Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 10, 2007 at 9:49 PM
Hello all,
Hope you're surviving the ice and all is well. After receiving no response to my emails, I posted a message to Jim Erhardt on the discussion forum and received this reply:
------------
Chuck, my apologies for not getting back sooner!
Feel free to update the MWNP site with a new banner. Once you have done so I will update the MWNP forum page. I will watch for any emails from you in case you need assistance.
------------
So now it's up to us to decide how we want to move forward. In my mind (or what's left of it), it seems that the banner ought to reflect our different locations/seasons. If we have a static banner, we could probably use 5 or 6 images. An animated GIF or Flash movie (think multi-paned slide show) could accommodate 2 or 3 times that.
Do we want to set up a timeframe for submission of images, then a second timeframe for voting on our favorites?
Following that comes the creation of the art. I'd be willing to take a crack at that, and others have also expressed an interest. Maybe anyone who wants to create a banner from the chosen images can, then we vote on the one we want to use, or rotate them through the year?
I'm a bit out of my league here, so suggestions are welcome.
Cheers,
Chuck
Posted by Susie Hopkins on December 11, 2007 at 5:54 AM
Guess it depends how anxious we are.. I would give at least a month for submissions and a week or two to vote on it.. I'm a bit unsure how many States we have in our region and which ones? Maybe a State Park theme would be cool. Or a State landmark.. Awesome.. I'm looking forward to the fun!
Posted by Susie Hopkins on December 11, 2007 at 8:19 AM
Following that comes the creation of the art. I'd be willing to take a crack at that, and others have also expressed an interest. Maybe anyone who wants to create a banner from the chosen images can, then we vote on the one we want to use, or rotate them through the year?
I like that idea...
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 11, 2007 at 9:41 AM
Specifically what type of images, Chuck...fall...Great Lakes...state park symbols with some of the surroundings, birds or flowers that are only found in the Midwest area?
First of all, I agree that it would be nice to have some time to submit, and then vote on images. I don't think we need a theme, though I would like to see us cover as many of the different ecosystems in this wonderful region as possible - which may argue for multiple banners rotated during the year. Is that something someone is willing to take on (I have neither time or expertise to do that)??
Second, there are some other parts of the site that could use updating, particularly the Events and Links connections at the top. Can we maybe include that in this process as well - just a general cleanup of this forum??
I'm game to submit some images - somebody tell me where and when!
CJ
Posted by Philip Schwarz on December 11, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Colorado seems to have a banner that reflects the seasons and areas covered. They also have a monthly theme. Folks submit pictures related to that theme then I think the moderators pick the picture they put on the main page for the month.
PNWNP doesn’t have a specific banner but they ask for submissions for the various seasons then have rotating pictures appear when you click on their home and forum page.
I’m sure the moderators from these groups would be willing to provide assistance as well.
Posted by Mitch Erwin on December 11, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Chuck,
First off, thank you for being the catalyst to get the ball rolling on this and emailing Jim!
As far as html knowledge for me goes............well, it is NON existent! So, I am SOL on trying to help with creating a banner, but like most am full of excitement, maybe some hair brained ideas too. To start off, we need to keep it simple I think. We have to remember here, that probably the reason to the lack of change would probably be to everyone's availability of time to do so. And I don't think that has changed much for most. Also keep in mind that the ones doing most of the work would be the involved ones of the forum, which it seems there are not many on here that post much or consistently, maybe 10 at the most.
Anyway, not to be a pessimist. I recommend starting of with maybe a change to a banner, twice a year, maybe once per quarter at most. Nothing specific as far as themes go. You Michigan'ers have the majority, then Ohio as far as activity in here. So,....................this Southereastern Illinoisan, Southwestern Indianaian will do all I can with helping too
Posted by Philip Schwarz on December 11, 2007 at 5:20 PM
I talked with my web person at my former place of employment and the rotating images used by the PNWNP is probably relatively simple to do once we have the code. There is some code to do the actual rotation then all that has to be done is to create a file of pictures. The code points to the file. When you wanted to change pictures you would just point to the file you wanted to use. Every time you clicked on the home page a different picture would show up. I would mean that someone would have to call for photos every once in a while. Usually this is the moderator but since our moderator doesn't seem to be active in the forum it would probably have to be someone else.
On the other hand anything will be better than nothing.
