There's a somewhat new gadget on the 'net called Frapper (Friends Mapper)
that's a pretty nifty little free service.  It uses Google Maps to build
a mapped group of individuals who share an interest.  There are quite a
few different groups using this and now there's one I've created called
Ferret Shelters.
 
It's probably a bit easier to see how this works by going to
http://www.frappr.com/ferretshelters
rather than trying to explain it.  There are currently only shelters in
Florida on the map because I let them know about this days before posting
here.
 
Please add your shelter!  It doesn't cost a thing.  Below the map you'll
see a couple input boxes.  Enter your shelter's name and zip code.  The
"Shoutout" input box is for information you want to pop up in a balloon
when someone clicks on your stickpin.  You can also include a photo.
 
NOTE: If you don't provide a website URL, email address, phone number,
or some way for someone to contact you in this "shoutout", a stickpin
stuck in some general vicinity won't be very helpful for someone wanting
to reach you.  Click on the stickpin in Miami, FL to see what I've
included in mine.  Then click on some of the others and see how they've
put only their name and nothing else. :)
 
It appears that if you include the http:// before your website's address,
it will be clickable.  If you just put www.whatever.com it will not be
clickable.  That's just my guess from the way the current entries work.
 
Also note that this service is currently in beta and there are a couple
gotchas:
 
1. You can fiddle around with the zoom enough to get the map stickpins
to do funny things.  I'm not sure if that's a Frapper problem or a Google
Maps problem.  For the most part, it works as it should.
 
2. Once you enter your data and click "Add Me!" YOU cannot change it!
The only way to go back and edit your data is to let me know you need to
do this.  Right now, only the group admin (me!) can delete the Shoutout
comment at which point you can then re-enter it.  Same goes for the rest
of your entry.  I have no problem doing this, but planning ahead so you
don't have to go back and edit your entry over and over is not a bad
idea.  Hopefully, future enhancements will include allowing editing of
your personal entry.
 
If you go way down to the bottom of the page on Frapper, you'll see a
graphic and some code that you can add to your website so visitors can
easily get to the map and find other shelters.
 
For the ferrets,
Mike
 
* Michael Janke, [log in to unmask]
* South Florida Ferret Information, 305-385-6750
*
* Website: http://www.miamiferret.org
* Adrenal/Insulinoma web site: http://www.miamiferret.org/fhc
*
* Ferret Health List: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ferrethealth
[Posted in FML issue 5047]