Freeport/Stephenson County Web Ring Participation Criteria

Background
The Freeport/Stephenson County Web Ring is dedicated to promoting this region of Illinois to both new visitors and residents of the area through the use of interconnected webpages. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a Web Ring allows visitors to start on any one page, click on the "Web Ring" link, and then navigate to other sites included in the ring. By clicking from page to page, the visitors are allowed to experience a broad perspective of the area and its services, finally coming back to the very first page where they started. For those organizations and businesses involved in the ring, this is an excellent way to give their Website added exposure by those navigating the ring. As an additional searching feature, the Freeport/Stephenson County Web Ring is indexed in an intuitive and logical way for visitors who choose to search for specific businesses, governmental and recreational sites within the region.

Fees
Non-profit organizations: $50 participation fee (annual)
For-profit organizations: $100 participation fee (annual)

Guidelines for Membership
The Stephenson County Web Ring is designed to showcase various local sites which are appealing to visitors, consumers, and the general community. The purpose is to show a unified presence on the Web, which will enhance tourism and commerce within the region. Keep in mind that these guidelines are designed so that every member site of the ring gets a fair chance at being seen by visitors navigating the ring.

A Website is suitable for membership if it:
- Highlights a business, attraction, group or professional service located in Stephenson County or pertains to an important aspect of the county. Any Websites that do not have the street address of their business/organization posted will be asked to confirm their Stephenson County address with the Web Ring's webmaster before being added to the ring.
- Presents a professional impression of the region, business or service.
- Is attractive and well designed, easy to navigate, uses JavaScript carefully and offers valid contact information for visitors.

A Website is not qualified if it:
- Contains gaudy backgrounds or unreadable text/background combos.
- Is primarily a personal page, unless it is determined that there is a unique reason for inclusion.
- Is a personal genealogy site.
- Is political or ideological in nature.
- Is not yet formally launched or is "Under Construction."

Website specifics:
- If there are any Java, JavaScript or features like "refresh" embedded in individual sites, they must not prevent visitors from viewing the page the web ring HTML fragment is on.
- If a site uses Flash, it MUST include the ability for the visitor to skip the intro.
- If the content of a Website is changed considerably (complete redesign) after inclusion in the ring, the Web Ring webmaster must be notified. A site will be immediately terminated in the ring if content no longer meets the above criteria.
- The HTML fragment for the ring MUST be on the very first page/homepage of individual sites. Once a site has been submitted to the Web Ring with the payment of fees, an email will be sent with the correct HTML tagging. The individual site owner will need to copy and paste this code to their HTML document.
- Once HTML tagging has been inserted on the site and the Web Ring webmaster has been notified, the individual site will be added to the Web Ring.

Rights of the webmaster:
- The Web Ring webmaster reserves the right to remove any sites based on his/her judgment or that of others in the ring.
- The webmaster reserves the right to remove any site, at any time, due to receipt of complaints that the site owner is sending UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email) or Spam. The ring is dedicated to quality, ethical businesses and community groups that realize the commitment necessary for a successful business or organization. Spammers are not welcome on the ring.

To apply for membership:
- Fill out the application form. If there is any false information included, your application is void.