Over the years, TMP has maintained various listings of useful websites.
Of course, in the old days, everything was hand-coded. The original Links page is still around, believe it or not: TMP link
That version was replaced by a database-driven Links Directory 2.0 in 2001.
That has now been replaced by Links Directory 3.0 TMP link
Changes include:
* when an article is part of a larger website, that website's homepage is now clearly listed
* if the owner is a TMP member, that can be listed
* if a link is submitted by a TMP member, they can be credited too
* links can now include a photo
* links from the Links Directory are now featured in the TMP sidebar on most of our webpages (not always, it's random), filtered for relevancy (i.e., ACW links on ACW pages)
All of the links from version 2.0 have been imported to version 3.0. Well, the ones that were still valid.
One day, we may import the ones from version 1.0 and then retire that version.
One of the reasons for updating the Links Directory is that we feel it is a good alternative to posting links in the forum. When people post links in the forum, they don't always post all of the proper information. In the Links Directory, all the information is provided.
Two examples might be useful.
Let's say that a blog owner posts a link on the forum to his recent article about painting minis. He provides a brief description of his article, a link, and probably a few photo links. Experience tells us that this is the type of forum topic that is likely to lead to some discussion, including questions and compliments. This is a useful post on the forum, and can also be listed in the Links Directory.
Now let's say that a TMP member posts a link to a blog article from 2 years ago that's recently caught his attention. The post is more "look at this!" than a real discussion starter, and from experience, we know that this type of post is less likely to lead to a forum discussion, partly because people know they aren't interacting with the actual author. We feel that in most cases, this type of 'information' forum post is perceived to clutter the forum, and is best replaced by instead adding the link to the Links Directory.
The intention is to promote the forum for discussions, and the Links Directory for informational links.
TMP staff will harvest links from the forum when possible, and copy them to the Link Directory (crediting the poster as the submitter). Forum posts which did not result in discussion may be deleted, unless from the author himself.
When the author gives permission, a photo can be associated with the link. Otherwise, a screenshot will be used.
The site FAQ has been updated also. TMP link