F.A.Q.

(Frequently Asked Questions)
Bookmark This Site for Future Reference

General Questions

1. What kind of Web Sites can join the ring?
   

   Any Commercial Business Web Site or Community Organization physically located in Lake County, Illinois including Chambers, Community Groups, Civic Organizations, Municipalities, Churches, Youth Groups and Non-Profits can join the Webring. “Unofficial”, humor or parody sites are not accepted. We do not accept “adult” sites, Blogs or personal home pages. Sites must be *G* rated and not be offensive to the general public. Sites using frames cannot be added to the ring - frames will break the ring and not allow smooth surfing to the other sites in the ring.

2. I'd like to join the Lake County Webring, but I didn't make my Web Site. How can I join?
   

   The company or designer that did create your site can be notified that you'd like to join the ring for “Target Local” exposure to the local Lake County market. Contact them, give them the Lake County Webring address of http://www.lake-online.com/webring, and tell them you'd like to join. They can have you added just that easily - there is nothing special needed to join and there is no cost for you to participate in the ring. You also have password access to edit your site's information and can remove your site from the ring at any time.

3. Why hasn't my site been added?
   

   There are several reasons as to why your site has not been added yet:

   • Your site does not reflect your Lake County, Illinois location. If you have your location buried and we cannot find it to confirm you do in fact reside in Lake County, Illinois your site will be declined.
   • Your site utilizes frames.
   • The Webring code is nowhere to be found on your site.
   • The Webring code has errors and does not work.
   • You have altered the Lake County Webring code or graphics in some way or they have been omitted from the code.
   • You are not a Business or Community Organization located in Lake County, Illinois.
   • The Webring points to a page with no Lake County Webring code.
   • Your page refuses to load properly and thus the Lake County Webring cannot be found.
     
   • You have entered an incorrect URL for your site.
   • The Webring code is not located on the top page or the "About You" page of your site.

   You will be notified by email from our Ringmaster if any of the above should apply.



4. Can I join the ring while my site is Under Construction?

   No. There is no sense having sites on the ring that are not yet ready with information about your company and or organizations. Please bookmark our site an join when your site is formally launched.

5. Do I have to physically be in Lake County, Illinois to join?

   Yes! Your site must pertain to a Lake County, Illinois Business or Community Group which is located in Lake County, Illinois. However, if for example the youth group you work with is located in Lake County but you are creating the page out of your McHenry home - that is O.K. as the youth group has a Lake County address. Commercial Web sites involving any business must be physically located in Lake County. The sole purpose of our Webring is to bring Lake County enterprises together in such a way as to bring additional visitors to our sites by cooperatively being linked together. If your site reflects an address outside of Lake County, we cannot add your site to the ring.

6. Does the ring code have to be on my front page?
   

   Yes. We do suggest that code be on the first page of your Web Site as generally that is where visitors can get an overview about the products, services and information that your company or organization offers. Don't worry about “losing” visitors by having the ring on your front page. Not every person surfing the ring will be interested in your product, service or information - now. But they have discovered your site through the ring and now know where to find you! If you use a splash page as the entry into your site, it is important the ring code be added on an internal/home page so that those surfing the ring can do so easily. If the code just will not visually fit in on your entry page, a page that clearly describes your site's purpose or your business where visitors will get an overview of what your site contains is acceptable. This is typically your "About Us" page.

   NOTE: Webring code placed on "links pages" is NOT acceptable. Moving the code to another page other than the one we approve during the registration process can cause you to be immediately removed from the ring. We have found that "links pages" do not clearly define you or your site's intended purpose. If any page other than the top entry page of your site is registered with the ring, when we visit your site for inclusion we will determine at that time if the page registered is acceptable. If it is not, we will recommend which page the code should be located on so we can add you to the ring.

7. Do I have to place the code on my page?
   

   Yes, without the code, your site cannot be added as part of the ring. Please add it as soon as you join so that there is no delay. If you truly meet all the criteria noted above there should be no problem in approving your site. You will receive an email from us pointing you to our Webring page for your specific site. There you will also find the code generated specifically to add your site to the ring. Notify your Webmaster of this URL, print a copy and forward to them or cut-n-paste the code into the front page of your site.

8. Should I contact you as soon as I join the ring?
   

   This is not necessary as the moment the code is in place on your site, the system will recognize you as an active part of the ring.

9. How long does it take to join the ring?
   

   If all of the ring information is on your page correctly, it may be added that very same day.

10. Don't those at the beginning of the ring get more exposure?
    

    There really is no actual beginning of the ring. When your site is activated on the ring, you are automatically added to the list of sites that are participating. Then, to make things interesting we have the ring configured to do a complete random shuffle. So surfers are guaranteed a new adventure every time they hop on the ring! Keep in mind that each Member site also has a link to pull up the complete list of those in the ring.

11. Why would we be removed from the ring?
    One main reason you would be abruptly removed from the Lake County Business and Community Webring would be due to us receiving complaints the Web site owner is spamming or may be involved in unethical business practices. LakeOnline.com reserves the right to remove any site, at any time, for any reason we feel necessary to maintain the reputation and quality of the ring. The ring is dedicated to quality, ethical businesses that realize the commitment necessary for a successful organization or business. Spammers are definitely not welcome on the ring.