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If one of the key reasons for a web site is to recruit members, then you will need a page very close to the top of your structure with a bold banner which links to it. With as few words as possible you need to explain to people why they should be come a member (what's in it for them) and what is expected of members. Online membership sign-up and payment is what most people are looking for in this day and age. Take a look at Amnesty International's page and you will see what I mean: http://www.amnesty.org/. It is clear simple and easy. The organization I work for is still not there yet. But ease and clarity is what we should have for joining the CCs. Of course, if you don't want "unknowns" joining the club, then you will want to clearly direct them to the monthly meetings.
John
 
I agree with John, the membership application stuff should be near the top and quick and easy without much detail. They don't want to waste time sifting through a lot of print to find an application or info about where the meeting is and who to apply to for membership. As for on-line payment, that would have to be by cheque (we're not equipped for Visa) and anyway we want to meet them first and have them attend at least one meeting so they can see if they like the tone of our membership. Those who want more depth can turn to the history stuff to study later if they are into reading more. We also need some action pictures near the top to illustrate some of our rock climbs and stream crossings. Maybe some campfire shots too, including the children. I think the fact that most members are in their 30's & 40's with children is an important consideration because that sets a tone for what kind of a club we are and what we can offer.
 
A large tab on top saying Join now sounds good. As for what we offer, maybe have a tab that has stories or testimonials from the members of some of the more memorable times - like me swimming in my truck and the help I received, Robert's wheel almost falling off and Greg finding the bearing to replace the broken one. We offer an amazing adventure into the wild of BC with a group of people that will go out of their way to make sure everyone has a good time and gets home safely.
I guess the full write ups will have to be done by someone who knows about this type of stuff.
So far I was thinking that after our little intro we open up to a page that has a layout similar to this:
http://www.earthroamer.com/
a picture of a nice cruiser parked on a mountain or something with our new logo beside it. A couple of tabs below it with stuff like: Join now, Photos, Vendors/supporters/sponsors, Contact info, History, forum (direct link to here), trail runs (schedule), etc. on the main page we can have a quick intro of what we do, you know the usual stuff like protecting access to our trails, crate a family like atmosphere while discovering bc......and so on. Perhaps have some more little side comments on the main page about Cruiser Days. I think that once we have the main website idea designed and finished we can tweak some of the finer details ourselves but we need that main stuff first.

Rob M., Greg, do you have some stuff you can throw in here history wise, even some old pics we can have on the site?
 
the reason that these diesel powered vehicles don't come here isn't because of toyota, it's because of the big three and their lobbyists. and because they're in bed with the oil companies. they don't want vehicles imported that they aren't prepared to compete with. gas gusselers rule as long as george w. oilman pedals his wares...
 
Update:

Hi all. Sorry for the late update but I have been out of the country for a bit. After talking with several key CC members for this project I have managed to reduce the cost by 50% and create a timeline of Jan-Feb.. My company had a window of opportunity to get this done in Oct-Nov but we couldn't get all the info we needed and couldn't proceed further. My web group is now booked till spring, business is good, so I have found a replacement developer to do the site. I will be still managing the project with several CC members and in the end we'll have a great site online for less CC $. I will be out of the country again in January returning early on the day of the meeting so I will not have an opportunity to prepare for January 10th. If my schedule permits I will be at the meeting and provide a full update and plan.

Business is so strong that I haven't even had a chance to go out and play with my HJ61 so that is an indication of how busy we really are. I can't complain.

Merry Christmas to everyone and their families.
:beer:
 
creamycanuck said:
Update:

Business is so strong that I haven't even had a chance to go out and play with my HJ61 so that is an indication of how busy we really are. I can't complain.
Click to expand...

Well if your worried about it getting lazy and fat i could always take it for a workout.:shotts:
 
Web Update...sort of.

Update: I am trying to get the site done for a few bucks instead of lots of bucks. I saw a first attempt at the site from a friend of mine but it was not even close to acceptable. I am expecting a 2nd look this week. My media design staff are now fully booked on client projects so I can't even get them on weekends so I am looking for a cheap and easy alternative. This is becoming difficult to find. I'll keep trying.

The golden rule for anything web related is that it costs money. I am trying to get this done so the club has funding for other activities and that the web doesn't become a sore point in the club books.

I will persist until my local "cost-effective" contacts dry up.
Stay tuned.

James
P.S. There is no way I can attend the Valentine's Day meeting.
 
James, I can't speak for everyone but for the most part I am just giving you a hard time, I understand and respect the fact that you are trying to do this on a small budget to save us some cash, we just like to know what's going on every now and then.
Also, has there been any progress on the logo or is that on hold as well?
 
I can get a logo done here with one of my guys and have it for the March meeting and hopefull have a site design as well. The logo can really make the entire site pop and will be a great additon to the club look.

Please have rob email/pm me...I might have his wrong address.
James
 
WEB Update

Hi everyone,

I have talked with Rob serveral times about the site and he is up-to-date on the pricing and timelines of the following proposal. My Vancouver staff are 100% booked on my software projects and are not available for contract sooooo I am currently working with a great web developer here in Vancouver to even get my own web needs taken care of. I am currently having a site built for my company in Costa Rica and have made a very sweet deal with the developer to use the exact same template for the Coastal Cruisers club site. The club site would be different text, colours and pictures to suit your requirements but the general design would remain the same. I think it looks great and really pro. Please take a look at www.gonefishingdevelopment.com to see the site that the club could use as a template. My developer has the main page up and the support pages will be up within the next 3 hours (by 4pm today).

Please take a look, discuss the pricing with Rob at the meeting tonight and then let me know your thoughts.

P.S. Your site would take about 2-3 weeks to produce.

Cheers,

James
 
I've talked to a fellow at work who is willing to set up a website for a reasonable dollar.

Marcin, I know you are talking to someone as well. Have you any news to report?
 
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