Adzs

Although I do not personally know Adzs that well, ever since joining the world of site-making I have heard countless references to her by Cass. Her epic link directory, The Faerie Compass closed shortly before Little Black Book opened. Adzs has returned to the world of sitemaking, and, in a little over two weeks, has re-created one of the largest and best ranked directories in Neopia! Not only does Adzs list sites in her amazing layouts, but she takes the time to provide a description of the site as well, so that the user can find exactly what they are looking for. Always kind, helpful, and professional, Adzs is the epitome of an awesome sitemaker. Congrats Adzs!

Random fact: I love mythology, and all sorts of gummy worms/bears/rings/drops/teeth/mushrooms/tapes and more. (:
Favorite Neopian Species: It would be the Poogle. Because they can be evil and cute at the same time. Like alter egos, for example the MSP poogle and plushie poogle.

What was your first site ever?
My first site ever was a smiley site where people can see the codes of all the smilies(some secret) that could be use for the neoboards. But of course I was kind of a newbie back then, so I didn't know that all neopians probably knew that already! Hopefully now I've improved in the site making field, but I admit I'm still a little too obsessed with smilies. XD

Why did you first start sitemaking?
Besides the smiley site which I did out of complete newbie-ness, I started directories because of a directory called The Water Library by imaginangel. I was so amazed then about many things; the layout, the content, the story, and everything. So I started a directory of my own. (: I'd say back then it was to try new things, now it's to benefit others.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking?
The feedback, comments, suggestions, ideas, encouragements, the amazing people I;ve met through site making, the coding, the graphic making, learning new things and more. But generally, everything! : D

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The attitude/helpfulness of the owner. Your attitude will most likely reflect your site, right? So if the owner is nice, so will the site be. If not then there's not much for that person.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Don't think about other sites, with the same motives as yours, to be a competition. It will tempt you, it'll make you greedy, and it will make your purpose for site making to be wrong. It's because we're all here for one goal after all, and that is to help.

Rika

Rika has taken site-making by storm. Both of her sites are extremely helpful and popular, but her review site, The Teahouse has revolutionized review sites. Rika, and her assistant, Eve, provide in-depth and objective reviews that provide the person receiving the review with excellent advice. To show her unrequited success in review making, The Teahouse is ranked the number one review site at many directories as well as being Soroptimist's Site of the Year. In addition to amazing reviews, Rika offers tips, guides, and interviews at The Teahouse, making her site truly unique. Thank you Rika for your awesome work in Neopia!

Random fact: Hm... Along with loving to review, I'm a real 'gamer girl'. What's my favourite game? It's a tie between Final Fantasy and Call of Duty.
Favorite Neopian Species: My favourite Neopian species would have to be either the Gnorbu or Peophin- I can't decide!

What was your first site ever?
My first site ever, and it's still around, is my font guide!

Why did you first start sitemaking?
Well, I first wrote my font guide a little under three years ago in 2008. However, my font guide didn't have a 'Sitely' section; it was very much just a font guide and nothing else. When I returned from my two year hiatus in 2010, I revamped it and started having affiliates and such. I digress- I made my font guide to help aspiring font makers, and I made The Teahouse because I was fascinated with the concept of reviewing. Not complicated answers, I suppose!

What is your favorite part about sitemaking?
My favourite part about site-making? I have many, many favourite things, but I think the best thing is the site-making community. Everyone is very supportive of each other and very willing to help you if you need it. The Teahouse wouldn't be where it is today without the awesome community! With that said, I'd like to thank all directories for 'banding' us together; I think you guys are the glue that holds the community together.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The most important aspect of a site is its owner. Naturally the site wouldn't exist in the first place without someone to make it, but, if you think about it, a site's success and content is heavily dependent on the owner. Anyone can host a site; it's just whether you're willing to go the extra mile to do more for your site and make it what you want it to be. Conduct is also important. You may host the most brilliant site but if you act immature, unprofessional and unhelpful, people will be dismayed to revisit.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
A piece of advice I have to give is to be resilient. There will be times when you feel that your site is becoming more of a chore- and sometimes it is meant to go down that road- or your site isn't going anywhere or possibly someone may not like your site. Be aware that you can't please everybody and you can only do the best that you can do. At the end of the day, your site is yours and it should make you happy. Don't let other people get you down; don't give up!

