June 29, 2000

CONTACT: Terry Redding: 703-359-0200 x478

FAIRFAX, VA

For the first time, web surfers will be warned if a site "locks in" viewers by disabling their browser's "back" button. The list of offending sites includes:

cnbc.com	homedepot.com	amtrak.com
janus.com	pizzahut.com	webstakes.com
free4all.com	intelweboutfitter.com	nortonweb.com

Additional sites can be viewed at http://www.top9.com/lockin.html.

The TOP9.com ranking and search directory has added the innovative and exclusive feature to aid web surfers. Many websites contain programming or coding that disables or inhibits a browser's back button. As a result, surfers become trapped at the site, and attempts to move on prove frustrating and futile. The warning provided by TOP9.com will consist of small padlock icons placed next to the names of such websites appearing on TOP9's 280 different category listings.

"This is a natural and necessary extension of the surfer-friendly services we offer," said Dan Bohan, President of TOP9.com. "There needs to be some kind of warning to internet users about these sites, and I am pleased that TOP9.com is the first to provide it."

The advent of the "lock-in" warning comes on the heels of another TOP9.com effort to aid surfers. In May, TOP9.com released a study on major internet search engines (found at http://www.top9.com/sereport/index.html). The study concluded that, at best, when queried about particular subjects, search engines only return about 50% of the sites that consumers are most interested in viewing.

Further information about TOP9.com services can be found at http://www.top9.com.