Web Matrix: GNN's Whole Internet Catalog
Global Network Navigator's Whole Internet Catalog
GNN offers more than a subject catalog, it also includes a collection of
valuable resources and useful publications. With the number of value-added
services they provide, GNN makes a very competitive information provider
and a valuable addition to a netsurfer's hotlist.
Key Links
URL for Front Page:
http://nearnet.gnn.com/gnn/GNNhome.html
URL for Top-level
Page: http://nearnet.gnn.com/wic/newrescat.toc.html
URL for Help
Page: http://nearnet.gnn.com/gnn/wel/index.htm
URLs for Legal Pages:
Home Organization:
Global Network
Navigator (GNN),
O'Reilly
& Associates
Organization
-
The Catalog is a subject index with 12 major subject areas, each
divided into specific collections of documents (there are 3 levels
of organization). Subject areas also list popular Usenet newsgroups
with relevant content.
- The server provides no search services.
- User subscription requires a browser with Forms support, but the
subject catalog and other services have no access restrictions.
- Documents listed in the index are not restricted to any particular
area, but span a wide selection of subject areas.
Administration
- Documents are gathered from various Internet sources such as What's
New lists, Usenet newsgroups, and user-suggestions. These documents
are then sorted into the appropriate subject categories.
- There are currently 11
mirror sites
of the central GNN server, making access to the catalog very responsive
for both US and other users.
- The Catalog boasts over 600 rich links, and new pointers are added at
the rate of about 10 or 20 a week. The layout of the information is
very clear, and locating a desired resource is very straightforward.
- Additional Services
- The server provides no identifiable help page, but the resources
are simple to use and well-organized for access or browsing.
- The subject catalog allows 3 levels of precision for organizing
the data, and separate lists for direct access
by subject
or by
document
- GNN maintains regular
What's New?
and What's
Popular? pages.
- They also provide many other services to users, such as
Internet news, current articles, discussion forums, and commercial
product catalogs from the front page document.
- Not only can users recommend pages for inclusion in the Catalog
but are also encouraged to submit articles or reviews.
- Catalog links to subject documents are interceded by a descriptive
page with a paragraph of preface material (such as document
description and evaluation) and a link to the indicated resource.
Evaluation
Example Usage
Demonstrate a sample search session explicitly listing:
- Topic
- Keyword(s), Boolean search controls
- Documents delivered
- Output format
fprefect@umich.edu - 6/12/95