Get Swanked! ::Swanky.org Celebrates One Year on the Web as the Premier Online Design/Writing Collective::

SwankRelease - May 29, 1998

Contact:     Susan E. Kaup
Phone:     617.854.3229
Email:     susan@swanky.org

Swanky.org is a non-profit organization made up of 100+ web designers, writers, and artists of all mediums. The work of the contibutors and members serves to communicate the common desires and knowledge shared by all members: To create and uphold a new Internet standard in progressive design and writing.

Swanky celebrates its first birthday this month. To celebrate, Swanky is asking travelers on the World Wide Web to sign up for the new link exchange program called "SwankLink". The "Get Swanked" button and on-line sign-up form can be found on the home page at http://www.swanky.org. For each unique visitor to Swanky, members of the program will receive points redeemable for merchandise at the SwankPost.

Swanky's core group consists of the "Swank Army", the group of designers that are pre-screened for entry into the army; and the "Swanky Zine", a unique zine that features columnists, cartoons and an online design gallery.

Membership in the Swank Army is determined by the "Enlistment Crew" which reviews each applicant's style, attitude and overall ability to present a progressive design. The review process starts as soon as a designer submits the online application form with detailed information and URLs that represent the designer's portfolio. Upon entry into the Army, each new member receives a hosting venue for his/her work and is encouraged to take an active role helping Swanky grow and develop.

Meir Sadan, a 16 year old Swanky member from Tel Aviv, Israel, heads up "PlaySwank", the monthly close-up of the current Swanky.org Web site splash-page designer. "Swanky is different than anything else on the Internet. It's all about people who like the Internet, and care to inject some of their own personality into it. We do it with style, past those official three-piece suits and ties. It's all about style."

Minna Kim, editor for the Swanky Zine from Chicago, IL, has been with Swanky since it began a year ago. "Swanky has developed into an entity unparalleled by anything else on the 'Net. The zine has been there from the start. To see something like the Swanky Zine grow into something this big with many contributors and features is exciting!"

Swanky is proud to represent members from Sweden, England, Israel, Canada, the United States and beyond. Members are typically 15-27 years old and most have been using the World Wide Web since its inception.

Dustin Vannatter, a Ohio native now living in Chicago, IL, is the founding member/curator for Swanky.org. Dustin understands the need for an online global community like Swanky. "Groups like us are getting bought out so quickly on the 'Net now, it's scary trying to be an individual anymore."

Swanky is excited to start year number two as the premier online design and writing collective. Be sure to sign up for SwankLink at http://www.Swanky.org and get swanked!

For PR related inquiries please contact Susan E. Kaup, Public Relations Coordinator, at 617.854.3229, fax 617.854.3924, or email: susan@swanky.org

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