more thoughts GWA

**"* F* <c*@mail.com>**

 I appreciate Kathy, Kirk, et al's thoughts on GWA and the website.  Pasted below is a copy of the email I sent Bob with my own suggestions regarding the website.

I agree with Kirk that the meetings are crucial to being a GWA member - I scrimp and save through the year so that I can attend the symposium.  It is at the meetings where you really take advantage of all this organization has to offer. 

As the chair of the Membership Data Committee I've gotten several emails from people listing what they want from this organization, and most of them are shopping lists of benefits that will make it easy - not easier, but easy - to expand their careers.  When I read these lists I think "Yeah, I'd like the organization to do that too!" but at the same time I realize that what they are often asking GWA to be is a personal agent/promoter, and they are forgetting that this is largely a volunteer organization.  

My advice to all GWA members is that if you want to see something happen, volunteer to help make it happen.  And if you have a suggestion about something that the organization could easily offer (good ideas, Kathy!) make that suggestion to as many people as possible.  Remember that when you "put a bug" in one person's ear it may get lost in that person's inbox/to-do list.  Tell a number of people, and offer to assist in the implementation.

See you at the next symposium,
C.L.

Bob,
Here are my suggestions for the GWA website. 
1.      The overall design REALLY needs improvement ? the taupe color is
rather sickly, and the name of the organization gets LOST in the
flowery graphic.  Instead of the graphic, how about a strip of photos
from GWA symposiums? I know that many members would be willing to
donate a photo or two from the event?

2.      The listing of publishers of gardening books needs to be updated
every year if possible. 

3.      How about one of the choices in the menu being ?Find a
writer/speaker/photographer?  A clear place for someone to click if
searching for a garden communicator.  

4.      There needs to be a place or way for members to talk to each other. 
Something like the GardenWeb garden writers forum, but for GWA members
only.  

5.      How about a FAQ section ? the GWA office must get the same 
questions  from members all the time?things like ?How much do garden speakers
make??   These could be put in a FAQ section for the membership.

6.      Could you please email the password to all members every time it
changes?  Am I the only one who can?t find the current issue of Q&T
when I want to log on? 

7.      There should be a graphic that all members can put on their websites
that can be linked to GWA.  I made my own. This would be  SIMPLE and
would help spread the word and bring in new members. 

C.L. Fornari

www.gardenlady.com
Watch for "A Garden Lover's Cape Cod" - published by Commonwealth Editions - in May of 2006
Written and Photographed by C.L. Fornari

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