From the Editor: Reef Traders Outpost as Interactive Community

There are many ways to contribute to the Reef Traders' Outpost and interact with other visitors; one such way being the new MessHall - a threaded message base. I'd like to take this opportunity to compare and contrast these ways so you, our guests, can get the most out of the RTO as you can. I would also like to remind you that the RTO only accepts non-commercial links, information and comments.

I've divided the ways into three catagories: the first dealing with URLs and web pages; the second with comments, feedback and messages; the third with special cases. Please note that the links in the description of the three catagories links below to more complete descriptions of each way, with links to that page or department.

1. If you already have a web page with aquaria information and want to list its URL and a description of the site, you can post it in Pipes. If your URL points to a page of pictures and description of your tanks, you can also post it in the Observatory. If you don't have a web page, but would like to create a web page with pictures and descriptions of your tank, you can so for free in the Observatory.
   
2. If you have a comment, either good or bad, or a question of the RTO or myself, that you don't mind being public and you think the answer would benefit other guests, please use Feedback; or if you want it private, use Email. If you want to comment or discuss a topic related to the RTO with other guests in a public forum, please use the MessHall.
   
3. If you are a non-profit aquaria related organization, you are invited to send us your press releases for the Top News Intiative or you may qualify for a free web page in the Aquaria Orgs Program. If you are a commercial organization and would like to advertise on the RTO please check our advertising information.
   

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A threaded message base with topics relating to the RTO with other guests in a public forum. Existing topics include:

• Cleaning and Sterilizing New and Used Equipment
  
• Packing and Shipping Tips for Flora and Fauna
  
• More to come... Have an Idea? Suggest it!
  

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You can find the Essential Reef and Marine Aquaria sites reviewed in ERMALinks section of Pipes. Also, you can submit the URL and description of a non-commercial site to Pipes in the following catagories:

• Hobbyist Sites and Info
  
• Clubs & Associations
  
• Aquariums and Institures
  
• Distantly Related Sites of Interest
  

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If you have a comment, either good or bad, or a question of the RTO or myself, that you don't mind being public and you think the answer would benefit other guests. Around the site, look for the Send Feedback icon for an easy way to send feedback. Also, you can read some some of nice and helpful things people have said about the RTO.

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A virtual gallery of Reef and Marine Aquaria tanks pictures and information contributed by hobbyists from around the world. Hopefully, we will be bringing people's own reef to life on the net. We will be doing this in two ways:

1. I will be accepting links to other home reef exposes' pages on the net
   
2. I will host people's reef pictures and descriptions here if they wish for free and do free scanning of two (2) pictures for this limited offer.
   

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Top News Initiative
The Reef Traders' Outpost is very interested in helping the aquaria hobby as a whole and is now offering non profit and government organizations the opportunity to have press releases posted here and announced on the front page.

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Aquaria Orgs Program
The details of the Aquaria Orgs Program are still being worked out. If you represent a non-commercial aquaria related organisation and are interested in free web hosting, please contact us at rto@rtop.com.

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Advertising Information
As a free service to the internet aquaria community, the RTO looks to aquaria retailers, mail order firms, and manufacturers to help defray the cost of doing business by purchasing advertising, sponsorship and related services from the Reef Traders' Outpost.

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Email
Please feel free to drop us any comments, feedback, etc., via email. If your comment or question could better be served via the Feedback and MessHall, please use them.
- Todd Zebert, Editor-in-Chief