Posted by Mitch Erwin on December 11, 2007 at 5:45 PM
Who is the active moderator? Danny Burke? Just curious
Posted by Mitch Erwin on December 11, 2007 at 5:51 PM
Who is the active moderator? Danny Burke? Just curious
Posted by Robert Helms on December 11, 2007 at 6:53 PM
Mitch, I believe Jack was up until his move to the Northwest. Please don't quote me on this though. Danny hasn't been active for several months anywhere on NPN that I know of. I do know his free time schedule is very limiting, and I'm certain this is the only reason for his absence.
Whatever the majority of the group wishes for banner wise is fine by me. If were talking a banner created in Photoshop I could possibly have a go at creating one. The hard part would be representing each state that makes up the Midwest with a small banner.
Either way I'll help out in any way that I can.
Chuck, thanks for emailing Jim on this. Since you didn't get a reply at first I'd suspect he forgot there was a Midwest forum
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 11, 2007 at 8:13 PM
Thanks for all of the input, folks. Looks like we have issues far beyond creating our new banner. I'm not sure what it takes to be a moderator, but it seems we ought to have someone that is active. I'll follow up with Jim and see what it takes and then see if we have any volunteers.
While we're thinking about the banner art, let's also think about what buttons we need and where they would point to. Some other regional forums have technical articles, "hot spots" that show places for good photo ops and group event schedules. Keep in mind that anything we start, we have to maintain and keep fresh.
I'd suspect he forgot there was a Midwest forum.
Once we get done, everyone will know there's a Midwest forum.
Posted by Philip Schwarz on December 11, 2007 at 8:24 PM
I just noticed that the individual that collectos the photos for the PNWNP forum is not the moderator so apparently they don't have to be the same person.
Posted by Jack Graham on December 12, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Folks,
As a ex patriot of this forum, but still an active lurker and occasional participant,( and fairly active now on the PWNP forum) I can tell you that the quality of images posted is directly proportional to the activity on these forums. I always check this one then go over to the California forum ( Preston does a great job with lots of interesting stuff going on---check it out) , then the Rocky Mt area. The quality of images here have really improved for the most part ( especially since I've been gone--- !) and it looks like a refresh of the forum is on the way.
There is a good core of folks here now that can make it happen!
JG
Posted by Bernie Kasper on December 12, 2007 at 8:16 PM
I have always wondered what exactly is the Midwest, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan I guess I answered my own question. the only reason I ask is I live one mile from Kentucky on the Ohio River so a lot of my work is right along the river and into KY. So I guess I will be covering the southern border for us
You have some great ideas and hopefully we can get things moving around here, count me in on anything you all need.
Good news! I'm game to contribute as well. I can help with the design if needed.
What's the next step?
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 13, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Bernie raises an interesting issue. Which states are part of the MWNP? Our home page lists Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio -- and we have strong participation from Minnesota. The Central State NP site does not include the Dakotas, Minnesota or Iowa. Apparently, those four states are officially NPN orphans. It seems geographically reasonable to include the Dakotas in the Central group. I propose we officially add Minnesota to MWNP. How do you all feel about Iowa? What about southern Ontario?
Posted by Mitch Erwin on December 13, 2007 at 11:31 AM
I'll second the motion on MN and IA!!!!!! Southern Ontario I'm just thinking if we ever try to have a get together somewhere the more the states, the farther distance of travel. Just a thought!
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 13, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Thanks, Mitch. The only reason I suggested S. Ontario is because the NENP includes photographers from eastern Canada in their membership. Thought we might do the same since there isn't an official home for Canadians at NPN yet (even though there is a European forum). Might also generate some more participation in our forum -- I know there are lots of photographers in southern Ontario.
I agree with your concern about travel distances, but I'm not sure how to solve it. I suspect that by rotating venues over time, everyone will have an opportunity to be "close" every once in a while.
Posted by Danny Burk on December 13, 2007 at 2:05 PM
Hi folks - thanks to Chuck Beatty for bringing this thread to my attention. Although I don't post a lot these days, I normally check the forum 1-2x each week to make sure that everything is OK. However, I've been insanely busy the past 3 weeks or so, and haven't had time to make my usual visits to the site. Since this is a well-behaved group, I was confident that there wouldn't be any problems :)
Anyway, I've already contacted Chuck regarding the moderator position. I've enjoyed being founder and moderator of MWNP, but the truth is that I don't often have time to do much with it these days. It's definitely a true saying that, once one goes into photography as a full-time business, one doesn't have much time for other things anymore...including photography! That said, I think that it would be best all around if I pass on the position to someone who has time to do more with it, just as Dan Borzynski took over the trip coordinator position from me a few years ago. I know that there are quite a few newer members whom I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting personally, and I'll continue to contribute to the forum as time allows in the future.
