If this is the case, look at the bylaws, and find out how to recall the idiots that "decided" to pull the plug, and have a new election. You may just need a minimum number of signatures on petition.
In the interim, do a temporary contract with the webmaster to put the site back up, if need be. Or give the directory and files, which are owned by the Institute, to the new service provider, with instructions to redirect from the old address to the new address.
There may be some discussion about who actually "owns" the files that make up the website.
I believe that the files do NOT belong to the webmaster, who has been "hired help" all these years and paid for his services.
The files, the website itself, can change service provider and can change personell, (ie: webmaster and crew), without destroying or removing the website.
Remember, a website is just a directory of files, on a server, with an internet address. The directory can be moved to another server.
bill
On Nov 12, 2003, at 8:44 AM, Richard Kenward wrote:
Dear List
Although I appreciate that it is not on topic to discuss a professional body such as the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography to those in foreign parts) I think the following should make members blood boil!
For many years the membership has been supported by a web site where potential clients could log on to find a photographer, with specialist skills in any part of the UK or even further afield. Indeed this facility was often trumpeted as being one reason for being a member.
Imagine my utter amazement, disbelief and disgust to learn yesterday that the BIPP web site has been pulled.... yes friends pulled! Not because they had not paid their bills but because council had a year ago decided to end the contract of the web master, who had operated it since the start many years ago. I understand that the new web site has yet to be designed, tested and uploaded and it may be months before it is up and running. Council has jumped without taking a parachute along with them!
This is the height of bad management and folly, and in my opinion crass stupidity bordering on negligence to the several thousand practising professional photographers, photographers whose livelihood in part depends on business that comes from it's operation.
I suggest that if members reading this feel as strongly as I do, that they write to the President and Council and say exactly what they feel about this situation...I already have!
Cheers
Richard --
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