__________________________________________ 互户互户互户互互户互)  Merle's Mission Ezine- "The Best of the Net Straight to your Door" Tell A Friend:http://recommend-it.com/l.z.e?s=3463949 Oct 15th 2002 Issue #99 ISSN: #1527-3105 Edited & Published by: Merle- Merle@MerlesWorld.com http://www.MerlesWorld.com/ __________________________________________ 互户互户互户互互户互)  NOTE: This newsletter is by subscription only. The only way it could have ended up in your inbox was by your subscribing to it. If you wish to unsubscribe see the details at the bottom of this ezine. __________________________________________ 互户互户互户互互户互)  If you enjoy this ezine and feel you have gained valuable information from it, please make a donation through Amazon's Donation Service. Your small gifts will help support the website and this newsletter. http://tinyurl.com/21se ______________________________________________ Sponsor ______________________________________________ - How to get your hands on dirt-cheap products to sell, including products with full RESALE rights! (You'll never have to create your own products!) - How to create, launch and promote a single-paged "minisite," without the need for a full-blown website and even if you've NEVER had a website before! http://tinyurl.com/21tj ------------- Want to see your ad here? mailto:advertising@merlesworld.com __________________________________________ 互户互户互户互互户互)  Relationships... "Ah, yes, divorce......., from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet." -- Robin Williams Compliments of http://www.Coolsigs.com ----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>> E D I T O R' S N O T E ----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>> Hi and thanks for joining me for another edition of Merle's Mission.If this is your first issue I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy putting it together. Sorry for the delay in getting this out. As they say "My Cup Runneth Over" and they say "Better Late then Never". For those of you who aren't aware tomorrow is Sweetest Day so if you haven't gotten anything for your honey yet I suggest you get to the store while you still can in order to keep yourself out of the dog house. You don't want to go there now, do you? The cold weather is starting to settle in here in Northeast Ohio. It's been gray skies and rain all day. It's pretty depressing and would be a great day for suicide if you're into that kind of thing. It's just that blah. Remember, I'm managing my own mailing lists now so if you're box is full and your email bounces back I WILL remove you from my list. Sorry, but If you're box is full and your email is bouncing you must not be reading it anyway. So if you want to keep it coming, empty your box on a regular basis if you're using Hotmail or Yahoo these are the worst offenders. I finally got Halloween costumes for my "boys". Dakota is going to be a King and Teddy a bunny rabbit. I didn't really have much choice as the costumes were really picked over by the time I got to Target this week. To be honest these were the last two they had. Now I just need to get them to sit still for their picture so I can get wallets made for my cards this year. If you don't mind getting mail from someone who likes to dress up their dogs in funny costumes, keep on reading. I've picked another winner for a free ad in this ezine. The winner is Joanne of....... http://www.private-practice-marketing.com If you're reading this reply to the email I sent to you with your ad copy. If you'd like a chance to win a free ad in this ezine simply fill out the demographic survey whose link you'll find at the bottom of this newsletter. You really can win. Everytime I write a new article I send it out to a list I maintain of publishers and website owners for possible inclusion in their newsletters or on their sites. If you'd like to be included in that list, send a message to mailto:addmetothelist@merlesworld.com As usual I've rounded up some great resources for you so let's get started. If you have any comments you can send them to mailto:merle@merlesworld.com Merle http://www.MerlesWorld.com http://www.EzineAdAuction.com http://www.MCPromotions.com -------------------------------------------------- IN THIS ISSUE -------------------------------------------------- => 1. News From the Net . => 2. Feature Article-Domains 101: "How to Choose A Winning Name", Part 1 of a 3 Part Series => 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 --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. NEWS FROM THE NET -------------------------------------------------------------- Verisign relinquishes .org control http://tinyurl.com/21tl ------- eBay Launches Extended Warranty Program for Consumer Elec. http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y02/m10/i16/s01 ------ AOL's Gamble to Tame PopUps http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-962345.html ------ Building Brand Loyalty with Email http://www.executivesummary.com/index.jsp ------ Ask Jeeves Loss Narrows, Revenues Rise http://tinyurl.com/21tq ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv Webmaster's DOUBLE your TRAFFIC with a unique popup exchange! This is one the biggest and best returning traffic exchanges on the net! Join now... http://www.jokaroo.com/traffic.htm click here --------------------------------------------- 2. FEATURE ARTICLE --------------------------------------------- Domains 101: "How to Choose A Winning Name!" Part 1 of a 3 Part Series By http://www.MCPromotions.com What's in a name? When choosing one for your domain, it could mean the difference between success and failure. Giving birth to a website requires the same thought and effort you'd put into naming your flesh-and-blood babies. After all, you're going to have to live with it for a long time. So you need to choose something you're not only going to love, but will also work to your benefit. Let's begin by examining domain extensions that are available to you: 1) .COM- Still the King and the best choice for most online businesses 2) .NET- In the beginning this was meant for ISP's but now it's the most common alternative when the .com extension of a domain you really want is already taken. 