AMLS Lapidaryclub Website Disposition

Purpose:

The website serves as a presence on the web to tell the world what AMLS is, what it does, what its going to do and when.  

For anyone interested, they can find out about the history of the club, the club leadership and how to contact the club.

Prospective members learn about meetings and events the members participate in. They can find out how to join the club.

Members in the club can access a members only section to find out current information intended for members only, such as field trips, group functions and special meetings.

The members only section is a repository for forms, archived club information, the membership list and updates of special interests such as the annual gem show, workshop programs, training classes and field trips.

Optionally the website might be used for online membership enrollment and yearly renewals including online payment methods. Current membership contact information could be easily searchable and printable.

Other possibilities for members could be online auctions and a market place.

Members could have a bio section telling about themselves and sharing their passion for all things rocks. Things like rockhounding adventures and lapidary projects.

Members only chat rooms that could cover a multitude of topics and even create special interests groups. Groups such as rock identification, slabbers and cabbers, wire wrappers, metal smithing, field trippers, weekend vending, rings and things, collecting and displaying, just to suggest a few.

Abstract:

The website would require a webmaster to take care of day to day tasks like receiving and editing submitted content. The webmaster would also oversee or handle the duties of page coding and server management.

Server management would include email maintenance, database management, security analysis and hosting communication.

Coding duties would involve page construction with HTML and other scripting tools, as well as PHP for page to server sharing post and get functions of SQL databases. Likely this advanced service would require outsourcing to a professional and require a large initial cost.

Functionality:

A simple website would just be a fun place for viewing club life and obtaining information. You would not utilize any server side functionality that would require a costly investment,

A robust website would incorporate the ability for information input and retrieval utilizing forms and commerce.

An assessment of the actual need to invest in a robust site with the added cost would need to be made.

Conclusion:

The end result of the club website will depend on the members dedication to providing interesting and timely content.

Club members must communicate with the webmaster. Provide pictures, send feedback, find errors or send accolades.

If the members do not support and frequently utilize the site, then the webmaster will despair resulting in a stale out of date site.

As well, the chosen webmaster must have a desire to provide a presentable and timely face for the club.

Without these things the club may as well just have a static web presents on the web.