Webring

A webring is a collection of websites linked together in a circular structure. It allows users to discover other websites with similar themes or content. Each website in the ring contains navigation links that point to the previous and next sites in the ring. Clicking on these links takes the user to other sites within the ring, eventually leading back to the initial site.

Webrings were popular in the early days of the World Wide Web, before the prevalence of search engines and social media platforms. They provided a way for webmasters to promote their sites and for users to find related content. The central concept relies on a shared directory or management system where webmasters could register their site. The system would then generate the navigational links and manage the overall ring structure.

To join a webring, a webmaster typically submitted their site to the webring's administrator or management system. The administrator would review the site to ensure it met the ring's criteria. If approved, the webmaster would then add a small piece of HTML code to their website, which displayed the navigation links for the ring.

Webrings offered several benefits, including increased website traffic, improved search engine rankings (in the early days of search engines), and a sense of community among webmasters with similar interests. However, they also had drawbacks, such as the potential for broken links if sites left the ring without proper notification, and the aesthetic issues of needing to conform website design to the standardized ring navigation.

While webrings have largely been replaced by more modern methods of online discovery, such as search engines, social media, and content aggregators, the underlying principle of connecting related websites remains relevant. Modern iterations of the concept can be seen in curated lists, directories, and niche social networks.