The Internet is a vast, intimidating space.
Companies of all kinds promise quick information, fast deals and uninterrupted news feeds that are of particular interest to you, the consumer.
But the internet has become almost too vast”so much though that finding the information you want can be more challenging than convenient. The LGBT community is no exception.
As technology continues to advance, websites are constantly upgrading software and graphics to cope with larger bandwiths and more traffic. Factor in social networking like Twitter and Facebook and you have traffic jams in cyberspace that can leave you searching for the best alternatives to finding exactly what you're looking for.
Watermark decided to take a look at the LGBT websites in our coverage area and in the State of Florida that are most likely to catch the eyes of our readers. We found that while all of them are useful, some have features others don't and still others have functions we didn't even expect.
Here's our quick alphabetical breakdown of the websites you may be visiting already and an update on what, exactly, they do for us on the quest for quick information:
EQFL.org
Why should I go there? To get updates on what is happening politically in Florida that directly affects LGBT Floridians.
What does it offer? Updates on policies and legislation throughout the state and in Tallahassee as well as comprehensive voter information come election time. It also publishes press releases from LGBT organizations and fundraising event information.
What does it not offer? Social networking or chat functions or an easy to navigate interface.
FunMaps.com
Why should I go there? To find LGBT destinations in cities around the globe.
What does it offer? Descriptions of the LGBT life of numerous cities around the planet. It also includes maps”hence the name”to those destinations along with calendars of events for upcoming festivals, weather reports and feature stories on travel destinations and attractions. Sponsor ad Kayak is displayed prominently to offer the best airline deals on its home page.
What does it not offer? Social networking functions or direct communication with writers/trip advisors.
GayBarsOrlando.com
Why should I go there? To find a simple listing of area LGBT bars within the Orlando area.
What does it offer? Phone numbers, addresses, maps and very short descriptions of nightclubs.
What does it not offer? Specific event information pertaining to each club.
GaYbor.com
Why should I go there? To get up-to-date information on LGBT event happenings in Tampa's historic Ybor City district. It also lists upcoming GaYbor District Coalition meetings.
What does it offer? A full list of members, a calendar and guides to area attractions. It is also home to a number of graphics that are useful for publications, advertisements and those interested in printing out a hand-held guide.
What does it not offer? Breaking news items or a way to submit events to the calendar.
GayDays.com
Why should I go there? To see what's being offered during Gay Days in Orlando each year during the first weekend of June.
What does it offer? Official event listings, updates on entertainment and sponsor information, hotel reservations and links to theme parks.
What does it not offer? Guide to any events not directly affiliated with GayDays.com.
Gay-Guide.com
Why should I go there? To find bars, clubs and organizations throughout the state of Florida catering to the LGBT community
What does it offer? A search function and a list of addresses, phone numbers and basic information about the groups and businesses listed. It also has a submission box to have a specific club or group added to the site.
What does it not offer? Regular updates. Most of the submissions seem to be dated or have broken links.
GayFlorida.com
Why should I go there? For a business directory, hotel listings and events stretching from the panhandle all the way down to the Keys.
What does it offer? A decent overview of the LGBT scene in nearly all of the state.
What does it not offer? Extensive coverage of any particular area. The site's content covers a lot of ground, so it's more like highlights from each place than a complete directory of any part of Florida.
GayOrlando.com
Why should I go there? To find information on upcoming events, new businesses and weather information.
What does it offer? A login feature that allows you to submit your e-mail address for updates, advertising opportunities and information based on specific interests”sports, bars and clubs, organizations, etc.
What does it not offer? A working discussion board”as of press time, the link led nowhere.
GayTampa.com
Why should I go there? For one-stop information about clubs, bars, businesses and organizations.
What does it offer? A big list of stuff and a way to search it.
What does it not offer? Separated listings”all links but one on the home page lead to a single, giant list. Copyright on home page only extends through 2009, which could mean information is dated.
GayTampaFlorida.com
Why should I go there? To familiarize yourself with LGBT-friendly attractions and businesses in and around Tampa Bay.
What does it offer? Event listings as well as lists of things to do, including “Top 10 Lists” of places to take a date, antique stores and LGBT-friendly restaurants.
What does it not offer? A dedicated calendar. Events are listed as articles but not organized by date anywhere.
HotSpotsMagazine.com
Why should I go there? To see the current edition of the popular magazine as well as read other editions in other regions.
What does it offer? Event listings, editorial on LGBT happenings and photos from throughout its coverage area.
What does it not offer? Much content for women. Most of the site is focused on men.
JoeMyGod.BlogSpot.com (former Orlando resident, now blogging out of NYC)
Why should I go there? For a frequently-updated blog of LGBT and liberal information from a cute bear.
What does it offer? Some of the best comment on the internet”thoughtful, funny, active.
What does it not offer? Rhyme or reason. Joe updates based on his whims and interests. Whether that is good or bad depends on the reader.
JumpOnMarksList.com
Why should I go there? To see what's happening in clubs and at parties around the state.
What does it offer? Photos and information about various clubs in Florida's largest cities.
What does it not offer? Exclusive news coverage or social networking functions.
MCFilmFest.com
Why should I go there? To keep up on information and gossip surrounding the GaYbor District of Tampa as well as a large collection of photos from local events. The site is also home to the popular novelty and clothing store of the same name.
What does it offer? Photos, breaking news and information pertaining to the historic district of Tampa.
What does it not offer? A link to Twitter. A feed exists, but you have to Google to find it.
MyQmunity.com
Why should I go there? Great event coverage, travel information and gay-friendly business listings that are frequently updated.
What does it offer? Deals! There is a newly launched Groupon-like feature that offers up LGBT-friendly deals.
What does it not offer? Hard news. Content is entertainment-based features.
OutInOrlando.com
OutInTampa.com
OutInSarasota.com
Why should I go there? To get basic geographical information about your city of choice as well as regional headlines and concert information.
What does it offer? Personals for both men and women as well as a list of online bloggers catering to the LGBT community.
What does it not offer? Local breaking news headlines.
QueerTampa.com
Why should I go there? To view business listings, organizations listings and a community calendar.
What does it offer? Extensive listings, plus travel and real estate information.
What does it not offer? Ease of navigation”site is frames-based with several errors and no uniform look.
Rainbow411.com
Why should I go there? For “Yellow Pages”-style listings and some news items and a link to a weekly Tuesday afternoon webcast.
What does it offer? Advice column, events calendar and full suite of social networking presence.
What does it not offer? Commenting. Users can only rate articles.
TheCenterOrlando.org
Why should I go there? To learn more about the activities of Central Florida's LGBT Center.
What does it offer? Information about everything from HIV testing, meeting space, mental health counseling and the GBLT Library.
What does it not offer? It appears some sections are still being fleshed out, but the site is updated all the time”if something is missing, check back later.
WatermarkOnline.com
Why should I go there? For daily updates of news, information, video, photos and calendar listings.
What does it offer? Facebook and Twitter presence, plus eNewsletter, real estate information, restaurant guide, classifieds, blogs and both hard and feature news.
What does it not offer? Ease of search. Regular search function does not allow user to “narrow” results and advanced search is spotty.