Actually, MN and KY were officially added to the group a few years ago, but apparently not everyone is aware of this. I think IA is also a suitable choice. The Dakotas would be welcome too, although IMO the Central States group might be a better choice in view of proximity to NE, OK, etc.
I'll keep close watch if anyone has questions; meanwhile, please feel free to email me at danny@dannyburk.com if you wish to get in touch with me directly.
Very best regards,
Danny
Posted by Chuck Beatty on December 13, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Just to clarify: Danny and I discussed the duties of moderator position, but I have not offered to take it over. I suspect Jim Erhardt will want to have some input in filling the position. I'm preparing a lengthy email for Jim to discuss some of the other issues we've raised. Anyone interested in being considered for the moderator position?
Posted by Jim Erhardt on December 13, 2007 at 6:08 PM
Chuck, thanks for taking the lead on this!
MWNP webmaster - you will need to appoint a group webmaster to take care of the pages on the midwest.naturephotographers.net site. Once you do, contact me directly and I will get access to the MWNP subdomain set up. The only page I have to maintain is this one - the forum page.
Ditto new moderators - once you have new moderator(s) identified, let me know and I will set them up from this end.
New states - I see no problem with the states mentioned. I would keep Canada separate for now as they may end up with their own group. But in the mean time, Canadians are free to participate as they do in the NENP group.
And finally, thanks to Danny Burk for his years of time and effort on behalf of the MWNP group!
Keep me posted and I look forward to the site changes!
Thanks to Chuck for taking the bull by the horns...
I've recently--late August, early September of this year--returned to a fairly active role on NPN after an absence of nearly three years. It's good to see this forum becoming more active; back in 2002-03, it was really jumping, as I recall. We had group "meetings" in the UP of Michigan in the fall of both '02 and '03 and it was great to put faces with some names. Danny did a fine job running things for years, but I can only imagine how busy he is on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis now.
Not that anyone asked (nor should anyone ), but I'm probably too busy running back and forth between the Chicago and Indianapolis areas every couple of weeks to take on the responsibilities of moderating the forum. That's probably best left to someone who has been more active for a lot longer than myself in any case. However, I do hope to be much more active here going forward and would be happy to help in any way I can, including but not necessarily limited to submitting images for the updated banner. Just let me know how I can be of assistance.
Posted by Susie Hopkins on December 14, 2007 at 12:20 PM
I am sooo new here and I see there are a bunch of busy folk with no time.. I'll volunteer if you'll have me.. Only if I have a co-moderator though. I joined to learn and network but I do drop out of sight in the summer. I have experience in the moderator dept. and currently moderate on a couple other sites. I just lack in the code area but am a quick study.. Sure would like to see this region's forum grow and shine!
Discussion
23 repliesHope you're surviving the ice and all is well. After receiving no response to my emails, I posted a message to Jim Erhardt on the discussion forum and received this reply:
------------
Chuck, my apologies for not getting back sooner!
Feel free to update the MWNP site with a new banner. Once you have done so I will update the MWNP forum page. I will watch for any emails from you in case you need assistance.
------------
So now it's up to us to decide how we want to move forward. In my mind (or what's left of it), it seems that the banner ought to reflect our different locations/seasons. If we have a static banner, we could probably use 5 or 6 images. An animated GIF or Flash movie (think multi-paned slide show) could accommodate 2 or 3 times that.
Do we want to set up a timeframe for submission of images, then a second timeframe for voting on our favorites?
Following that comes the creation of the art. I'd be willing to take a crack at that, and others have also expressed an interest. Maybe anyone who wants to create a banner from the chosen images can, then we vote on the one we want to use, or rotate them through the year?
I'm a bit out of my league here, so suggestions are welcome.
Cheers,
Chuck
I like that idea...
Two time frames sound good to me!
Second, there are some other parts of the site that could use updating, particularly the Events and Links connections at the top. Can we maybe include that in this process as well - just a general cleanup of this forum??
I'm game to submit some images - somebody tell me where and when!
CJ
PNWNP doesn’t have a specific banner but they ask for submissions for the various seasons then have rotating pictures appear when you click on their home and forum page.
