The Blue Pages: The Ultimate Old Web Guide

Overview

The Blue Pages was a project of mine that launched in 2024, as a response mainly out from the worsening of Google’s algorithms, and frankly because I am longing to update my old site directory.

It works like Yellow Pages, but instead of businesses, it primarily focuses on much niche topics, such as the old web, alternative protocols, obscure and lost media, TV and Radio, and more.

In fact, I have written a spec sheet for everyone to use if desired as well!

I never earn a single cent for this project only, as I do intend on the Blue Pages to be totally powered by pure desire and passion for the olden days, with no intentions on selling the actual concept as a whole since I believe that everyone should be able to make their own.

Submission system

As of right now I do support 3 ways to submit a site:

  1. Via form - Where you can submit via a form directly where I could read it to the site’s sole email address. I used a third party form service to operate the forms, but I think their free plan is capable enough for my needs.
  2. Via email (thebluepages.submissions@gmail.com) - Where you can email me directly, if you prefer, since people might be concerned about the form service or if you aren’t able to access the form entirely.
  3. Via git - I use Bitbucket to host my site since GitHub doesn’t allow you to use a different subdomain unless if you pay money. I don’t usually put this on ad materials but if you want to, you can submit your site manually by creating a pull request!

Goals

The goal of this is to link websites, resources and anything in between for the old web nomad, in the world where you cannot totally rely on search engine algorithms, The Blue Pages aims to fill a void for those who want to find what cool things indie web developers had graced us with, providing learning resources to those who are interested in hand coding HTML, and sparking discussions around breaking out from the depths of traditional web.

The Blue Pages is for the people, by the people, not corporations. I truly believe that with it, we could link through the old web, like it used to, letting creativity seep in with every <p> and <img>.

I guess, my only goal with this is to be the resource for everyone who wanted to find niche resources and to let other communities create one for their own as well too! There’s the possibility of me creating a centralized protocol for fetching other blue pages, but until someone’s creating an another page, I think it’s not in my plans.

And hey, what are you waiting for, if you want me to get you listed, then join now!

8 Likes

I love the concept!! The signup form seems to be broken currently though, I can’t select anything for “Category”

Will check if it’s on my end.

Update: seems fine to my end, you can put multiple categories by design but I haven’t checked if that works properly on other browsers than Firefox or Chrome.

Btw folks: I do accept entries for the Gemini protocol, Gopher, and the likes. In fact I’m looking for resources to add on The Blue Pages for them!

1 Like

This looks like a fantastic resource! I’m excited to see what people decide to contribute.

Another thing I forgot to add: I’m thinking about making a printable version available for your printing pleasure. Should I do it or not?

interesting project, added a couple of pages for you

Welcome to the forums. Please keep us up to date on your projects.

I would suggest overhauling the formatting for the main page. Right now the links all just say “Link” with the description of the link destination as a separate string of text. Descriptive link text is better for navigating long link lists via screenreader.

1 Like

Bit confused about that. So instead of something like “Application Link,” what should I say instead?

“Application Link” is fine. What I was referring to is things like this:

BetaWiki Link
CHWiki Link
Learn C++ Link

Which can be made more accessible like this:

BetaWiki
CHWiki
Learn C++

Alt text for images is also nice.

Graphics section? I would be happy to submit. Adoptables, toyboxes of pixels, in addition to blinkies, (are stamps old enough?),scribbles, and other digital art, older templates, minicliques, etc. Idk what we’re thinking here. References to http://angelic-network.(com?), Sushi fanlisting type thing that included text links and little pixels, etc. Thanks! Am I just missing it somewhere?

EDIT:
Oh, and effects and user tuts for said things. Dancing baby, quilting bee, and other phenoms.

EDIT 2:
Especially bitmapdreams. sweet and ornate pixel graphics. est.2001