Adrienne

What was your first site ever?
I think it was a guild review site, which I don't even remember the name of. XD

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I've always been obsessed with making graphics and coding, and I'm homeschooled so I always have too much spare time. XD

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Definitely seeing people use my sites and seeing the sites get popular.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The content, since it's what people actually go to the site for.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
To not give up when you see a site that you think is better than yours. If you keep practicing, your sites always get better. =)

Alex

Sites: Kensa, Satelier, and Kitty (all now closed)
Random fact: I have an obsession with pandas XD
Favorite Neopian Species: Defianitely Cybunnies! They are so adorable- I wish I had one :3

What was your first site ever?
My first site ever was Amazing Alpine, but it's funny how I think back to when it first started and I remember asking Liz from Amore what a scrollbox code is XD

Why did you first start sitemaking?
Well, I started it because I had been learning some HTML, but not enough, so I decided that I'd take it to the next level. Also, I love to help people out, so I figured that I'd make my ideas and suggestions go to use by creating a review site, but I never thought it would be as popular as it is today!

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Hard question- I love a lot of things about sitemaking/owning, but I guess my favourite part would be how much it helps people out- I just love to be able to give people exactly what they want and to know that they are grateful, it just warms my heart!

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
There shouldn't be much of a fuss about affies, listers and layouts- it should just really focus on your content. Make sure you have some great content before worrying about your sitely issues is what I say.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
You need to enjoy what you're doing. If you don't like it then don't force yourself- that's the time when you should close it down, please with a cherry on top DO NOT FORCE YOURSELF!

Apple

Sites: Seabreeze Analysis (now closed)
Random fact: I am a self-professed nerd.
Favorite Neopian Species: Ruki

What was your first site ever?
Indifference Reviews, which is now Seabreeze Analysis, technically.

Why did you first start sitemaking?
Oh man, I can hardly remember. Well, I always thought that sites were cool, and the site owners were cool as well, and I wanted to get a piece of that, I wanted to make a name for myself in Neopia, I guess. xD

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Helping others, most certainly. I love to review a site, then check back on it and watch it transform into a wonderful, prestigous site.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The content! A site is a bit like a person, you like/dislike a person depending on their personality, attitude, and traits, which is in a way, their content. A site is the same way.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Do not give up/give in to harsh reviews or comments. No site can start out as an amazing, high-quality site. You must work your way up, gety reviewed, and build your site into a titan. Have patience and work diligently.

Brooke

Sites: Forest of Dreams (now closed)
Random fact: I own over 400 books.
Favorite Neopian Species: Plushie Cybunnys

What was your first site ever?
Um...let's see I think it was Brooke's Novels. A much earlier version of Make Your Dreams Reality. I took it down after a while though. I got paranoid.

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I wanted feedback on my writing, more opinons. So I started making sites to do with my writing and sometimes others.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Meeting all the people who own other sites. It's amazing really.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
Well my first instinct is updates but that's because I just love reading them. XD But really I think it's your content. Because without it you technically wouldn't have a site and it's the reason people come to your site in the first place.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Get listed in as many places as you can. People look everywhere. Be everywhere.

Cass

Sites: Soroptimist, Create Impressions, Apartment Nine & Exclusive
Random fact: I love cloudy days.
Favorite Neopian Species: Shoyru!

What was your first site ever?
Tips 4 Success, this hideous half-guide to Neopets. x]

Why did you first start sitemaking?
Well...I'd owned a successful off-neo pixel site years and years before, then quit Neo, and when I came back I decided to run a new site, but on-Neo this time.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Definitely the site satisfaction & the comments!

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The content, of course. That's what a site is all about!

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Definitely the most important piece of advice I would give any sitemaker is to be original and neat. Those are the basics of sitemaking, along with being classy, well-organized, active, and having great content.

Christie

Sites: Christie's Directory
Random fact: I have a 100 average in my web design class xD haha yeah, I feel nerdy :P
Favorite Neopian Species: Its a tie between kyriis, chias, and poogles !

What was your first site ever?
Ahh, I'm pretty sure Christie's Directory was! It was absolutely small and awful in the beginning, then I got back into Neopets and tried to make it the best it could be!

