"The Best of the Net Straight to Your Door

Sept. 15, 2003 Issue #119
ISSN: #1527-3105

Edited & Published by: Merle- Merle@MerlesWorld.com http://www.MerlesWorld.com/

Donations Wanted: If you enjoy this ezine and feel you have gained valuable information from it, please make a donation. If you prefer to donate using PayPal use this link. Your small gifts will help support the website and this newsletter (and bones for "the boys"). Dakota says "woof, woof" which means "thanks".

One Liner:

"I filled out an application that said 'In Case Of Emergency Notify:' I wrote 'Doctor'... What's my mother going to do?"

=> 1. News From the Net
=> 2. Feature Article-"How to Obtain Free Content!"
=> 3. Webmaster Resources
=> 4. Promotional Resources
=> 5. Other Ezines of Interest
=> 6. Just for Fun or Useful
=> 7. E Books and Things of Interest to Publishers
=> 8. Freeware and Shareware to Download
=> 9.Subscribe/Remove Information
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Hey Gang,

I'm writing this while I'm jamming to http://www.musicmatch.com It's a free download that allows you to choose music you'd like to listen to. At the risk of dating myself it let's you select music by "era" and listen away. I love this stuff. If
I close my eyes I think I'm 16 again. Maybe I am!

Are you ever depressed by what you see going on in the world?I know I am. Things have changed so much in the last 20 years and at the risk of sounding like my Mother I don't think they have necessarily changed for the better. When I was a kid you knew your neighbors, you called people Mr. or Mrs. and kids had respect for their elders. Mom's stayed home and made Apple Pies and were there for their kids when they came home from school to teach them morals and values. Have you looked around lately? The almighty dollar has taken hold of our value system.

We've got kids shooting each other in school, a lack of respect for each other in public places and on our roadways. What's wrong with this picture? The kids now a days don't seem to want to work for a living. They expect Mom and Dad to hand em a car, and not just any old car but a brand new one. They wouldn't want to be seen in a beater. Oh, and by the way Mom and Dad can pay for the insurance too. That's their given right as a teenager, isn't it? At least that's what they'd have you think. When I was a kid if you wanted some thing you better get a job and work for it, my parents didn't hand me anything and I've gotta tell ya, I think I'm a better person for it.

I'm not saying life is easy, but I think we need some good old fashioned morals and values back in this world. I mean that's what made this country great. Now it seems everyone is looking for a quick buck and how can they sue someone to make some cash so they don't have to get a job. Nice, ay? I don't know if people are sleep walking or what but it's time to wake up. Start teaching your kids some values and give them the skills they need to grow up into warm, compassionate adults. The world needs more of em. I'm sorry if you think you need that big brand new house and two brand new Minivans, you don't. Let's get back to what's important, family values and common respect for your fellow human being.

OK, I think I'm done ranting now. I'll take some Prozac and everything will seem better within the hour. Did I tell you I lost a few subscribers last issue? Seems I
made a few people mad when I said I wanted to take that virus generating kid and beat him with a bat. People, I was just kidding. If you've been a reader for any length of time you know I have a great sense of humor, so please don't take me so literally. I wouldn't really beat a human with a bat (unless I was really pissed off) I'M KIDDING... (lol) You do have a sense of humor, don't you. If not, you're really in trouble. Life is tough and if can't laugh at yourself who can you laugh at (besides me).

Anyway, onward and upward.

I'd love to hear your comments over at our discussion board.

This week's winner for a free ad is....Susanne Flø http://www.susannefloe.com

For your own chance to win fill in the survey. You'll find the link at the very bottom of this ezine. A winner is pulled twice a month. Enter now.

Thanks for joining me, let's get to the good stuff.

If you have any comments you can send them to Me.

Merle

http://www.MerlesWorld.com
http://www.EzineAdAuction.com
http://www.MCPromotions.com

Recording Industry Sues 12 Year Old Girl
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/5349.htm
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How Not to Get Sued by the RIAA
http://eff.org/IP/P2P/howto-notgetsued.php

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PC World Launches Spaaam Watch Site
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/spamwatch/0,00.asp
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SBC Yahoo! Joins Anti-Pop-Up Crusade
http://www.internetnews.com/IAR/article.php/3077951

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"How to Obtain Free Content!"

By http://www.MCPromotions.com

Fresh content is an integral part of any successful website.But who has enough free time to publish fresh content on a daily basis? Allow me to introduce you to
"syndicated content."By including syndicated content on your site, it stays fresh with very little effort on your part. So how do you get it? How does it work?
Slow down... All will be revealed in due time. Remember, patience is a virtue.

Implementation Syndicated content is dynamic material that constantly changes. Your first step is finding it -- preferably, for free, although some will charge you for the privilege. In most cases all you do is fill out a short form, and are then given some HTML code to paste into your web page where you want the content to appear.The content will automatically change depending on the service you're
using, every 24 hrs, weekly or bi-weekly.

