The Internet is a network; not a highway. It is there, not for a few to disseminate information. But for every visitor to learn. It is a network of Learning Fountains.
To be successful on the Internet your website - your Learning Fountain - must satisfy the learning needs of your visitors. These needs may be provided by one of the following types of Learning Fountains:
1 - REFERRERS
These sites point the visitor to appropriate Learning Fountains. Some are search engines. Others are directories. A good example is Google, which allows you to search and also browse directory classifications.
2 - INFORMERS
These sites present useful information in the form of news, articles, reviews and downloads. Fishermans Express is a good example: it presents a wealth of information about Alaska fish.
3 - ADVISORS
They have experts which offer solutions to your problems. A good example is All Experts, which answers your questions.
4 - CONTEXT PROVIDERS
At these sites, visitors can solve their own problems because they offer the proper context or problem-solving environment or tool. Free Trip enables you to prepare a free trip itinerary.
5 - LEARNING-COMMUNITY STIMULATORS
Here website owners use their sites, as well as other communication tools such as mailing lists and newsletters, to stimulate visitors to help each other develop expertise. A good example is Marketing Wonk. The primary tool they use for building community is discussion lists. The most popular is Internet-Sales discussion list.
