note: This is The Column, a part of Apolyton where Markos and Dan write whatever we want :). Well, not just Dan and me. The Column is open to everyone. If you feel like writing submit your article to markg@gamestats.com

Are you an average Joe/Jane? Regardless of your answer, the general trend when one of these decides for themselves where they would like to live and raise a family can be generalized as so: a modest-sized house in the countryside and a white picket fence... ok maybe not the later, a little too retro I suppose. But this picture paints a thousand shades of one theme: peaceful. In this community & spirit go hand-in-hand. This is the way it has been for generations.
Now compare that with today's newest frontier: the Internet. When someone sets up home (or shop) on the Web, you are seeking an expansive, reliable likely speedy location with plently of visibility and promotion. Just like you can't buddy-up with your new neighbours overnight, don't expect to be an instant hit with your carbon-based cybernated lifeforms (this is not to say that the Internet is crawling with surfers who are not humanoid --- that is if you don't count politicans, Michael Bolton and anyone chanting "where do you want to go today?".

PREVIOUS ARTICLES

#9 CIV2 MODPACK HOSTING This week, Stewart Spink makes an appeal to all CivII webmasters out there #10 KISS MY COPYRIGHT Daniel explores the feasability of electronic copyrights in his latest installment COLUMN ARCHIVE

First impressions are important and you want to work like a dog to make it a damned good one. Furthermore, the true test of establishing a successful web presence, like anything in life, requires a persistent, unconditional devotion to keeping your target market happy. Learning to take and adapt to constructively criticized elements of your website is a first step. But don't be afraid --- no, rather encourage auidience participation. Last time I checked we do not possess the Betazoid ability of reading others minds (some in our culture have a hard enough time doing so with whatever makes up their own minds *cough**cough*). To do this requires more then a simple email link to write to or feedback form to fill out.
A public message board allows users not only to interact with the administrators of a particular site but also with each other who evidently share similar interests. Play your cards right and you'll end up in the midst of a virtual community made up of eager beavers who are more than willing to chip in for the better good of the site, the COMMUNITY (note the emphasis on this word).

The only sure things in this life are taxes and death goes the ol' saying. A tradition, if you will. Traditions were meant to be broken and newer, better ones to take their place. I see too much of this in the 90's: a who-cares attitude. What gives with that? At a time where the world is getting smaller through global connectivity so should our barriers that have build this "me" focused society. What you get out of something depends upon what you put into it. So, by taking a constructive, pro-active approach to the growth and maturity of your website you generate respect and this is reflected and bouned back to you through the keyboards of a faithful congregation.

Those who lend a helping hand, not for fame or fortune but for a good feeling inside --- all for community spirit? I'm all for it.

The opinions expressed on this page doesnt necessarily express Apolyton CS or GameStats.
It is just the personal opinions of the writer.