words.

Mont

[Marbledog]

You don't think a "Murdering Innocent Little Animals" category would fly?:o

[Monty]

If you want to see animals being murdered Laurie, go to any city animal "shelter". Several thousand animals died that way while I typed this post. Not one of them was killed by a hunter or fisherman.

Some how, I got the sneaking suspicion that Deb's renaming of my category request was related to this whole PC topic and if it is, then I understand. To each his own. This isn't the place to debate that, so I won't,

What I will debate is what search phrases are used with folks are looking to go out and go fishing and hunting. This ain't my first rodeo, don't cha know. Of of those 22 URL's I mentioned, one routinely takes over a million hits a month. All told, all of them together take closer to 4-5 million.

Mont

----"I got a shotgun, a rifle and a four wheel drive...and can catch catfish all day long....a country boy will survive...

[Marbledog]

just teasing, Monty!

[Monty]

I can't even spell it right, so maybe that's the problem, Laurie ;)

Is not the root word for category, catalog? Hmmm..

cat a gory (a really messy kitty cat)

cat e gory (a classification)

cat a log (something full of categories, and maybe even a catagory)

Mont

----first weekend in 45 days the weather is good for fishin', and I am sick, I guess it just figgers. At least I can still type, even if I can't talk, lol. It's so bad here, the hospitals are on drive by status.

[Mandi]

Hey Monty, O FisherGuy of FQ:

My Fish (http://www.bearfootdesign.com/family/mandi/images/myfish.jpg)

Of course, if you know anything about Alaska fishing, that's just a baby. (I'm 5'2" for reference :P!) The downside, of course, is that we have to wait a FEW more than 45 days until decent fishing weather. The only people fishing today have the CG standing by, yikes (speaking of regulatory/fish folk cooperation!)

[Monty]

now that's a nice Halibut, Mandi! Wow!

Here's our best from last year in TX.

Big Fish 2001 (http://2coolfishing.com/bigfish.shtm)

Mont

[Deb]

Deb, take the Monty challenge: I took the Monty Challenge a while back.... I did win but boy oh boy he got mad at me and has not offered to take me fishing ever since :waa:

Monty -- You win this one :QTthumb:

As far as the order of the links __ I think ___ it's going by number of hits the link brings back into the Net-Sleuth... therefore those that link back most would show up on top.

Remember though, I'm not the programmer and this is a free script so go easy on me ;)

We'll try to work on "refining it" once we're sure what we need it to do and we have a programmer to steal for the task :)

Deb
- Them there fish are big'ens!

[Kara]

Ok is this good for all domains hosted by FutureQuest or just the full package ones?

I'm really having a blast surfing the web in my neighborhood :y. The diversity and creativity is simply amazing. Thanks for adding this.

Kara

[Deb]

is this good for all domains hosted by FutureQuest or just the full package ones? For _all_ domains :)

[Rovan]

Can we get a "Searching" or "Searching the Net" category under the Internet Services section please ? Because my site is about search engines.

Thanks,
Rovan

[Deb]

Can we get a "Searching" or "Searching the Net" category under the Internet Services section please ? "Searching" has been added to Internet Resources and two sites placed accordingly :)

Deb
- It's shaping up nicely :)

[chrisheng]

Deb,

I noticed that as more sub-categories are added, some of the sub-categories actually disappear from the main page with no indication that there are more categories to be found. For example, Internet Resources has something like 5 or 6 sub-categories, but only 3 are displayed on the main page. (The same goes for the Recreation and Sports category.)

I wonder if it's possible to add a "More..." link so that the visitor gets taken to the main category page (eg Internet Resources) where the complete list of sub-categories can be found. Otherwise the visitor may not realise that the "main category" link leads to more sub-categories.

Better still, add all the sub-categories to the main page - after all, there aren't that many sub-categories that the main page becomes cluttered. It's already logically organized by category. My experience with web visitors is that links to sub-pages directly from the main page perform better than links that appear only from another sub-page.

Cheers,
Chris

[sheila]

So, are you just waiting for Net-Sleuth to mature before you put a link to it from the main FutureQuest site?

Can we submit sub-pages of our site to different categories? Like, if someone had web tutorials under one directory, and educational pages under another directory...could they submit both of those? (Just for future reference. I have no plans to do such at this time.)

[Deb]

Chris Said: I noticed that as more sub-categories are added, some of the sub-categories actually disappear from the main page with no indication that there are more categories to be found. The sub-categories with the most links inside are the ones that will show up on the main page... Having "all" the sub-categories on the main page will not work for the long term as it will grow.. at least we hope so :) I do think a "More..." link would be nice. However...as I noted earlier Deb's earlier remarks were:
Remember though, I'm not the programmer and this is a free script so go easy on me ;)

We'll try to work on "refining it" once we're sure what we need it to do and we have a programmer to steal for the task ;) Sheila Asked: Can we submit sub-pages of our site to different categories? Like, if someone had web tutorials under one directory, and educational pages under another directory...could they submit both of those? Deb noted earlier: There are quite a few web sites that probably offer a bit of diversity e.g. half business and half personal etc.... feel free to categorize the different areas where appropriate ;) Sheila also said: So, are you just waiting for Net-Sleuth to mature before you put a link to it from the main FutureQuest site? Yes I wanted it to grow a tad before promoting it beyond this forum thread. It seems to be shaping up well now. I'll be adding links to it within the main FutureQuest.net site as well as aota.net shortly. From there we'll also include a note about it within invoices and payment receipts etc ;)

Deb
- This concludes my [ quote ] practice for the day :P

[Arthur]

Originally posted by manish:
For some reason, I cannot browse to any location in the banner ads. I just noticed why that is; the reason is that you're not accepting cookies. The script relies solely on cookies to redirect you to the site advertised.

There's some room for improvement there...