Current Work

About 9 days ago, Dan Bissionnette asked me to look at creating a web site for the club. I have been experimenting with some web site creating software. He mentioned a few ideas of what he wanted and the package should enable them. I can also write some HTML (HyperText Markup Language) code if needed so I think it is possible to have a site in a few weeks. So far, I have created a site that has much of the information on our existing site - history and track plan as well as a photo gallery and visual roster (which will be restricted to members only) as well as an archive of SCRR publications. I have some code for a calendar that I have downloaded but the software package has a calendar as well but I do not have the full package yet, it's in the mail. I would like for someone else to manage the calendar but we will see. Also blogs can be incorporated so I hope I can stimulate others to start writing them.

What I envision is a dynamic site that members will come to for information about what is happening at the track at least weekly. I hope the board members will start blogging about what they see are issues and members start commenting on how they feel about issues so the club will be more democratic. I hope the President will start a blog and tell the members what the board is doing and each department head will start sharing what is going on in their areas. I am not trying to take away the function of the newsletters but to augment them with a better picture of what is going on.

Among others, I looked at the Assinboine Valley Railroad site and got a few ideas from them. I especially liked their photo gallery. They have photos from every trip they have taken and it is interesting to see just what they have done. They also post videos to YouTube which helps make the hobby visible to others.

With a blank canvas it is easy to imagine just what is possible. The trick is to figure out what to make public and what to restrict to members only. There is a cornucopia of possibilities but I need input from many members about their interests and concerns. I have taken the first step of surveying the members on privacy issues by sending out a E-mail to the membership list.