Name of your website?VRML.TK
Your name?
Jeroen van Oostrom
Your Location (city, etc)
Zaandam
Please give us a short summary of your website?
The website is all about VRML and X3D modeling. Building 3D models and Virtual worlds with, if possible, free or low cost software.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
A lot of people had a few links to a few things on their website regarding VRML. I wanted to make a website that was free to use, with as much as possible free content and software. The website basicly contains everything you need to start programming using X3D and VRML. I have written some tutorials and a plug-in all for free use.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I launched a poor version of the current site back in 2002 if I recall correctly. I was not very skilled in building websites. The current site is the third version.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
The website is about VRML and VRML models. So the most logic name was VRML.TK
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Other websites just have a little bit. This website has everything. My idea was that people would not have to constant search for other websites. Once they come to my site, they would never have to leave. Everything they need is here.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To keep the content on the website free. I been asked several times why I make no money out of the site. This was just not my goal, I made the site to help people. I enjoy it more when people write me an e-mail saying that they enjoy the site so much.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
I try to constant update the content. This is the biggest investment.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would have a team to find new content, check the content currently on my site. Basicly that is it. The website is a success in it's current state. However keeping up to date with the content is a lot of work for just one guy.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Again, the website is complete like it is. There is only a small group of people that model using VRML and X3D. Keeping the content up to date is the biggest job. I have a job as 3D modeler/Graphic and Web designer that is keeping me too busy to spent enough time on my website.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
None. If the site would give me headaches it means I am doing something very wrong. That would be a good time to review my goals.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Being the most complete website and not clogging up the website with stuff that is not relevant to the subject of VRML and X3D.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Again, the people that model 3d using VRML and X3D is pretty small. The biggest players know eachother. The website has been ranked by the search engines but promotion is mostly mouth to mouth.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
It did better then I hoped for.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
The site has been up since around 2002. The last big update was around 2005. Lately I have moved to another country and time has made it impossible to spent the time on the site that I wanted. But sooner or later I will pick it up again.
What is VRML and X3D?
VRML and X3D are modeling languages use to make 3D models and worlds. Like the content of your favorite game. When you walk around a place, like a town or building. Everything you see around you is 3D. From the weapon in your hand to the table you pass by.
What is your website address?
VRML.TK
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