Discovering Net and Web Rings
What are Net and Web rings? For hardcore Internet surfers out there, this may seem such an ordinary day to day word you may encounter. But for some, the term is relatively new. A web ring, similarly a net ring, is a series of websites that are related to each other and have been linked in such a way that navigation between sites is made easier. Web rings (as what we will use to refer both net and web rings henceforth) is a very convenient tool for avid net surfers because it makes it easier for them to navigate through sites that are of certain interest to them. For example, a web ring on fishing would include websites about fishing from all around the globe in an easy-to-navigate loop. So a fishing enthusiast would have access to a variety of sites linked together for easy access, thus enhancing the scope of study the enthusiast has on the subject.
As a website, being in a web ring would also guarantee traffic. In the above mentioned example of a fishing web ring, if you are part of the ring, the chances of people navigating to your site increases. So a web ring is not only beneficial to Internet surfers but also to the sites that are included in the structure of the ring. Seen in this context, we can see how the Internet has evolved throughout the times to meet the needs of the people. Web rings is a perfect example of such an evolution akin to nature's numerous symbiotic relationships where all the parties benefit from such relationship.
As we may have noticed, the Internet is a very dynamic entity. It is forever in a state of change—a change that depends on the present need of its users. As such there are numerous constructs of the online society such as the blogosphere, sitemaps, web and net rings and much, much more. Thinking of it like this, we understand how temporary an online construct is. Several years ago, the term blog was yet to exist. Who knows what will happen in the future? Similarly, the concept of a group of websites linked together for easy access and fast navigation was alien the same several years back. As such, we see it as a human construct—one that will eventually undergo a change that will eventually change it on accordance to the needs of the future online society.
Looking back, we can’t help but feel a sense of appreciation for the ingenuity of the online community. Web rings; have served to satisfy the needs of both website providers and users. And this is but one of the many brilliant constructs of the online society. Web rings as it is, is a huge help to all parties and no matter how dynamic the Internet and the needs of the people are, it will probably stay for a long time. Something as useful could not just fade into obsolescence. So the next time you surf the net, search for web rings of your favorite past time, you'll be amazed of the things you'd find in a web ring that you don't normally find at a normal website.
