Some thoughts on Computerbank Web Site Maintenance.
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I'd like to suggest that Committee consider adopting a Web Site
maintenance policy. This would essentially be a set of steps to be
taken when the national web site content is to be updated. Web sites
set up by the various branches and affiliates of Computerbank would
remain the responsibility of those branches and affiliates.
The first point to consider is who is to undertake supervising the
national web site and the authourisation of its content. At the moment
this process is rather ad-hoc.
I'd suggest that the overall responsibility for supervising the
creation and updating of the content of the national web site be
assigned to a national publicity officer. To avoid the task becoming
the dominant activity of the publicity officer, he/she could be
assisted by one or more people with experience in the mechanics of
maintaining a web site.
The second point is that we need to determine exactly what is the
purpose of national web site.
I'd suggest that it's primary focus is to provide the first point of
contact with people who have heard of our efforts and want to know more
about us. To this end, it should provide basic general information about
our aims and how we operate, together with contact information for each
state branch and affiliate organisation.
A secondary focus would be the provision of facilities required to
assist computerbank activities which are common to most, if not all, of
the branches/affiliates - for example, hosting of a common document
repository. This secondary focus could be developed over time as needs
arise.
With the above in mind, I'd see the web site maintenance policy going
something like this -
(1) The secretary asks the publicity officer to add or change items
displayed on the web site to reflect current events or changes in policy
or operations. Alternatively, the publicity officer may want to create
items promoting Computerbank events or topics of general interest.
(2) The publicity officer creates or modifies web site items, delegating
these tasks if desired.
(3) When the web site items have been prepared, the publicity officer
sends a copy of the items to the secretary for review and approval to
post to the web site.
(4) The publicity officer organises the prompt posting of the approved
items to the web site.
In Summary -
The above steps are intended to have at least two people involved with
the creation of web site items - that way there is an inbuilt 'sanity
check' on content.
It seems to me essential that a committee member be involved in the
process of creating web site items to avoid mistaken or inappropriate
content being posted. This committee member would logically be the
secretary.
As always, suggestions and comments are welcome.
Hope this helps,
David H.
