Use CGI to Automate
Your Web Site
Are you taking
advantage of the powerful automation technology available on the Internet?
Common Gateway Interface, better known as CGI, is one of the most widely
used server applications on the Internet. This software resides on your server
and automatically performs specified functions on your web site.
If you've been on the Internet for a while, you've probably seen many examples
of CGI use and didn't even realize it. Search Engines, Directories and Forums
all use CGI scripts. Scripts can run everything from a form on your web site
to an affiliate program. They can give you the power to completely automate
your web site.
If you have a subscription box on your web site, then you're already using
a program to process the information. That's a good start however, there
are many additional ways you can use this powerful technology.
Here are some great scripts to get you started.
The Master Series:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/t.cgi?l=wm
Master
Form
This form will
enable you to have the results emailed to you or to a specified address.
It can write your information to a database file and even enable you to have
a personalized thank you page. In addition, you can even have multi-page
forms with no limit on the number of pages.
Master
Feedback
Allow your visitors
to provide you with feedback. Master Feedback enables you to add your own
information fields with radio buttons, checkboxes, dropdown lists and text
fields. The great thing about using Master Feedback is that it helps you
spam-proof your site by not requiring your email address anywhere on your
page.
Master
Recommend
Word of mouth
is one of the best forms of advertising. Master Recommend will enable your
visitors to recommend your web site to a friend. This great script is
multi-lingual, which means that the emails sent can be written in any language.
Master Subscriber
Pro
Enable your visitors
to subscribe to multiple ezines by checking the boxes beside the publication
they wish to subscribe. They'll only need to enter their email address one
time and won't be forced to leave your web site.
The great thing about this script is that it is compatible with ezines hosted
with Egroups, Topica, etc., or any ezine that uses an email address for
subscriptions.
Master
Syndicator
If you write
articles, Master Syndicator will enable you to syndicate your content. You
simply copy and paste your article into a form and click on submit. Your
article will instantly be ready for syndication. To display your content,
webmasters will need to place two small lines of JavaScript within their
web page where they'd like the article to display. Each time you update your
article, every web site using your code will automatically be
updated.
WebBBS
http://awsd.com/scripts/webbbs/index.shtml
This great script will enable you to set up your own forum. Unlike most bulletin
board scripts, WebBBS stores messages as simple text files and creates HTML
pages as needed.
This great script supports automatic quoting of message text and email
notification of those who want to be informed of new posts.
WebAdverts
http://awsd.com/scripts/webadverts/index.shtml
Set up a rotating banner system on your web site and track response rates.
WebAdverts will enable you to not only set up a rotating banner system, but
if you'd like, you can set up your own banner exchange. Banners can be displayed
on your pages using SSI tags, IFRAME tags, or standard IMG tags.
The great thing about this script is that you can include banners on
CGI-generated pages. In addition, you can filter the banners by allowing
certain banners to appear only on certain pages. This script is a little
complicated, but well worth it.
Links
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/scripts/links/
If you've ever wanted to set up a directory, this great script will make
it simple. It is modeled after Yahoo and inspired by The CGI Resource Index.
It can be completely customized to match the look and feel of your web site.
POD
http://grohol.com/downloads/pod/dmoz/
The Personal Open Directory script will enable you to pull the contents of
the Open Directory Project into your own web pages. It is completely customizable
and will enable your visitors to have access to this great directory without
leaving your web site.
Learn more about CGI:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/cgi.htm
Locate CGI Scripts:
http://cgi.resourceindex.com/Programs_and_Scripts/Perl/
If you're not utilizing the full benefits that CGI has to offer, you're missing
the boat. Not only will it save you a great deal of time, but it will also
process your information around the clock. Scripts can assist you in making
your web site an interactive community and bring your site to life.
Copyright © Shelley
Lowery
About the Author:
Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, Web Design
Mastery.
http://www.webdesignmastery.com
And, Ebook Starter - Give Your Ebooks the look and feel of a REAL book.
http://www.ebookstarter.com
Visit Web-Source.net to sign up for a complimentary subscription to Etips
and receive a copy of the acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing
Strategies."
http://www.web-source.net
You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print,
in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author
bylines are included.
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