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I started Christie's Directory as a way to keep track of all my favorite links and sites I used, then figured I should share them all with the world.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
I love the comments and the feedback! It makes me so happy when I get such nice comments on what a lovely site I own! I also strangely enjoyy the coding and designing. :P

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
I think the most important part is obviously the content. What's the point of a site if you have no content?!

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Do your own thing! Creativeness is what keeps people interested! Also be sure to advertise your site.

By far Elle's most well known site, Elle's Help Guide is one of the largest directory's in Neopia! Her directory has over 2600 sites listed, over 8000 visitors, is the top ranked directory at Soroptimist, and is one of Little Black Book's sister sites! Elle always puts the extra mile into all her sites, creating unique ideas like Favorite Site of the Month at Elle's Help Guide, Games at Sparkling Reviews, and a section for Extra Paintbrush Clothing at Home at Last. Elle is one amazing Neopian!

Random fact: My real name is Elysha.
Favorite Neopian Species: Draik

What was your first site ever?
Elle's help guide

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I didn't mean too - it was supposed to be a guide for my guild, and I was asked to open public by a few people.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
The overall look. The content as well.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Have Patience!

Izzy

What was your first site ever?
My first site ever was The Pixel Institute and it opened way back in January. It was a pixel directory and it was horrible. I closed it in March.

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I started sitemaking because I was definitely inspired by all the great sites out there and I wanted to try it out and see if it was fun. Also, I had a lot of free time. XD

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
My favorite part about sitemaking would have to be is the process. There is a lot of stuff to get a successful site and I love every part of it.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
I think it's the content. The layout is a close second, but when you have an awesome layout but bad content, people will think that your site isn't the best.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Just have fun with sitemaking! It's a fun thing to do when you're bored, and you'll meet some friends doing so!

Jackiiee

What was your first site ever?
Cookie Monster Reviews; opened in April 2009. Not the best (at all) review site out there. x3

Why did you first start sitemaking?
My friend owned a site, and it looked really fun. I also loved to help others, so I thought, Why not a Review Site?

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
The feedback I get from people who use my sites, and the satisfaction of helping people in the end.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
Definitely the content. Without the content, there's really no need for a fantastic layout because no one will ever visit because your content is lacking. (I know a lot of sitemakers say this, only because its true! ;D )

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Don't give up if people reject your affiliate request or not recommend you at a directory. Just ask for other peoples' thoughts, and if their feedback is negative, just use that criticism to your advantage and make your site even better!

Leena

Sites: Converse Allstarz (now closed)
Random fact:
Favorite Neopian Species:

What was your first site ever?
First.. EVER... hmm.. haha! It was a site called Diamonds&&Daisies and it was a graphics site. To anyone who happened to see it while it was still up and running.. knows it was a total failure. It opened up around a year or two ago.. and mostly consisted of TERRIBLY poor guild layouts, petpage CSS, and a few banners. The best graphic I made while I ran that site was a Taylor Swift collage.. I still have it

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I had always admired those CSS sites, and.. well.. all the sites out there! All this time I had used their layouts and such to make petpages for guilds that I helped out in (I love to help in guilds ) But I didn't know that it was possible to join them! So I did(: Didn't think I'd make it this far though..

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
My favorite part about sitemaking, is making a new site. That fresh feeling you get when you start a new site, when you have an idea, a passion.. and most importantly a layout xD That, and hearing people praise your site (which a lot of people are doing with Sparks Unite, thanks everyone!!) its a great feeling knowing your hard work has paid off.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
Content. 100% content. Hands down. But the 2nd most important part (I know this goes against every 'dont judge a book by its cover' thing you've ever heard...) The layout/first impression. Its true, humans are critical by nature. If your layout isnt easy on the eyes, and overall appealing, you'll probably easily get passed by.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Stick with it. Dont give up after a few days just cause nobody visted your site.. stick with it. Advertise. How? Get listed in directories (and YES. People use those. Trust me.) send neomails out to neofriends about it, ask some people to submit some stuff. Everyone LOVES to submit things to sites, beleive me, so I bet if you just ask.. you'll be answered. So wait, give it some time. None of my sites got successful in one day, they took their time.

