Six equine websites have been recognized as American Horse Publications (AHP) Electronic Publication members since the new membership category was approved by the general membership at its annual meeting in Nashville last year. New Media Chairman, Stacy V. Bearse, presented the committee’s recommendation for this class of membership at the May 20, 1999 meeting. “To recognize the growing influence of the new media, we are recommending to you that you vote to open up an Electronic Publications membership category. I want to note that this category is very carefully crafted. Just as not all publications are the same, not every web site is the same. Paper publications are relatively easy to judge. You can hold them in your hand; you can look at a circulation statement. But as they say in web land, web sites are virtual. You really have to be there and look at it to see what it is. So if you read the amendment, you’ll see that application for this type of membership would be referred to a committee. The committee would examine the web site and see if it met the criteria set forth in the bylaws. If it did, we would extend Electronic Publication membership.”

The first six Electronic Publication members of American Horse Publications are: Bloodhorse.com, DressageDaily.com, The Haynet, The Horse Interactive, HorsesDaily.com, and Quarter Horse Racing On-Line. Electronic Publication membership is available to publications distributed via the Internet in the English language. Because of the unique nature of this media, applications for Electronic Publication membership are reviewed by a standing committee of the AHP. Applicants must satisfy three prime criteria: (a) undergo regular content update and/or revision; (b) serve a substantive audience, as demonstrated by usage logs; and (c) either demonstrate that the publication serves a membership or other constituency; or is supported by paid subscriptions or paid advertising. The decision of the review committee is final. Applicants that do not qualify for Electronic Publication membership are invited to re-apply for Affiliate or Corporate membership status. Electronic Publication members are entitled to full benefits and voting privileges.

Benefits of Electronic Publication membership include:

• Networking with other equine publishing professionals
  
• Affiliation with a national equine publications group
  
• Opportunity to participate in the AHP programs and activities
  
• AHP newsletter, AHP For the record
  
• Opportunity to broadcast news to members via the AHP Newsgroup list server
  
• Free listing in the online and printed versions of AHP Membership Directory
  
• Membership plaque and use of AHP logo
  
• Free listing in AHP Internship Handbook
  
• Eligibility to enter the AHP Annual Awards Contest

Annual Electronic Publication dues is $200, payable in US FUNDS. To apply for membership, submit the appropriate application form, located at the AHP web site under membership (www.americanhorsepubs.org) or by contacting the AHP office at 904/760-7743, along with copies of recent usage logs that verify individual daily traffic or monthly page views and your check for $200. Mail to: American Horse Publications, 49 Spinnaker Circle, South Daytona, Fla. 32119