In a sweetheart deal, Spiderweb Internet Solutions launched on Valentine's Day last Friday the latest Bermuda web site on the Internet, promoting it as Bermuda's on-line magazine and search engine (http:/www.bermudaonion.com).

Aiming to be Bermuda's home on the Internet, the web site "Hey Bye!'' makes finding information about Bermuda, and its numerous web sites, a great deal easier, focusing on the island's community, culture and business.

Designer and owner Bryant Trew said a key feature was the Virtual Island Tour, which lets users take an interactive pictorial tour of the island.

He said advertising Bermudian sites on the web had become effective and affordable.

He said, "Our experience has shown that launching a web site, and listing it in search engines, sometimes isn't enough to ensure on-line success. This is because users receive links based on the enquiry that they enter.

"Even if you are linked to search engines, net users may not find you if they aren't aware of who you are.

"The industry term for this is called ghosting, which is counteracted by placing banner advertisements on sites that carry a wide range of topics, and therefore generate greater pass-through traffic.

"Such banner advertising is priced well beyond the reach of the mass majority of Internet sites, and Spiderweb will use `Hey Bye' to change that.'' The web site has, in addition to the tour, an index of Bermudian sites as well as a business directory.

Other features will give companies the ability to instantaneously submit press releases to the Internet community, and visitors the opportunity to take part in discussion groups on community or business issues.