Posted by Chuck Beatty on February 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Hi Everyone,
The next step in developing the MWNP site is filling in the "Links" and "Locations" pages.
The Links page is intended to be a regional resource for our members. As with the Members page, the links will be listed by state (and maybe topic if we get enough input). The content might include equipment retailers, repair facilities, processing, framing, paper sources, ink sources, etc, etc. (Stuff a photographer needs on a regular basis.) Other suggestions for what might be on this page are welcome. It will evolve over time. One thing I want to be clear about: this is not a place for advertising. Each link will be recommended by a member who has used the resource and can vouch for their honesty and reliability.
The Locations page will also be organized by state. Members are welcome to send information on their favorite shooting locations (well-known or otherwise). Send a brief description along with best times of year to go, amount of hiking involved, things to look for, directions, etc.. If there is a web link to the location, please include it. A small sample photo (180 x 120 pixels @ 72 dpi, JPEG) can be included. Feel free to offer suggestions on how to make this page more useful to you.
Please email me this information and I'll begin updating these pages soon. Thanks in advance for your participation.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Chuck,
Might the links page also include web sites for special events, such as say for example the annual Butterfly show in Grand Rapids, or the Holland Tulip Festival? Or would you prefer those to be included in the Locations page?
Posted by Chuck Beatty on February 11, 2008 at 12:55 PM
My first inclination is to put it on the locations page -- maybe with a separate calendar box that has links to the descriptions. That way the date is out in front so people can plan. Thoughts?
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 11, 2008 at 1:15 PM
The locations page is what I was thinking too and and calendar box sounds like excellent idea, Chuck..thanks!
So, we can only include a small thumbnail of the location? I'm not sure of how you're setting it up, but wouldn't it be more beneficial to show a larger image as well so that others could get a better sense of the place?
Posted by Chuck Beatty on February 11, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Joel,
My only concern is space on the server. Maybe we can go to a larger image. Let me check with Jim and see what he recommends.
On the "links" matter...what about links to resources that aren't located in the Midwest region but are accessible to those of us who reside here? For instance, the outfit that I use for matting material (very reliable and competitive cost-wise) is based in North Carolina. Would they be linkable or are we restricted to Midwest-based vendors?
BTW, I'm really impressed at what a good job you're doing in upgrading/updating the site. Excellent work!
--Kerry
Posted by Chuck Beatty on February 11, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Kerry,
I agree that in this world of e-commerce it makes sense to include non-Midwest companies as well. As I think about it, none of the places I get my equipment and supplies are found in the Midwest. I also know that there are often requests from folks asking if anyone knows a good (insert business) in (some location in the Midwest). I suspect that we'll end up with a hybrid of regional businesses and non-Midwest internet businesses. Thanks for the input.
Discussion
7 repliesThe next step in developing the MWNP site is filling in the "Links" and "Locations" pages.
The Links page is intended to be a regional resource for our members. As with the Members page, the links will be listed by state (and maybe topic if we get enough input). The content might include equipment retailers, repair facilities, processing, framing, paper sources, ink sources, etc, etc. (Stuff a photographer needs on a regular basis.) Other suggestions for what might be on this page are welcome. It will evolve over time. One thing I want to be clear about: this is not a place for advertising. Each link will be recommended by a member who has used the resource and can vouch for their honesty and reliability.
The Locations page will also be organized by state. Members are welcome to send information on their favorite shooting locations (well-known or otherwise). Send a brief description along with best times of year to go, amount of hiking involved, things to look for, directions, etc.. If there is a web link to the location, please include it. A small sample photo (180 x 120 pixels @ 72 dpi, JPEG) can be included. Feel free to offer suggestions on how to make this page more useful to you.
Please email me this information and I'll begin updating these pages soon. Thanks in advance for your participation.
Might the links page also include web sites for special events, such as say for example the annual Butterfly show in Grand Rapids, or the Holland Tulip Festival? Or would you prefer those to be included in the Locations page?
My only concern is space on the server. Maybe we can go to a larger image. Let me check with Jim and see what he recommends.
On the "links" matter...what about links to resources that aren't located in the Midwest region but are accessible to those of us who reside here? For instance, the outfit that I use for matting material (very reliable and competitive cost-wise) is based in North Carolina. Would they be linkable or are we restricted to Midwest-based vendors?
BTW, I'm really impressed at what a good job you're doing in upgrading/updating the site. Excellent work!
--Kerry
I agree that in this world of e-commerce it makes sense to include non-Midwest companies as well. As I think about it, none of the places I get my equipment and supplies are found in the Midwest. I also know that there are often requests from folks asking if anyone knows a good (insert business) in (some location in the Midwest). I suspect that we'll end up with a hybrid of regional businesses and non-Midwest internet businesses. Thanks for the input.