Club Website Help Thread

[gareth.ky]

Is there any interest in a club website/webmaster help thread?

I build websites for a living and take it from me, you don't have to. There are loads of great free tools out there to make your life easier. It just seems that most webmasters of club sites haven't caught on to the revolution. They often look unprofessional and are infrequently updated but it doesn't have to be so.

So is there interest in a help thread for those looking to improve their club website?

[JoeRC]

I'm interested gareth.ky.

JoeRC

[SlowHuck]

I'll throw my hat in here. I stepped up about 6 months ago to recharge our club's Web presence. My ongoing efforts can be seen here:

http://midvarc.com/

It is built with WordPress (http://wordpress.com/) and the content, aside from image prep, is managed entirely on the server. Membership is limited to club members. They may simply post comments, or have additional editorial rights granted, allowing them to manage some content. Guest may view most of the site.

The two main objectives in creating this type of site were to fully exploit the two-way communication aspects of the Web and to distribute the management of the site's content to multiple members.

So far its building momentum and members are getting involved.

WordPress hosting is widely available from most services. A limited, but completely FREE host is provided at wordpress.com. All of the documentation to learn it inside-out is available on the Web. You can take it as far as you want to. It is a deep and powerful platform.

[Mike Bargman]

I'll help! My signature has most of the sites I've either built myself or helped build...

[gareth.ky]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SlowHuck
	I'll throw my hat in here. I stepped up about 6 months ago to recharge our club's Web presence. My ongoing efforts can be seen here: http://midvarc.com/ It is built with WordPress (http://wordpress.com/) and the content, aside from image prep, is managed entirely on the server. Membership is limited to club members. They may simply post comments, or have additional editorial rights granted, allowing them to manage some content. Guest may view most of the site. The two main objectives in creating this type of site were to fully exploit the two-way communication aspects of the Web and to distribute the management of the site's content to multiple members. So far its building momentum and members are getting involved. WordPress hosting is widely available from most services. A limited, but completely FREE host is provided at wordpress.com. All of the documentation to learn it inside-out is available on the Web. You can take it as far as you want to. It is a deep and powerful platform.

Thats excellent work and Wordpress is a great tool! Great Job SlowHuck.

Too many clubs are stuck to the idea that there will be this Web Dude that builds the site and posts all the content. I actually refuse to run a club website because I don't want to be THAT guy. This is basically the approach that I read the AMA pushing in their January Issue.

Blogging software has a lot of advantages over that approach, some you have already mentioned:

• Multiple Editors - Many people can post content.
• Immediacy - You can post without going through the 'Web Dude' or learning HTML.
• Freshness - Lots of editors means there is lots of new content and the site stays fresh.
• Comments - Members, and even visitors, can post feedback.
• Continuance - If the Web Guy is unavailable the site can still be updated.
• RSS Feeds - Like a newspaper for the web. Notify people when you post content.
• Cheap Hosting - Hosting is low cost and popular packages, like Wordpress, often come pre-configured.
• Plugins - Want to add poles or something, there is probably a plugin that can do that already.

The first bit of advice I would offer is that you should base your website on some sort of blogging software for the reasons above. Wordpress is a good choice.

[SlowHuck]

	Quote: Originally Posted by gareth.ky
	Thats excellent work and Wordpress is a great tool! Great Job SlowHuck.

Thanks.

	Quote:
	Too many clubs are stuck to the idea that there will be this Web Dude that builds the site and posts all the content. I actually refuse to run a club website because I don't want to be THAT guy.

I am THAT guy for now. It does require that someone with skills to create the catalyst for a "member envolved" site. The biggest part of the challenge is motivating those members to have a voice. With 3-5 talented/interested members on board, the effort required to maintain a lively and useful site will eventually diminish.

[west-wot]

hi all i am currently trying to set up a website for my club it is a small club with only 30 ish members and i am looking for any hints of where to start

what websites should i use

should i use html codes or pre made templated version

[Newton Sky Kings]

I would do what I did. Go through Go Daddy.Com for the domain name then go through RCgroups for the free web hosting. Check out the web site I am webmaster for, www.newtonskykings.com

[toddblose]

I am alwasy interested in new ways to do a site. I have built 3 so far by hunting and pecking. My newiest site is our new club site, still learning. Take a look at the ones so far.
http://tmaf.homestead.com
http://www.wacohobbystop.com
http://www.bp-rc.com

[west-wot]

ok thanks keep the tips coming i have been looking at dreamwever but dont quite understand it

i did find a good package on www.123-reg.co.uk it is cheap and also comes with pre made templates

the instant part looks very good and is just what i am looking for however i still want the website to look professional and not cheap

is this a good idea or should i look at the html coded ways