3) .ORG- Designed for Non-Profit sites 4) .INFO/.BIZ- Fairly new but starting to spread in usage 5) .US- Country extension domains are also available for most countries As you can see, you have many extensions available to choose from but if possible, always go with .com. It's the most widely recognized and still the default people use when looking for a website. After registering your .com name you may want to "lock up" the .net version to keep out any would-be competitors from registering it and trying to infringe on your traffic. You can also use these other domains as "mini-sites" that concentrate on one aspect of your business that also link to your main website. The next step is choosing your name. If you ask ten people how to pick a domain name you'd probably get ten different answers. Get out a sheet of paper and just start writing names that appeal to you or that pop into your head. Keep the following pointers in mind: 1) Keep it Short- Under 13 characters is the ultimate in length. 2) Include Keywords- If possible, try to include your most important keyword in your name. You'll hear many conflicting stories on this, but opt for a keyword in your domain name if possible. It helps with the search engines and is also more descriptive of your site and what you do. 3) Odd Characters- Stay away from dashes and numbers in your domain name. This will make it harder for people to remember it when they go to type it in. 4) Be Memorable: Try to choose something that will stick out in people's minds if you can. 5) Spelling: Make sure it's easy to spell. You don't want people mistyping the name in and not being able to find you at all, do you? 6) Trademarks: Make sure the name you choose is not trademarked to avoid any problems down the road. Do a free quickie search here... http://www.nameprotect.com/ If you're having problems coming up with good names you may want to try an online "name generator" services for some quick inspiration: 1) NameBoy.com- Type in a primary word or if you like, a secondary one and hit go. NameBoy will come back with a list of names showing what is and isn't taken. 2) DomainFellow.com- Type in a keyword and choose a category, then hit search. The list generated shows what's available and what's not. 3) DomainTwister.com- Type in a domain and choose a theme for a complete list of what is and isn't available. 4) DomainGen.com- Type in a primary and secondary keyword and choose your industry. 5) Maximum Edge: Maximumedge.com/domains/namegenerator.shtml Type in 1 or 2 keywords to search and click for a list of possibilities. For even more tips on domain names check out.. http://www.domainguru.com/ So now that you have taken your list of possibles and have finally narrowed it down to your best selections, so where do you go to register your new found beauties? In part 2 of this series we'll discuss some of the cheapest and best places to register names, the fine art of buying expired and deleted domains and some of the best domain management tools to help you keep track of your new treasures. ********************************************** 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 ************************************************ You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author bylines are included. ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ Subscribe to "Build An eBusiness On A Shoestring" a unique newsletter with fresh, hard-hitting information ...guaranteed to put money in your pocket. And as a bonus get 3 fabulous ebooks. http://build-an-ebusiness-on-a-shoestring.com (2x) ------------------------------------------------ 3. WEBMASTER RESOURCES ------------------------------------------------- CSS CREATOR If you need some help setting up some basic CSS tags (Cascading Style Sheets) you'll want to bookmark this site which allows you to type in the tag you want to set the style for, like table, body, ect. then choose colors, borders and so much more. Try it you'll really like this one. http://www.infamousbasement.com/php/cssc/css.php -------- RANDOM QUOTE This is a small script that allows you to make customized random quotes that you can display in your webpages. It allows you to have unlimited quotes that you add simply by editing a text file. Free to download. http://cgidom.hypermart.net/randomquote/index.html ------ COLOR COMBINATIONS FOR YOUR SITE Are you having a hard time deciding on the colors for your new site? Check out this handy online site that allows you to preview color combinations online and decide on the one that's picture perfect. If you build websites bookmark this one. http://www.colorcombo.com/ -------- CGI/PERL SCRIPT INSTALATION If you're like me you can pretty much teach yourself anything you put your mind too. The problem is I put my mind to way too many things. If you've found a super cool CGI script and don't know how to get it up and running on your server you can have most scripts installed by this programmer for a mere 25.00. Now that's one less thing I have to figure out on my to do list. http://webdesignandmore.com/script_installation.html ====================================== Tip ====================================== To make sure the fonts you use on your website can be seen the way you intended them by others stic k to the common fonts such as: Arial Helvetica Verdana Geneva Courier Times New Roman If you use a font not installed on a viewers PC your site will default to Times New Roman. =========================================== ----------------------------------------------- 4. PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES ----------------------------------------------- Do you Advertise in Ezines? If not you're missing out on one of the HOTTEST marketing tools online today. It's an inexpensive way to reach thousands with your message. Find hundreds of ezines to advertise in at http://www.EzineAdAuction.com/ Place your bids today! Free Bonus Items to all who register. ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ JUVIO has taken the Net by STORM! Thousands signing up. Forced matrix. Many languages. 24/7 Tech Support. 