A fansite (also spelled as fan site) is a RuneScape-related website that offers hints, guides, and often, forums for players. Most fansites offer the ability to have an account on the site, primarily for chatting with other users and use of their forums. An example of a fansite is the RuneScape Wiki.
Shortly after becoming Jagex's CEO, Mark Gerhard repeatedly said that Jagex will become more involved with fansites and their communities.
During April2010 Jagex relaunched their Fansite Support Programme with a level system introduced which has 4 groups: Platinum,Gold,SilverandBronze.
These are safe websites who understand the basics of supporting players
Initial advice/pointers from the fansite support team
The fansite starter pack (if applicable)
Access to the hidden fansite admin forum on the official RuneScape forums.
Silver
All bronze criteria
These websites do not support Real World Trading and block adverts for any such services.
Jagex is acknowledged whenever any copyrighted content/images are used.
These websites have a friendly atmosphere and encourage players to help each other out.
These websites are a good resource for game-related help and offer a number of frequently updated tools and guides.
All bronze support
Occasional feedback and announcements from the fansite support team.
Support in removing RWT/gaming adverts from your site. (if applicable)
Gold
All bronze and silver criteria.
The website owner(s) focus solely on the game they are supporting. They understand that gaming adverts will push players away from the game and their fansite and block/remove these from their site .
All bronze and silver support.
The website will be officially recognised by Jagex and included on the recognised fansite list.
Support with events (advertising on the forums, the official Jagex Twitter account and Facebook).
In-game JMod support with events (when possible).
Syndicated staff interviews.
Syndicated concept art.
Occasional exclusive staff interviews.
Occasional exclusive concept art.
Occasional merchandise from the Jagex Store for competition giveaways.
Advice on search engine optimisation.
Possible invitations to Jagex and Jagex's future events.
Platinum
All bronze, silver and gold criteria.
Platinum websites are some of the first go-to resources for many players and attract a large number of visitors every day.
All bronze, silver and gold support.
Guaranteed invitations to Jagex and Jagex's future events.
Regular exclusive staff interview.
Regular exclusive concept art.
Regular merchandise from the Jagex Store for competition giveaways.
Update support (exclusive staff interviews and concept art following the launch of large updates).
Advertising support or management from Jagex (if applicable).
The hidden Fansite Staff forum
List of sites
Platinum sites
RuneHQ (runehq.com)
Sal's Realm of RuneScape (runescape.salmoneus.net)
Tip.it
RSCommunity.de (German)
Runepoli.org (Finnish)
RuneZone.com
Gold sites
Runecrypt.com
Runehints.com
Runewise.net
Global-rs.com
Runescapemedia.com
RSNL.eu (Dutch)
Rscave.se (Swedish)
RSPortugal.org (Portuguese)
Runescape.pc.pl (Polish)
Rslatinos.com (Spanish)
Hispanoscape.info (Spanish)
Francoscape.net (French)
Silver sites
Draynor.net
Rsbandb.com
RuneScape Wiki (runescape.wikia.com)
Runeslayer (runeslayer.com)
Pure-warfare (pure-warefare.com)
Lunagang.nl (Dutch)
Sw3guthix.webs.com (Swedish)
Rsdreamteam.se (Swedish)
Controversy
Fansites have been a source of controversy. While Jagex claims to "encourage" fansites, some also see Jagex trying to stop fansites, such as making rules against naming them.<ref>Jagex. "Code of Conduct, Advertising Websites." RuneScape Customer Support. *</ref>
Jagex used to contain links to fansites, but they were removed on 4 November 2001. Jagex later stated that "given the number of RuneScape fansites in existence it would be impossible for us to list them all and therefore in the interests of remaining fair and unbiased we will not list any."<ref>Jagex. "Fansites, 4. Can I get a link to my fansite on RuneScape.com?." RuneScape Customer Support. *</ref>
With the relaunch of the fansite support programme a list of recognised fansites was put back onto the forums.
Fake fansites
Some fansites have security issues or cheating problems. A number of fake fansites have key-loggers or Trojans on them. Jagex gives some tips:
“
Watch out for fake websites!
There are websites which look very similar to runescape.com but STEAL your password. Don't trust a site just because it looks official.
RuneScape cheat sites - there are NO RuneScape cheats. These are fakes!
RuneScape staff sites - we do not have secret sites on which you can become an admin or moderator! These are fakes!
RuneScape chat boards/rooms - don't use your RuneScape password on these sites! Use a DIFFERENT password or you will regret it!
RuneScape test servers - watch out for fake servers. If in doubt create a NEW account, rather than risking your main character.