Mal

Although Mal currently only runs one site, she has made a huge impact on Neopia. Compendium has made a remarkable impact; in just six short months Mal has created the largest directory in Neopia! Not only is Compendium the largest directory, but it also quite unique: it includes the directory basics, a beautiful graphics section, an amazing in-depth site center, a tagboard, and an awesome extra section. On top of all this, Mal created her own gorgeous layouts for her site. She is a great and helpful Neopian who has truly impacted Neopia!

Random fact: I'm extremely competitive..maybe thats why i'm so determined to list sites. I feel like in order to be a successful site-maker, you need to be competitive and want to be the best in your site's category..which I guess goes with the seventh question...
Favorite Neopian Species: Lupe, hands down. I'm a dog lover and lupes remind me of dogs (:

What was your first site ever?
Hmm, Mallowy Reviews. I thought i was a good reviewer back then...not true! My reviews were maybe a paragraph long, so if any of you out there got reviewed from me, I'm sorry you wasted your time.

Why did you first start sitemaking?
It looked like something fun to do, and I just got bored playing games and dealing with neopoints.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking?
The interaction with others. I love the nice neomails I get and meeting new people. I also just seeing everyone's personalities show through in their site.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
Content. I think if your site has amazing content, the layout won't matter so much anymore. People will come to your site anyway. However, if your content isn't down right awesome, you need something else to bring in the traffic, which is the layout.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Don't give up! And be willing to take risks. Try out that new idea and give that new site a shot. Don't worry about what other's think and just keep doing what you love.

Pip

Sites: Trapped Fairytales
Random fact: I love sports. From, hockey to track and field.
Favorite Neopian Species: Any Krawk/Draik

What was your first site ever?
Yay Me! Graphics. (It was horrible)

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I don't know. x3 I did because I wanted to try and see how everyone does it. I thin it's pretty fun. ;D

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Seeing people actually USE my site.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
I think it's the content. Quality over Quantity. Or the dedication it takes to do all this.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Do whatever you want (but don't steal)! Go crazy, be spontaneous and enjoy making your sites.

Sophia

Sites: Sugarrush
Favorite Neopian Species: Faerie Poogle! I tried to zap my poogle, but it turned into a Christmas Grundo, but I still love it so much!

What was your first site ever?
Buttons Biscotti! Those were the days when I still haven't quite learnt button making. I still have my oldest buttons at /~tonubuttons (my portfolio). You can see how much I've improved from there!

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
I really like the fact that siteowning gives you the freedom to run the kind of site you like to make, and me being homeschooled, I don't have much of a social life, thus site making makes an awesome past time!

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
I'd say dedication is the most important quality the owner should have. Even if you don't come on to update every single day, you should at least have other little things to show that you're actually finding ways to improve your site little by little.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Try, try, and try until you succeed! Practice makes perfect

Sparrowsong

Sites: Top Hat
Random fact: I play hockey xD
Favorite Neopian Species: Kau

What was your first site ever?
Cat Eyes, the directory to all cat related sites on Neopets lol. It was a fail.

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I actually forget how I came across other peoples petpages, but I guess I thought it looked fun and found a guide and tried making my own.

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
I love helping people and I really miss having a review site, so I'm going to get one up and going soon, watch for it! xD I also like interacting with other people.

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
I think that the most imortant thing about the site is the content and the quality. Affies and listers aren't as big.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Never, ever give up. Be paitent. My first few sites weren't sucess, but I kept going and soon they started getting popular. At one point I wanted to quit because I got such bad reviews, but I learned from my mistakes and kept going.

Wynne

Sites: Sandstar's Directory and Mayday
Random fact: I'm really good at painting my nails. Like scary good. I painted the British flag on all ten of my fingernails one time.
Favorite Neopian Species: Aishas and Xweetok xD

Why did you first start sitemaking?
I first started site making because I really wanted to help people out, and it seemed fun :3

What is your favorite part about sitemaking/owning?
Well, I like seeing if people actually use my sites. It's... satisfying :]

What (in your opinion) is the most important part/aspect of a site?
Well... it's sort of a tie between content and how well you promote it. You can have the best content in the world... but if nobody knows about it, the content doesn't really mean very much.

Could you give one piece of advice to all of the aspiring site owners out there?
Ahhhhh, I'm going to give an old cliche: never give up. Yeah, it's cheesy, but if you just keep at it you'll improve, I promise you :3