From: EveDeCuir@aol.com
Date sent: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 10:59:10 EDT
Subject: Web Minds Meeting
To: BBSHOP@ADMIN.HUMBERC.ON.CAFriday morning we attended a very ambitious program aimed at opening up communication among regions and with International. Amy attended from International but had to leave at approximately 10:00 a.m. The meeting got started about 9:30 a.m. There were approximately 30 people in attendance.
The agenda was ambitious....with so many people in the room, introductions took over 30 minutes, but Amy stayed a few extra moments to listen to what people had to say about the International web site and ideas for improvement of a network of existing web sites and any improvements to the International web site.
Some of the chief issues raised were the many uses of the web site and any network that would help to bring in new members and retain existing members.
New members looking for musical activities at this point are not (apparently) getting the International Sweet Adeline web site in the top hits. It was illustrated that it was important that a hit on a search result in SA coming up in the top of the list rather than the apathetic meta search that would place SA deeper into the results...back several pages. Many searchers, it was said, don't go beyond the 2nd or 3rd page, and often don't bother going beyond the 1st page.
I'll as Jen or someone to post the web site from the Netherlands that shows the world map of regions for SA. This web site apparently comes up before SA International's web site but doesn't serve the US population as a viable hobby option due to incomplete links throughout the regions. It was clarified that all regions should be encouraged to link to this Australian web site. Highlighted was the need to have a more clear linking page at the International web site level...and perhaps even SAs own server and own web ring. (Good thread if any don't understand server or web ring!)
Another point made was the obvious lack of strong presence by International board members, team members, and staff. One member from Holland complained that emails she has sent concerning important registration for contest lay unanswered for two and three weeks. In casual interviews outside of and inside of the meeting, members urged that certain features should be added to the web site to make the organization more proficient in processing information. Suggestions included, but are not limited to:
A Harmonet presence (mirroring what SPEBSQSA has) to assist in finding BBS web sites from all over, arrangers that cross over from SA/SPEBSQSA/HI A music data base A Harmony Bazaar that would process sales of Harmony and SA items throughout the year, including SA items, music, tickets to SA events, recordings, etc. SA forms for registration of events, chapter business, etc. A web ring (network) of SA specific sites A SA server An arranger database An adaptation on the part of SA staff, team and board members to the use of email as a form of primary communication (rather than secondary with email messages being answered after several days or weeks.) All purchases and fee processing could be handled with an Epay program to allow check payment, Visa, MC, American Express, Discover, and International Debit Cards.
The cost of installing these features are problematic from the stand point of money AND personnel. It was noted that so many SA are becoming connected to the Internet via email and that, among our volunteer members, we do have tremendous expertise and that support would likely not be difficult. From among the members at the meeting we found a computer engineer, several web masters, computer programmers and MIS managers to start. We've come a long
way, baby!Amy, from SA HQ, explained that any suggestions would need to go through her direct supervisor, then on to the team, then on to the International Board of Directors. It was at this point that the observation was made regarding the lack of presence of SA staff, team members, and Board of Directors on the Harmonet. She encouraged ideas to be sent to her at HQ to start.
A central web site for discussion regarding the SA web site issues has been attended by some. It was observed that many more SA should be made aware of this discussion web site to build awareness and support for a stronger web site presence, structure, and lay out. Perhaps Jen or Carol P could post a specific address for this discussion web site...my notes have the site written but must be one character off...it comes up with an invalid page.
Considering the limited time this was a tremendous amount of information to pour out. Bev, the head of the meeting, passed around a list to which everyone added their names and contact information. It was an excellent start.
Of concern was the delay in implementing ideas or just in being heard on specific topics.
It was noted that support was shown by SA in having a room available for the meeting and having Amy attend to represent SA and to listen to what was offered. It was the general opinion of the group that this is an area of interest of SA HQ and that the process of defining, discussion, implementation, and improvement is well on its way evidenced by a recent face lift to the SA International web site. While still not addressing many of the areas of interest voiced by many it does flow in a more user friendly fashion with the available information on line.
Amy's position with SA is centered in marketing. One keen point made by the meeting leader, Bev, is the tremendous advantages of improved web sites and networking them was the impact it would have on the biggest of the three M's, Membership, new and existing. (The three Ms are Music, Money, and Members.) The status of member growth and retention is of keen interest, and correctly so, of all staff, team, and board members at SA HQ. It would seem that the clarification of the usefulness of improved web sites and networking is another strong plank supportive of this all important goal.
Enthusiastic discussion ensued after Amy left. The give and take discussion was filled with technical expertise way above this reporter's head, however, it was evident that people of similar experience and like-mindedness were thrilled to find one another and to find other people not only interested in the same goals but capable of understand their technical language and expertise.
I encourage any attendees of the web minds meeting to contribute their thoughts on how the meeting went and the topics contained within it.
This could be the start of something big!
In song,
Janice
From: "Jen Miller" <jen@theanykey.net>
To: "Harmonet" <bbshop@ADMIN.HUMBERC.ON.CA>
Subject: Re: Web Minds Meeting
Date sent: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 17:10:00 -0400The Web Minds central home page, decribed below, is
http://sweetad_webminds.listbot.com/
Here, you can read the archives, and subscribe to the listbot, which works a bit like the Harmonet, but specifically for discussion of creation and improvement of all SA web sites, including regional, chorus, and international. The Web Minds hope to become more prominent as far as International is concerned in the future - we want to be looked to for ideas, technical expertise, and even contribution. As Jan mentioned, Amy Graham from International attended the Web Minds meeting, which is definitely a great start!Jen Miller