1. Separate Server: Patrick has established a separate server for
Westchester PathMaster™, so that we can develop, test and periodically revise
our site without interfering with WLS’s operations or security.
· MS FrontPage 1.0 installed. MS Windows NT Server 4.0 targeted for
installation within the next few weeks. FrontPage ‘97 beta also targeted for
installation and test in that same timeframe.
· Web content from PathMaster being imported and merged with the FrontPage
functions.
· Patrick and Jack will address linkage changes from the WLS server that
derive from the removal of our content to the new server. Target completion:
Shortly
2. Tuning PathMaster Content: Patrick and Cindy are working collaboratively
within FrontPage to upgrade the organization and functionality of our site.
Target completion: Prior to January WATPA meeting.
3. Upgrading Graphics: Warren and Cindy are working to reduce the size of
the graphics in our site and refocus on our Web site features as they are now
rather than as we projected a year ago. Target completion: Prior to January
WATPA meeting.
4. Policy Requirements: During the October WATPA meeting, we agreed to focus
substantial attention in the coming year to support the development of large,
integrated sites such as the current League of Women Voters and ComNet
materials. Some of this current and new material may be developed by members
of the Web Support Committee (such as WATPA KidsNet) and some may be created
and maintained by other volunteer groups (such as the proposed Larchmont
materials).
We need to expand our formal Web support policy to cover an emerging set of
conditions prior to the inclusion of proposed new segments. Among the major
issues:
· Establishment of separate IP addresses (are we merely a free service
provider?)
· Requirement to acknowledge the WATPA and WLS contributions to the site and
hyperlinks back to WATPA and WLS for browsers who enter directly, rather than
via Westchester PathMaster™.
· Requirement to ensure that content is kept current
· Use of MS FrontPage for development and maintenance in order to minimize
workload on the Web Support Committee (Larchmont has already accepted this as
a suggestion)
Then we need to augment the client agreement form and gain understanding
from the senior client management in order to minimize any potential
misunderstandings.
5. FrontPage Training: As we discussed this summer, the installation of
Microsoft FrontPage provides an excellent vehicle for WATPA to train
volunteers and volunteer groups on the development and maintenance of
appropriate Web materials. Cindy and Patrick will present recommendations at
the January meeting.
6. Marketing and Promotion: Although Westchester PathMaster™ has gained some
exposure to our constituency during the past year, we need to broaden the
general awareness of the Westchester Community of WATPA’s activities and
contribution. One approach is to continue to gain attention as each major new
segment is released (i.e., KidsNet, Larchmont, Westchester Legislature,
etc.) -- possibly with a recap of previous releases (LWV, ComNet, etc.). We
need to consider how to best capitalize on the release -- LWV had at least
one print article, a cable interview about Irene and a sidebar in a Gannett
editorial, but the article by Barry Abish in Gannett on this topic never
mentioned this Web site.
7. Assistant Web Master: Based on the effective current collaboration,
Patrick has nominated Cindy Penchina of Peekskill to be Assistant Web Master
for Westchester PathMaster™