This simple page is designed to clear up confusion between the automated code checker results "PASS" and "PASS-L".
Keep in mind that while your membership can test "PASS-L", this does not guarantee that the ring's manager will allow your site to remain active. Many managers don't recognize "PASS-L" as passing and will require a full "PASS" in order to be active in the ring. (For instance, in my rings, I have roughly one-half dozen where "PASS-L" is not permitted and nearly two dozen where it is.) Managers will eventually be given a way to designate if "PASS-L" is read by the checker as a failure. Currently, "PASS-L" is a passing result system-wide and suspensions must be made manually.

In order to "PASS", a site must display the proper coding for that ring on the registered URL. The registered URL is the URL you have designated as the page to which visitors arrive from the ring during navigation.

In order to "PASS-L", a site must display the proper coding on a correctly-linked page off the registered URL. To be correctly-linked, the HYPERLINK must contain the word "WebRings". The words "rings" or "links" are not valid; graphic links are also not valid. The checker is looking for phrasing that is clear to visitors exactly where the rings can be found. The checker cannot validate a graphic link and alternate phrasing may confuse newer users.
If the link is correct, but the coding is not, the site will still FAIL. Both criteria must be met in order to "PASS-L".
Coming soon: a page for managers about effective use of PASS-L in approval messages.

There are reasons why sites do not PASS, even when the code appears to be installed properly. See the section entitled "Why Sites FAIL" to learn some of the most common reasons why sites do not pass the automated checker.