I’m sure the moderators from these groups would be willing to provide assistance as well.
First off, thank you for being the catalyst to get the ball rolling on this and emailing Jim!
As far as html knowledge for me goes............well, it is NON existent! So, I am SOL on trying to help with creating a banner, but like most am full of excitement, maybe some hair brained ideas too. To start off, we need to keep it simple I think. We have to remember here, that probably the reason to the lack of change would probably be to everyone's availability of time to do so. And I don't think that has changed much for most. Also keep in mind that the ones doing most of the work would be the involved ones of the forum, which it seems there are not many on here that post much or consistently, maybe 10 at the most.
Anyway, not to be a pessimist. I recommend starting of with maybe a change to a banner, twice a year, maybe once per quarter at most. Nothing specific as far as themes go. You Michigan'ers have the majority, then Ohio as far as activity in here. So,....................this Southereastern Illinoisan, Southwestern Indianaian will do all I can with helping too
On the other hand anything will be better than nothing.
Whatever the majority of the group wishes for banner wise is fine by me. If were talking a banner created in Photoshop I could possibly have a go at creating one. The hard part would be representing each state that makes up the Midwest with a small banner.
Either way I'll help out in any way that I can.
Chuck, thanks for emailing Jim on this. Since you didn't get a reply at first I'd suspect he forgot there was a Midwest forum
While we're thinking about the banner art, let's also think about what buttons we need and where they would point to. Some other regional forums have technical articles, "hot spots" that show places for good photo ops and group event schedules. Keep in mind that anything we start, we have to maintain and keep fresh.
Once we get done, everyone will know there's a Midwest forum.
As a ex patriot of this forum, but still an active lurker and occasional participant,( and fairly active now on the PWNP forum) I can tell you that the quality of images posted is directly proportional to the activity on these forums. I always check this one then go over to the California forum ( Preston does a great job with lots of interesting stuff going on---check it out) , then the Rocky Mt area. The quality of images here have really improved for the most part ( especially since I've been gone--- !) and it looks like a refresh of the forum is on the way.
There is a good core of folks here now that can make it happen!
JG
You have some great ideas and hopefully we can get things moving around here, count me in on anything you all need.
What's the next step?
I agree with your concern about travel distances, but I'm not sure how to solve it. I suspect that by rotating venues over time, everyone will have an opportunity to be "close" every once in a while.
Anyway, I've already contacted Chuck regarding the moderator position. I've enjoyed being founder and moderator of MWNP, but the truth is that I don't often have time to do much with it these days. It's definitely a true saying that, once one goes into photography as a full-time business, one doesn't have much time for other things anymore...including photography! That said, I think that it would be best all around if I pass on the position to someone who has time to do more with it, just as Dan Borzynski took over the trip coordinator position from me a few years ago. I know that there are quite a few newer members whom I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting personally, and I'll continue to contribute to the forum as time allows in the future.
Actually, MN and KY were officially added to the group a few years ago, but apparently not everyone is aware of this. I think IA is also a suitable choice. The Dakotas would be welcome too, although IMO the Central States group might be a better choice in view of proximity to NE, OK, etc.
I'll keep close watch if anyone has questions; meanwhile, please feel free to email me at danny@dannyburk.com if you wish to get in touch with me directly.
Very best regards,
Danny
MWNP webmaster - you will need to appoint a group webmaster to take care of the pages on the midwest.naturephotographers.net site. Once you do, contact me directly and I will get access to the MWNP subdomain set up. The only page I have to maintain is this one - the forum page.
Ditto new moderators - once you have new moderator(s) identified, let me know and I will set them up from this end.
New states - I see no problem with the states mentioned. I would keep Canada separate for now as they may end up with their own group. But in the mean time, Canadians are free to participate as they do in the NENP group.
And finally, thanks to Danny Burk for his years of time and effort on behalf of the MWNP group!
Keep me posted and I look forward to the site changes!
I've recently--late August, early September of this year--returned to a fairly active role on NPN after an absence of nearly three years. It's good to see this forum becoming more active; back in 2002-03, it was really jumping, as I recall. We had group "meetings" in the UP of Michigan in the fall of both '02 and '03 and it was great to put faces with some names. Danny did a fine job running things for years, but I can only imagine how busy he is on a day-to-day, week-to-week basis now.
Not that anyone asked (nor should anyone