joewallace2008
i brought the ocean home
Wwwwwwoooooowwwwwww 
My last post was a general rant about all the crap that bothers me . Sorry to have wasted everyones time who took the time to read it . However I do feel a ctars site on its own would be a great addition . More of a members thing.i guess . Again my apologies .
Greg has done a great job with the website over the years. However as his work load oscillates, his ability to keep up with the website changes. I also think he would rather spend time with his grandson
Some items that I encountered. While these are more on the transactional side of the clubs processes it will help to stream line things and make it easier for all.
1. A single log on system where users can re-set their own password to member only areas and a forum (if resurrected)
2. A better system for BOD to keep track of memberships. The existing system works, but requires the person in charge of the membership to do manual entry to update the status of a person's membership.
3. A way to print membership cards and envelopes directly from the data that has been input by pay pal. This will reduce time and avoid transcription errors.
4. Better integration with paypal. There have been issues where errors have occurred for both conference signups and memberships where the payment was not processed.
5. Standard e-mail address for all BOD members such as president@ctars.org to ensure that there are ways by which the members can reach the BOD. Also this prevents individuals posing as delegates of the club sending information out to members using e-mail address that look like they are coming from CTARS.
6. A system by which the BOD can e-mail all current and past members. The system should allow individuals to opt out of receiving e-mails with out the BOD having to manually edit an e-mail list.
7. The website should be CLEAN. I like the set up of the DFWMAS webste. It is simple to navigate, easy on the eyes, and intuitive. http://www.dfwmas.org/
8. If additional features are added, the costs of the additional storage space and bandwidth must be considered. I believe the club has a fairly basic account with a web host. Expanding the account to cover additional functionality will cost money and will need to be budgeted for.
9. Website needs to be setup in such a fashion that there can be multiple webmasters can update the pages if some one is on a business trip, too busy, ill etc.
10. Forums - this can be a double edged sword. It takes time an energy for moderators to police a forum. Right now the club relies on RC for this service. While we may not always agree with the moderators assessments of our actions, it is a service that doesn't cost the club money. While there are other reef keeping related websites out there RC is one of the top returns on google. Many members have found the club through RC. Abandoning this form or having a redirect to another site may have an impact.
11. Social Media - it needs to be determined if it is value added for the club to increase its use of social media to broad cast messages to its members.
I like the suggestions. I just hope if we put the effort into creating the new features (and reviving features we have tried before like member tanks, tank and photo contests) that more members will use the features than in the past. We will be incorporating new features starting after the holidays.