RE: (clug-talk) Website and Forum?

[Cameron Nikitiuk]

Title: Website and Forum?

I have read a few of the messages related to your post...I say "go for it!"  Create some mock-ups...maybe open a competition to the whole group and see what we can come up with.  I agree that some of the stuff can be hard to find and I don't often visit the site because I am never sure to look and I can usually google or metacrawler an answer faster.

 

I am certainly no expert when it comes to web design, but would be glad to work with someone(s) to develop something.  Would be a great chance for me to get my feet wet with pgsql and stuff like that.  I may have a project like this coming up soon...so would be good to have some knowledge to throw at it.

 

And...just to piss a couple people off and to keep it in peoples minds.  Wouldn't this type of project or similar ones to it, fall under the authority of a Communications Officer board member?

 

Cameron

-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew Barnes [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: December 5, 2002 11:35 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: (clug-talk) Website and Forum?

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