LGF launches a new feature today: a way for registered lizards to submit related links for an LGF post, using Ajax techniques to make the process quick and easy. I’m calling this feature “spinoff links” to signify that the links you submit don’t have to be strictly related to the post, but can also be interesting sidenotes and/or diversions.

You activate this feature by clicking the link at the bottom right of each front page post, labeled “spinoff links.” This will open up the links area for that post. You don’t have to be registered to show the spinoff links; this part of it is available to all readers. But you will need to be logged in to use the form to submit new links. If you aren’t logged in, the form elements will be disabled.

The links also include rating buttons like our posts and comments, so that interesting ones can be flagged with higher ratings. Again, you’ll need to be logged in to actually rate any of the spinoff links, but all readers can see the current ratings. Registered lizards can also click directly on the rating number to refresh it and show any changes in the rating.

Each time you click the ‘Show’ button, or click ‘spinoff links’ to hide/show the link area, the links are resorted by their current rating, so that higher rated links will bubble up to the top of the list.

The username of the link submitter is also shown, following the actual link.

IMPORTANT! The lizard army tends to frown on what we call “blog pimping.” It’s OK to post links to your blog when the subject is especially relevant, but don’t overdo it and get the lizards mad.

ALSO IMPORTANT! Remember that your links will be visible to all LGF readers who click “spinoff links.” Double check spelling and avoid multiple punctuation marks, please, so everything stays nice and neat. I retain the right to delete any links that are eyesores.

(And needless to say, posting offensive material will cause your link to be deleted, and possibly get your account blocked, so just don’t do it.)