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Behind the Scenes
The staff behind Robin's
FYI consists of 3 people: Me, Myself, and I. In other words this is a
one person show.
Have you ever met one of
those people that you ask and question, and they never shut-up? I'm one of those people, the net offers an outlet
for that urge to share information, along with other stuff.
My mother always said I
never met a stranger. With a wide range of interests, I can talk to
almost anyone.
One other thing, I'm the
world's worst typist, speller, and some people think what I do to the
English language should be illegal! If you find any of the many errors
feel free to let me know (don't forget to tell me which page you found
it). You won't hurt my feelings.
The History of Robin's FYI
FYI started off like
most home pages, on the free space my dial-up service offered back in
August of 1996. It was a couple of pages of links to sites I found
interesting. Within several months I was running out of space. Having
to trim off most of the graphics, dumping the music, than taking down
seasonal pages. Was learning every trick of the trade to save space.
Than came some changes
in my personal life that opened a way for me to be able to spend more
time with my site, so in November of 1997 the site moved to it's own
domain. This took care of the space problem, even though it started
costing money to run it. By Christmas the site was well over 100 pages,
and averaging 1,500 to 2,000 hits a day.
In September 1998, you
may noticed the site looked a little strange. It was going through a
major face lift, to make it faster loading, and easier to move about.
Over 260 pages were reformatted.
From September -
November of 1999 the site went through a MAJOR over haul! With the site
approaching 400+ pages, offering 6,000 links, and nearing 2 million
visitors. It was time to rearrange things to make them run smoother.
September 2000 - To help
offset the costs of running the site, I have broken down to using
"affiliate programs" Most of the pages will have little graphics for
you to check out. Some will pay me just for you "clicking through"
other will give me a small percentage of any purchase. While I don't
plan to get rich, I need the assistance. Between hosting costs, license
fees for scripts, and computer equipment the cost has risen over the
years.
January 2008 - The
website went on 'auto pilot' for the past 4 years. Much to my surprise,
after 4 years of no updates, it still pulls a lot of traffic.
During the past four years I have traveled around the world a few times
and learned so much. It is now time to start another major over haul of
the website.
Where the site is heading
I doubt any new major
topics will be added. I feel one should stick to subjects they know
about. However, the different sections will be growing. I have many new
pages in works. Each section will almost be a site of its own. Each
having an information , link , humor , and tips & tricks sub
sections. Believe it or not I do believe in quality over quantity.
Trying to walk the fine
line between bells and whistles and still be accessible to all
browsers. Adding a few extras mostly using cgi like the search engine,
and very little java. The search engine now on the index page is temporary until I find the
coding that will do what is needed. Will avoid frames for as long as
possible.
I'm working on finding a
code that will allow you to turn the music on and off using a cookie.
That way your choice will remain until you change it.
FYI is now accepting
support. In plain English, selling banner space. Please
fell free to check this out!! I will never charge for a link, on my
link pages. Just for that one lone banner space at the top of a page a
small donation is asked.
How to use this site
There are are several
ways of using this site. Each section covers a particular subject.
You can surf a section
by hitting the main page of any subject. Main subject pages are linked
of the home page. Or take a quick look
below about the different topics.
The site map lists most of the major pages, by
subject. Here you could bypass the main Animal pages, and go straight
to the page for Cat owners. Also you find page by their
type: Links, Information, humor, etc.
With time the new mini
search engine found on the home page, will
be able to help you find the page you are looking for by key words.
Many sites can be used
for several things. Like the Travel section offers great information on
traveling, however it also can be a great teaching tool, and resource
for reports about different cities, states, and countries.
The Topics:
Animals - Everything you could think
of, that has to do with most any animal. If you are looking for a pet,
help with the one you have, what to find someone with the same type of
pet to share ideas, or writing a report on wild life. You can find it
here.
Arkansas - If you are thinking of
moving to or visiting Arkansas, this is the page for you. It covers
many topics about the state.
