ABSTRACT
There are numerous reasons people place material on the World Wide Web. Sites may be developed (a) to provide entertainment, (b) to showcase a hobby or passion, (c) to further some specific interest, (d) to promote material for sale, (e) to answer questions about a topic, and/or (f) to disseminate information and scholarly material. In the Web’s early days, the art material being added was closely related to the first three issues. Frequently, the Web acted as a type of vanity press, allowing those who wished to produce material to highlight their achievements. Businesses interested in advertising their wares often sponsored a Web site designed to draw numerous viewers. As the Web has become a popular avenue for museums, professional associations, and academic institutions, the last two points have become the focus of many sites. This section discusses Web sites that cover a diverse spectrum of subjects, organized by (a) academic institutions, (b) corporate sponsors, and (c) entrepreneurs and Web technicians.