Content Types

Syndicated content comes in many different forms:

- News feeds
- Stock tickers
- Weather updates
- Tips and tricks
- Short articles
- Even graphics and cartoons.

Using syndicated content saves you time since you don't have to create or maintain it. It keeps your site fresh and interesting ensuring visitors will come back to see what's new on a regular basis. Make sure you check for any restrictions on use before signing up to use any service.

Pro's and Cons

As with most things there are advantages and disadvantages. We look at a few of these to help you decide whether Syndicated Content is right for your site.

Disadvantages

May slow down the loading of your site due to the fact that the content is being pulled from the syndicator's server.

Since most free content involves a link back to the syndicator's site you may lose visitors who are curious enough to click on it.

The content is seldom unique so a user may feel duped if they see the exact same piece of content on another site.

Advantages

Fresh updated content with no work on your part

Saves you time by not having to create new content

Keeps visitors returning to see what's new

Where Do You Find It?
Here are some links you may wish to investigate:

Live News feeds

http://www.isyndicate.com
Syndicates over 850 sources to well over 210,000 websites.Most of their feeds come with a price tag, but some are free.

http://www.7am.com
Uses a Java applet that will give you the latest headlines.

Comic Feeds

http://www.cartoonlink.com
Work by talented cartoonists you can add to your pages free.

http://www.comicexchange.com
Enjoy the work of over 40 cartoonists free.

http://www.callahanonline.com
Syndicated cartoon guaranteed to offend and entertain. Updates itself automatically every 24 hours.

Weather Feeds

http://www.wunderground.com
Displays current time and weather for the city you select.

http://www.weatherguys.com
Free to use; gives weather conditions for whatever zip code is typed into the box.

Daily Tips & Fun Stuff

http://www.bannertips.com
Updated every 24 hours. The tips provided are on banner advertising; what works and what doesn't.

http://www.surfnetkids.com
Fresh fun and free content that's family oriented. Choose from daily facts, daily chuckles, and more.

http://www.myzips.com
Add the top 10 software downloads to your site by filling in the short form and pasting the code given, onto your page.

http://www.doctorebiz.com
Add Dr. Wilson's weekly column on website marketing by adding two lines of javascript to the page where you want it to appear.

If you write short articles and would like to see your content in syndication and appearing on other's websites you can submit your 400 to 1,200 word articles to
syndicator@web-source.net and attach a photo (80X105). If chosen your articles will be added to http://websource.net/syndicator live feed.

You also may be interested in purchasing software to syndicate your own content. Check out Master Syndicator at http://www.MasterSyndicator.com which makes it easy to start syndicating your own content. Selling for only 99.00 it runs on UNIX or Linux servers.

So next time your website needs some fresh content you may want to seriously consider using syndicated content. Why not benefit from someone elses work? Your website visitors will keep coming back for more, and you won't have to work so hard at keeping things fresh.

**********************************************
Merle http://www.EzineAdAuction.com
"Where some of the BEST Deals in Ezine Advertising
are Made"-Buy & Sell Ezine Ads in a live auction setting!
Publishers sell off your excess inventory and Buyers
pick up some Fantastic bargains. Free E-book on how to
write "glowing" ezine ads.....Download Now at
http://www.ezineadauction.com/ebooks/greatezineads.pdf
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Anyone may reprint the above article in your ezine
or website as long as the sig line is kept intact.

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Apply Tools

If you're in need of free scripts, great articles
and other fantastic online tools then Apply Tools has
it. Check out the free PayPal link creator software
which makes it easy to sell your products or services
by credit card.

http://www.applytools.com/

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Image SlideShow

Want to add a fun interactive slide show to your site?
It's easy to do with this Java script. This one has user
controls so they can go to the next or previous image, or
stop the show at will. Two steps to install, paste the
first part of the code into your <head> tags and the
rest in the body, select your images and go.

http://tinyurl.com/nl1t

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Search Google by Phone?

No, I don't quite get the usefulness of this one but maybe
Google knows something I don't. Pick up your phone
say a search word then click the link. Sounds like too
much work to me but if you're interested in putting the
phone and the web to work at the same time take her for
a test run.

http://labs.google.com/gvs.html

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CSS Forum

If you're not using CSS to design your webpages
you must be living under a rock. Cascading Style
Sheets makes it easy to change the look of your site
and keep down the bloat size. If you're like me and
still struggling with many of the basics check out
this helpful forum that can field your questions
and fix your problems in a hurry. Nice.

http://www.csscreator.com/css-forum/index.php

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Useful Tips
***********************************

Sick of All the Programs in Your Start Up Folder?

Ever notice how a lot of the software you download automatically loads itself into your "startup" folder and launches everytime you start your computer?

Well. you can fix it. Here's how:

1) Select Start then Run
2) Type the words msconfig and say ok
3) Click on the startup tab and uncheck all of
the boxes next to the programs you no longer
want to start when you boot.