Aviation - If it has wings and an
engine, its covered here! This section will take some time to where I
want it. As it develops it will be broken down into particular
interests like: commercial, general, corporate , pilots,
maintenance/quality control, military, and so on. Also will be offering
current FARS and ADs in the future. My husband has almost 40 years in
the business, and is willing to help get the site laid out. (by the way
I will do a little advertisement here: Need a computer driven
maintenance manual? We do them. Just think, "a point and click manual",
with a search engine, that can be updated. No more microfilm headaches,
or photo coping from the book. Can do engines only (chapters 70 through
80) or the entire airframe. E-mail
for more info.)
Brain Food - Offers research
information, along with puzzles, and other things that make you think.
Coffee Break - From recipes of your
favorite coffee drinks, to where you can buy different coffees online.
Disabilities - This is
another large section, as Aviation is my husband's back ground, this is
my back ground. Here you can find information to almost any type of
disability, where to find help/support. I also so a lot of off line
assistance.
EMS
- This is for all the Fire fighters, EMTs, First Responders, Disaster
workers or any one else with an interest in EMS. Here you can find
other workers, places to buy supplies, places to work (pay or
volunteer), information about current disasters.
Fun
Stuff - All the great things we do to entertain ourselves. Hobbies
& crafts, online activities, not much learning done in this section
but a lot of FUN.
Holidays - Each major holiday has
it's own section. By far Christmas is the big one here. Games, ideas,
recipes, tips & tricks, stories, places to find items you need for
your holiday page. People have been know to spend days in this section.
Kid's Stuff - Just for the younger
surfer. All links are to sites made for kids or by kids. Includes an
online playground, a web ring, and an award. No selling here! There is
enough of that on the TV.
Lets Eat! - Any thing that has to do with
food, recipes, restaurants, information about different types of food.
Mac Stuff - This is for any one
that has or is thinking about getting a Macintosh computer. No Window
stuff offered here!
Odds & Ends - Much like the back
room of the house. Lots of great stuff that didn't fit into any of the
main groups. Some is useful, others are just for fun.
People - Covers clubs and groups that
deal with people, also has a section just for women, and a whole page
of links to some cool personal pages.
Shopping - Learn how to avoid
rip-offs, find great places to find that unusual gift. Or do just some
plain old shopping.
The Money Pit - If you own an
older home this is for you. Also includes gardening and other home
stuff.
Travel - Information about most
any type of travel. From buying tickets, to exchanging money. Also has
a section of links to sites that offer information about their area.
You can even travel the world and never leave your chair.
Web Page Stuff - Everything you
need to do your own page is here, from the first timer to the pro.
Broken into sections by topics.
Types of pages
"My 2 cents" will be my
personal opinion about the topic.
"Lite side" are always
humor pages about the topic.
"Rummer has it" are tips
and tricks for the topic.
"The shorts" is a
entertainment page about the subject.
All other pages will be
information, or link pages.
What you won't find here
Not every type of site
is for everyone. I truly believe that everyone has the right to have
their own site, and do with is as hr/she wishes. I have bookmarks in by
browser to many sites that I won't list. Many just because the have a
link to something I wouldn't feel conformable with a younger guest
seeing. (for some reason, finding a joke page, that doesn't also offer
off color humor is not an easy task).
The List of things
you won't find here:
I hate scams, and MLMs
don't rate any higher.
Sites that speak ill of
people's religion, race, ..... (hate sites)
Triple X sites
Sites that promote
illegal activities
Tons of banners. (only
one banner per page) Banners are nice, but slow down the load time.
There is only one way to get a banner on one of my pages - Support FYI (please remember all links,
research, and other great stuff is always free)
Frames
Software for Windows -
What can I say, I'm a Macintosh supporter
Very many broken links.
Yes, there will be some. With over 6,000 links and as fast as sites go
down or move, there will be a few. However I try to check the links at
least every 4 or 5 weeks.
If you ever find a
broken link, or a page that fits in to the "The List" please e-mail with the name of the
link, and what page you found it on. In most cases any page that is not
appropriate, will be removed then and there.. Broken links will be
removed on the weekly update.
Thanks,
Robin
the humble author of this site
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