AIS: Web Sites of Local Clubs - How Beneficial??

In a message dated 6/4/2007 8:39:16 AM Eastern Daylight Time,  
irisgrower@cableone.net writes:

But  don't have a clue if people really look at these sites

and are they  beneficial?? What are some of your opinions??



Since you appear to be asking the group, I'd like to say--as a heavy  user of 
the Internet for research, communication, and amusement  purposes-- that none 
of these sites are useful, or a positive reflection on  the club, or on AIS, 
if the material is not kept up to  date. Rather the opposite, actually. People 
hate stale data and  frustration, as well they should.
 
If you put your face out on the World Wide Web, you will want it to be  your 
best face. Having outdated activities announcements or or invalid  contact 
information, or a graphic interface that is hokey, gimmicky,  or unattractive, 
will do you more harm than good. I doubt anyone  really enjoys those twinkling 
lights and strident colors one sees on some  amateur presentations. They used 
to call that Angry Fruit Salad back  in the dinosaur days.
 
Nothing has to be fancy. In my opinion there is a good deal to be said  for a 
straightforward and dignified presentation of  irreproachably fresh and 
interesting information.  
 
Also, make sure your page looks very welcoming if you want it to help  
recruit. Be generous with useful information. If you are an AIS affiliate you  are 
supposed to be doing public outreach and education.You are also always  
supposed to state your AIS affiliation. 
 
Be real careful about "Members Only" areas. I got a note from  someone who 
recently rejoined this list asking me about the webpage of one  of the Sections. 
She had found it, but said it could not be the real  webpage because it 
looked like a commercial site. I think it looks  like a recruitment vehicle for a 
private club, myself, and I think it is  offputting.
 
I'd think the best way to make this decision is to evaluate your  group's 
resources honestly and conservatively, then ask yourselves the  question that the 
builders of the great gothic cathedrals had to ask  themselves: do we really 
have what it takes to get it up and keep it  up.
 
Cordially,
 
Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA
 
 



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