How can my site join the network?
New sites can be inducted to the D-Pad Network at any time, but we don’t take the process lightly. We only accept sites with truly dedicated staff who can bring something new to our community. Check out the following before asking to join:

• No franchise will have more than one dedicated network site on the network. For example…if a Sonic fansite applies for membership, it will be automatically rejected because we already have a Sonic site. Specialized fansites of a franchise (such as Eggman Empire or Bluehog Gaming Studio) may apply for sub-network membership by going to the webmasters of the network site, who must then clear it with a network administrator (Link or Chaohero).
• The website must have its own domain name (.com, .net, .org, etc). A “.tk” domain name does not qualify. If you think your website belongs in the network but you can’t provide a domain name, contact Link or Chaohero via the D-Pad Network Community forums and we’ll come up with a solution.
• Webmasters may apply for membership if and only if (1) the site has been online for at least six months, (2) the site is regularly updated, (3) the site’s content does not intersect with an active network site’s. If it meets these conditions, the application will be posted in this forum and the network site administrators will vote on it. All current staff members will also be allowed to be part of the voting process, but after launch, it’s limited to administrators. A 2/3 majority plus either Chaohero or Link’s vote is needed for it to pass.

If you want to submit a site for induction, PM Link or Chaohero via the D-Pad Network Community forums so that it can be evaluated as soon as possible.

What are the benefits of having a site in the network?
Network sites receive a number of benefits that make it easier for them to grow their audience.

• Increased exposure. Your network membership merges your forum into the D-Pad Network Community forums, so more people see your site from day one.
• D-Pad News. Network sites gain access to the D-Pad Network News Blog. Your sites staff members will be able to post new stories, and your site will display a ticker with the latest news from around the network. It’s a great way to give your site’s users up-to-date gaming news and be a part of a multi-user effort yourself. Participation in the blog isn’t mandatory, but we’re confident you’ll like the luxury of writing something and having it appear on every site in the network.
• Exceptional free hosting. The D-Pad Network will host any site deemed eligible for network membership even if they can’t provide their own hosting. We’ll give you as much disk space and bandwidth as you need, and then some. We work with all our hostees to come up with allocations that they’re happy with. All we ask is that you run a few advertisements on your site, but get this: you choose the location and the size of the ad! No one knows your site better than you, so you can place it where it won’t bother your visitors. There aren’t any stupid regulations to follow like with the bigger networks.

If you’re considering submitting your site to the network, feel free to talk with a network administrator or a webmaster of a current network site.