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| Re: What would you like on the website? |
by Aquaholicman on 2009/5/11 22:27:13
We live in a world where immediate gratification is very satisfying. Anything that can be done to provide potential new members with instant access to content unavailable to non-members after paying their dues will encourage them to join.
Another aspect to providing immediate gratification is what you might call eye candy. The first thing you see on the homepage is text, no pictures. Many times I have found myself skimming through websites only to skip past the ones that look boring and stopping at the ones that catch my eye, which is usually accomplished by beautiful pictures. Although the new website is a major improvement on the previous one, there still is no visual appeal.
This still leaves the question of how to balance what you get for paying your dues with what should be provided for free to help advance the science of ichthyology by stimulating interest in and encouraging study of freshwater livebearing fishes. Unfortunately not many people are willing to give up their hard earned money if they can have access to the same things that non-members do. By providing some articles and images to non-members while keeping the vault on the major content closed until dues are payed I believe will accomplish both objectives.
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| Re: What would you like on the website? |
by shadowhyrst on 2009/5/11 21:47:07
Yes to these ideas with limitations...as in editing of the wiki;
1. Online joining/renewal of ALA membership
THIS IS AN ABOSULUTE MUST
2. Wiki (livebearer wiki) any better names? this would include different livebearers species, probably public access
CAREFUL EDITING [remember there's 400+ species]
3. Articles, former Livebearer items and other articles on livebearers and fishkeeping, probably ALA Member only
CONTRIBUTIONS BY ALA MEMBERS, ACCESS TO THE PUBLIC, ROTATED ARTICLES
4. E-trader (current and archive), probably ALA Member only
ACCESS TO VIEW SPECIES, BUT NOT OWNERS OF THE LISTS FOR NONMEMBERS
5. Livebearer current and archive), probably ALA Member only
IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO HAVE AN ARCHIVE
6. Breeders' Award program: Online BAP forms, Expand BAP content to include up to date information, possibly database
ABSOLUTELY A MUST...OTHERWISE IT'S NOT A VERY USEFUL PROGRAM
7. Species Maintenance program, add more information sheets
POSSIBLE LIST OF PEOPLE WORKING WITH THE FISH, ETC.
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| Re: What would you like on the website? |
by Oldman on 2009/5/11 19:29:42
Better yet, make the form one that can be filled out on line and PMd to the right person. Why spend the money on postage?
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| Re: What would you like on the website? |
by fuzzypants on 2009/5/11 11:54:51
this kinda goes along with making the signing up/renewal online but make your sign up form in acrobat so people can simply print it off and write on it then mail it.
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| Re: What would you like on the website? |
by earlblewett on 2009/5/11 10:01:35
Dear FishFolk,
I do have the last Livebearers issue and I've managed to change it to acrobat. It will go up when I get time this week. There will be ALA Member access to Livebearers on the site. How many issues we will be able to put up is the question.
While open access for everyone is a nice idea, it has to be funded somehow. The open access scientific journals are funded mainly by University subscription, i.e. Biomed Central. Without membership dues the ALA, Livebearers and the web site will go away. There is some convention income. Unless someone figures out another revenue stream we are dependent on dues.
One of the questions we're trying to answer is "What do I get for my ALA membership?" Some answers are: The Livebearer, access to uncommon fish through the Trader, the chance to vote for (or against) club officers ....
Earl
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