Should of kept it for April 1st....
Top and bottom of it Sylvia, is that by having an area for members only, they're able to leave messages on that particular area for others to read, regards what they've done on different projects etc.
I also think that I was a tad elated to work it out and it would've probably been better if it was brought up during one of the meetings rather than on here, but at least I've brought it to peoples attention for better or worse and at the end of the day, people can't say that I don't inform them of what's happening about the place.
With regards the proposed members only site, ideally, it will attract new members in the long run, once I get to grips with the finer details and I'd like to look at the member email system as well, as it needs in my opinion, looking at and updating.
Other areas I'd like to see considered, would be direct debits, CD ordering for publications, photographs, family trees and minutes of meetings to name but a few ideas I'd like to explore.
On a separate issue, as with any Charity, it needs to keep a positive financial balance, otherwise it'll go under and my concern is this; if everything becomes free and open for everyone, then the membership would reduce and understandably so, as why pay money for membership when you can get it via internet for free? Therefore less members means less incomings which means less monies for research etc and a negative balance would certainly increase pressure on our library at Peel. That's why I'm looking at areas to promote the society so that we all can benefit and continue helping each other as we're doing now, but it's finding the right balance which is the key.
I had an email recently asking if we've moved site providers and can confirm that the site is now maintained by isleofman dot com as seen on our home page at the bottom. Whether a new tab could be situated next to the bulletin board and Manx notebook, then I don't know of any decisions to do this yet, but it would certainly get the thumbs up from me, as this keeps everyone's resources in the same area.
If anyone would like to raise an issue with any of the above points etc, then I'd be happy to discuss them via email (replace AT with@)
pwiomATmanx.net