800#. Refer 3 and its FREE! Top Opportunity to earn $Thousands of $ Each Month in Residual Income! http://www.agpcommunity.com/juvio.html ---------------------------------------------- 5. OTHER EZINES OF INTEREST ---------------------------------------------- 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. --------------------------- ParentPreneur Weekly Ezine is geared towards parents working from home. Subscribe today and get HOT news & access to the latest tools & tips for home workers. All new subscribers will receive FREE gifts mailto:mcp-subscribe@parentpreneurclub.com http://www.parentpreneurclub.com?s00mcp ------- ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS 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! mailto:subscribe@mcpromotions.com -------- Looking for FUN and FREE NEWSLETTERS? You will find them all at HipLists! Be entertained with TONS of TOPICS. Sign Up Now! http://www.hiplists.com/a.cgi?a=msmerle6 ======================================================= <<<< T H E O R I G I N A L E Z I N E - R I N G >>>> Free Samples of the Best Internet Marketing Ezines ... Previous: mailto:mewsletter@autobots.net Next: mailto:2000fastracksample@sendfree.com *Full List and 3 Freebies: mailto:ering15@writead.com* ======================================================= -------------------------------------------- 6. JUST FOR FUN OR USEFUL -------------------------------------------- ORGANIZED HOME Ok, so my house wouldn't get the Better Homes and Gardens seal of approval and my boyfriend is a major slob. I think it's his Mother's fault. If you need help in this department too, and who doesn't dive in for some useful tips and help. Maybe I should just get rid of my boyfriend? http://www.organizedhome.com/ -------- LAST MINUTE TRAVEL Want to take a trip and you didn't plan ahead? Cruises, weekend trips, Spas and casinos all await you. http://www.lastminutetravel.com/ ------- EASY TUTOR Are you a one fingered typist? If so Easy Tutor can make a real typist out of you in no time. You'll need to register to use the site then pick your skill level from children, teens or adults then get typing. http://www.easytype.com ------- INTERNET FRAUD COMPLAINT CENTER If you've ever been ripped off online and want to fight back here's your chance. Real complaints only please http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/index.asp ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ BRIAN GARVIN RELEASES INCREDIBLE NEW MARKETING TOOL!! Create Opt-In Lightning Style Pop-Ups Instantly! Create Subscribe Boxes Instantly! Create Pop-Ups on Entry! Create Pop-Ups on Exit! Create Pop-Unders! Create Frameset Pages! Create Redirect Pages! Tools and Complete Training for a ridiculously low one-time fee.


http://hop.clickbank.net/hop.cgi?dakota6969/lightningp ---------------------------------------------------------- 7. E BOOKS AND THINGS OF INTEREST TO EZINE PUBLISHERS _________________________________________________ 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 ------ Would You Like to Create an Ebook? Have You Struggled With Design? Create Your Own Professional Looking Ebook and Book Cover in just a few simple steps with Ebook Starter -- Do-It-Yourself Ebook Design Kit. http://tinyurl.com/21t3 -------- Every month, ebooksnbytes.com gives away books, ebooks, software, and services to people who subscribe to their email newsletter...the eBooks N' Bytes Informer FREE! That's why the "eBooks N' Bytes Informer" is easily one of the best newsletters about eBooks on the 'Net. If you're not reading it, you are completely out of the loop! Go to http://www.ebooksnbytes.com/cgi-bin/go.cgi?ref=merle@merlesworld.com and be prepared to win! ---------------------------------------------- 8. FREEWARE- SHAREWARE- TRIALS TO DOWNLOAD ---------------------------------------------- EZ JAVASCRIPT EZ JavaScript is a program that contain 50+ JavaScripts for you to use on your webpage. With the script wizard, you can change the variables of the scripts faster. Free. http://megspace.com/computers/hung/software/ezjava.html --------- TWEAK XP Hundreds of tweaks, visual styles, and software reviews for MS Windows XP. http://www.tweakxp.com/tweakxp/ -------- INTERNET CODERS Need some free script for your site? You can download a shopping cart, a mailing list script even a free site search script plus more. All Unix and Linux based programs. http://www.internetcoders.com/products.html ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>> Please Support our Sponsors ---<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----<<+>>-----sponsor adv/ GET OVER 70 FREE PLACES TO PROMOTE YOUR EZINE Want to get more subscribers? Want to create an ezine that brings you more business? Learn how to do both! Discover how to create & promote your own successful ezine that brings qualified customers to your site. THREE FREE BONUSES! http://tinyurl.com/1pr4 ------------------------------------------ 9.IMPORTANT STUFF ------------------------------------------ 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 http://www.merlesworld.com For advertising rates for this ezine send... mailto:advertising@merlesworld.com Current subscriber base is over 2,500- My list is clean as all email addresses are removed the very first time they bounce. If you would like to be taken off our mailing list: send mailto:removeme@merlesworld.com If you are not a subscriber and would like to be send mailto:subscribe@merlesworld.com *********************************** For more information: http://www.merlesworld.com/newsletter.htm *************************************** For great web hosting or if you're in need of a programmer contact mailto:DavidBlack@thewavecave.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 ========================== 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/home.asp?SurveyID=901 -------------- 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 go to.... http://www.merlesworld.com/SyndicationColumns/syndication_columns.htm 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://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/pay/T2QH6XO5D68E3L/102-3677987-6843334 ----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>----<<>>---- IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ========================= 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. Copyright 2001-2002 All Rights Reserved