Wow this is one of the biggest single projects I've undertaken yet, installing an enhanced version of the junelakechamber.com website on the new server, using a new Content Management System. 'Drupal' provides a truly more interactive, interesting and controllable site. It also has some optional addon modules and fixes to make it more search-engine-friendly, of which so far I have installed all but one of them that I know of. I need to wait until after I move it from development into public production which I hope will be within the next two days. I would like to get it launched about the same time that Bob Newland gets the Chamber of Commerce newsletters mailed out.
After having installed and setup the database early this week, I've been copying content. I did the lodging first. Then I created user accounts for each lodge owner, and gave privileges to each of their own Directory pages. I was able to get wireless reception from my place with my laptop, equipped with a higher powered wireless card and a directional antenna at the Community Center on Wednesday morning, so that I could give a demonstration to those attending the Chamber of Commerce meeting.
The new site seemed well-received, although an interesting thing happened. It Was very windy that morning, with snow flurries, and the internet connection went out.
When there are trees between you and a wireless internet point, and the wind blows, the quivering leaves scramble the radio signal, and your connection may slow due to lost packet transmissions that have to be re-sent, or you could even lose the connection completely during gusts, depending upon your signal strength. I've since talked to some others in town, some of theme using my internet as well as some Schat.net subscribers, that experienced the same thing that morning.
This reminds me of the old technique of scrambling radio signals during warfare by dropping reflective foil confetti from airplanes.
Anyway, back to the website story...
The 'Drupal'-based site will be easier for all of you, the users to use than the old CMS ('Joomla') was. However it was a bit more difficult for me to install than Joomla was! Quite a bit of data had to be cut and pasted manually, and there are a lot more features to customize in Drupal. I do like the clean, easy to follow Database it creates, though. Creating and editing pages is easy with the WYSIWYG editor, too.
I'll have to post instructions for everyone about how to customize their Directory and Profile Pages. Uploading Pictures, etc. But those will have to be put in private member areas which I haven't created yet.
So as of now I have finally completed creating all of the Directory pages, but most of them are still text-only with the exception of the Lodging category. I created lots of cross-references in the lexicography, so the menu is extensive and easy to follow without needing duplicate chamber member Directory pages: there is only one page per business now; rather than a single store having separate pages for its fishing tackle and groceries, for example.
I still have lots of work to do transferring pictures and creating member accounts. I hope people will be able to appreciate and use them. So I guess I'll get back to work after I go downstairs and get a glass of orange juice. Thanks for reading