Easy, and you're done.

"Only $10.00 to Advertise?"

Sure you can, at EzineAdAuction.com it's EASY!
You'll reach Thousands of prospective customers in
the process.Why Waste hundreds of dollars on
advertising when you can test your ad campaigns so
inexpensively with us. The answer for a "small ad
budget". Click Here to start Saving..

http://EzineAdAuction.com

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If you'd like to swap ads with this ezine please send your
requests to mailto:adswap@merlesworld.com Please include
your ezine name and the number of subscribers.
---------------------------

ATTENTION: Small Online Biz Owners!

If you're trying to market your Website and are not
sure where to turn, subscribe to MC Promotions Press
Newsletter and get the information you need to be a
success online. Sure-Fire Promotion/Marketing Tips.
Sites that will help you. Little known advertising
tricks.....and much more. Start increasing traffic
to your site Now
http://www.MCPromotionsPress.com

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Cocktails Database

I'll admit it. There are days when I just need a
drink. A Martini is my favorite and on certain
occasions more then one may be in order. Next time
you need to be more creative with your drink making
cruise thru the thousands of drink recipes in this
database and your friends will surely be impressed
with your new found barkeep skills.

http://www.cocktaildb.com/

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Paper CD Cases

Want to make your own CD case? Now you can. Type
in the titles and the artists and create a foldable
Printable PDF file that will hold your most cherished
CD. Now that's cool and don't forget free.

http://www.papercdcase.com

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Fontosaurus

Want some fun fonts? Download all you like at
Fontosaurus.For Mac and Window users.

http://www.fontosaurus.com/

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MiniClip

Want to play fun arcade games? Now you can play
all day right online, just don't let your boss
catch you.

http://www.miniclip.com/Homepage.htm

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Do You Write Articles?

If so why not submit them to one of the largest article
databases online today. Imagine Free exposure of your
work, as it's reprinted in ezines and websites across
the Internet. Be seen by thousands by submitting your
writings now to...

http://www.Family-Content.com

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TrueTech Webcam

"TrueTech WebCam 2.2 Personal Edition is a FREE version
of the webcam server adapted especially for home users.
It can be freely downloaded and used on as many machines
as you like. WebCam 2.2 Personal Edition is intended for
personal * non-commercial * use and for evaluation purposes
only. Easily put a live audio feed on your site."

http://www.truetech.com/webcam/freeware.html

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Win MX

"WinMX is a FREE file-sharing program like no other.
It allows you to connect, download, and share files
with MILLIONS of other users through the decentralized
WinMX Peer Network. Once WinMX is installed, you'll
have access to one of the largest and most diverse
networks of shared media files in the world."

http://www.winmx.com/

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Blog Express

"BlogExpress is a full-featured .NET application for
content syndication (or also called a news aggregator).
BlogExpress supports all RSS versions. It can read
contents from any Weblogs (a.k.a., blog) and any
Websites that provide XML files for content syndication."

http://blogexpress.com/

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Well, that wraps it up,once again thanks for joining me. If you have any comments please send them to comments@merlesworld.com or visit the site.

For advertising rates for this ezine send...mailto:advertising@merlesworld.com

Current subscriber base is over 4,900- My list is clean as all email addresses are removed the very first time they bounce. Back issues can be reviewed here...http://www.MerlesMission.com

If you are not a subscriber and would like to be send mailto:subscribe@merlesworld.com

For great web hosting or if you're in need of a programmer contact mailto:DavidBlack@SiteDesignandHosting.com .He's wonderful and an expert at what he does. Tell him "Merle" sent ya.

P.S. I am currently in need of testimonials for this ezine.If you enjoy it please let me know. Send to mailto:testimonials@MerlesWorld.com
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If you haven't yet filled in the subscriber survey, get your free gifts by doing it now..and be entered into a drawing for a free ad in this ezine. Winner pulled twice a month. You'll find the survey at:http://www.advancedsurvey.com/ when there put 901 into the survey number box at the top left to take thesurvey.

I'm now offering my articles for syndication on your website All you have to do is paste SOME code where you want the article to appear and every 10 to 14 days when I update it on my end it will display a fresh article on web design/ maintenance on your site. Easy to do and gives you fresh content without any work whatsoever. For more info and to get to the code Click Here.

Thanks for being a subscriber and I'll see you next time!

If you enjoy this ezine and would like to make a small donation please go to http://tinyurl.com/21se


Disclaimer: Merle's World does not accept any responsibility for any liabilities as resulting from any claims in this newsletter or by the advertisers in it. This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We respect your privacy and do not share our mailing list with anyone. All content provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Comments in this ezine are strictly the opinion of the publisher. Merle does not endorse, and is not responsible for, the above ads. Please use your own discretion when responding to ads in this ezine. Copyright 2001-2003 All Rights Reserved. View our Privacy Policy and our...Site Disclaimer

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