I'm not sure if this is the right place - if not please direct me to the proper list.
At last night's meeting, the issue of moving to a UBB forum was broached. I wondered if there was more interest for this as there's benefits to be had - less chance of spam, IMO easier to refer someone to a forum thread, more static viewing so a guest can browse and get the feeling of the community, moderation if necessary... I have used phpBB - it's both free and quite good.
I am unfamiliar with how CLUG is exists on the webserver though - I got the impression that it is people sharing their bandwidth by providing hosting. Is that correct?
The reason I ask is that I would like to inquire if I (or someone) could redesign the website. I mean no disrepect to the efforts that have gone into what currently exists, but the layout is rather antiquated and doesn't lend to easy access. I think the site would attract more if it were easier to browse, and the content on the main page was a little more active - more Linux related news amidst CLUG news for a portal effect. Not looking to re-create Slashdot but it adds to why someone would go to the site. My intention or suggestion would be to move to a PHP/MySQL etc. setup in the interest of adding email newsletter support, polling, accounts for site administration like news posting and backups.... The forum would provide even more of a backend to the site, with the ability to discuss news topics etc. and allow newcomers easy access to view the community.
Are these good ideas, or am I stepping on toes?
Andrew
