3D Web Ring Rules

[P3D Jonathan R. Gross <catalyst@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I recently received a private e-mail asking me to relax or remove
commercial restrictions on the 3D Web Ring which is about to be
activated.  (I have 9 sites in the queue which have asked to
participate)

I recently posted on photo-3D a set of PROPOSED standards for the ring,
solicited comments, and asked that reaction be posted to Photo-3d.
See Date: Wed, 08 Jan 1997 09:25:34 -0600
    Subject: 3D Web Ring Criteria.
I did this because I want to have the policies of the new Web Ring
reflect the interests of the initial members. I asked that all reactions
to the proposed rules be posted on Photo-3D in order to keep the debate
public, and in the open. So far, there has not been even ONE posting.

I believe that amateur stereographers are concerned about commercial
vendors controlling the flow of objective information, or flooding the
system with self-serving information that is primarily designed to make
a profit as opposed to furthering the art.

If the ring becomes too commercial, Im afraid few people will not want
to visit it on a regular basis.  How do you feel about advertisements
before a movie which you have just paid to see?  In that situation, you
are part of a captive audience.  Would you take the time to go to a
movie theater JUST to see the advertisements with no movie?

I personally feel that individuals or organizations who want to become
members of the ring can set up a special entry page, the intent of which
is primarily to INFORM visitors on subjects relative to the theme or the
Web Ring.  From the entry page, if the hosts wish to relate the didactic
information to specific products and services they offer, visitors can
make their own choice to follow honestly labeled links.  I simply do not
want to have blatantly sales-oriented information forced upon me on the
entry page. 

I (personally) would not like to see these rules relaxed any more:
1)  Be related to stereoscopy, holography, or virtual reality; 
2)  Have sufficient depth of content; 
3)  Have content and form comprehensible to Photo-3D List members; 
4)  Contain original or properly credited material; 
5)  Contain more than just a product to sell;

As the Ringmaster of 3D Web Ring, however, when a potential member
bothers to express an opinion when everybody else remains silent, how
can I not listen? I had planned to get the ring operational tomorrow.  I
waited to get reaction to the proposed rules.  So far, I have received
one personal message. I am going to ignore it unless the author posts it
publicly.  If you post your opinions on Photo-3D, Ill take them into
account. I don't want to make a choice based on 1-0 in favor of
eliminating the non-comercial rule.

Jon Gross,  P3D listmember and 3D Web Ring ringmaster.


------------------------------