[Webmaster_forum] RE: This date thing is now way out of control

[Susan Darcy]

USPS Webbers, Website Judges, ITCom, V/C Baldridge,

It seems to me that the USPS Web Awards have become more burdensome with
every year.  Since Dave Schuppert and Jeff Wise have been so eloquent in
their own replies, I can only echo their statements and point out another
problem.

Bill Miller, Website Coordinator, ITCOM in explaining Rule #11 stated:

"If they [ie. any website] fall behind by 90 days from the date of the site
visit, no matter when in the year, the linkage between the subject website
and the USPS website listing of squadron and district websites may be
eliminated.  Prior to such de-linkage, the website coordinator will contact
the ITCom contact that is listed on the squadron maintenance record to try
to resolve the situation without removal of the linkage.  The no tolerance
situation concerns the websites qualification to be considered in the
current Webawards program."

It is certainly an interesting concept -- SOMEONE (an unknown BIG Brother or
BIG Sister) is constantly watching websites all year and if THEY decide a
website is not current, THEY will instigate the UNLINKING process to
National.  While I certainly agree with the rules to keep ANY website
current, I'm not certain how an AWARD process evolved into the constant
PENALTY review system it appears to have become.

An organization clamoring for "More Members" -- and more involvement by
their current membership, Web Awards certainly haven't created an atmosphere
which supports volunteering either to administer a website or help with any
judging.  

If websites are not up to date, the disqualification from the judging
process should be sufficient -- but to remove a Squadron or District from a
link to USPS seems to DEFEAT a further quote from Bill Miller:  "The
squadron is the front line when it comes to enticing new people to join the
USPS."   Unlinking a District or Squadron from USPS contradicts that quote.

If websites entice people to join, are we saying our websites are why our
membership isn't increasing and members are renewing?  Don't people join or
stay with ANY organization because of the PEOPLE or things the group has to
offer?  I know I didn't join because of a website!   I do hope somehow we're
not turning into an organization which "polices or policies" itself out of
existence.  

It's an interesting conundrum -- as Peter Ubillos stated -- there definitely
are some National websites that are out of date and with broken links or
with WebMasters who are unable or unwilling to update them.    

I sure hope I've fixed the broken ones on my two National sites, my one
District site, and my nine Squadron sites!!!   

(Peter -- let me know if their still broken! -- Thanks!  ;^) ) 

Be the BEST in USPS!

Susan

P/D/C Susan L. Darcy, JN
USPS - District 2
Berkshire Sail & Power Squadron
7 Hutchinson Lane
Lenox, MA 01240-2217
413-637-2275
Susan@darcy-systems.com
http://www.usps.org/localusps/d2