Present: Keri Amlotte, Paul DeLeeuw, Casey Lubbers, Lisa Nelson, Julie Stivers
Paul began with brief history of on-line structure of West Michigan Co-op (WMC). We originally took software package from an Oklahoma statewide co-op that was a model for WMC. It was not well-suited for our more localized organization, and after a month Paul started fresh using My SQL? and Cake PHP. He explained that a running theme for the organizers has been to get a structure in place that other co-ops similar to ours might use to get started locally. He has continually worked on this goal, and reported that the code has been stable for the last 7–8 months.
Members of the committee introduced themselves: Keri Amlotte (keri.amlotte@gmail.com) is with Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, in marketing and PR. She administers their web site. Paul De Leeuw? (pauldl@gmail.com) is one of the founders of the co-op and has his own business, De Leeuw? Digital. Casey Lubbers (info@littlerooster.net) is one of the co-op's producers, Little Rooster Bread Company, and has a background in computer programming. Lisa Nelson (lisam_nelson@yahoo.com) is with Foremost Insurance, formerly with Steelcase, in Information Technology. Julie Stivers (jlcstivers@comcast.net) is a freelance writer, formerly with Public Museum and editor of On-the-Town magazine, knows nothing about computer programming.
Paul pointed out that the meeting was being carried live on-line, and asked for a volunteer to take minutes. Julie volunteered.
Paul began discussion “State of the Site”.
A. The co-op is changing systems, beginning with tomorrow's combined producer drop-off/member pick-up. If this works as well as anticipated, changes to the site will be necessary. Cake PHP also is moving from version 1.1 to 1.2, so Paul will be making those changes, plus incorporating some new features, such as comments threads on product description pages, and adding forums for users such as Recipes, Assistance with Pick-ups, etc. Moderators needed.
B. Paul is open-sourcing his code for other co-ops to use under GNU Public License. He has loaded it onto code.google.com.
C. Blog now available as RSS feed. Currently posted mainly by Paul, Gail, Tara and Kolene. More help needed with posts on co-op and food issues, generally trying to get more people involved with West Michigan local food.
D. Wiki is now linked right under the search box, along with blog and calendar. Anyone can create an account by logging in.
E. Mass Mailer. There have been some issues with members not receiving e-mail notifications, rejected as spam or bounced back. Paul has tried some solutions but would appreciate help with this. Lisa volunteered.
He also needs coding help. He would like to stop programming and manage volunteers. Lisa will look at it.
Suggestions were solicited from committee members. Paul related a couple from Jerry Adams about a bigger online presence and free online advertising potential. We need to get the word out, especially if the new system proves scalable as anticipated and gives us the capacity to serve a bigger membership. Suggestions included M-Live, Craigslist, Facebook. Basically getting our link on other web pages and blogs. Keri will look into this, including Search Engine Optimization.
Casey suggested adding a web history for producers. Paul agreed.
Paul wants to add an “Add to Basket” on Favorites, and is looking at widgets for Facebook pages and local community opportunities on FB.
Lisa made some suggestions for updating the home page. Keri suggested putting some information behind it instead of crowding it all on the front end. An e-newsletter also was discussed.
Discussion of responsibilities. Blog posting is problematic for most, as content needs research. Keri and Lisa offered to help keep it up-to-date. Paul will send contributor invitation. The goal is to have a new posting at least once a week. Content might range to more than just co-op specific, as long as it's local foods specific.
Tara Simmons had sent along a memo with her suggestions for updates needed on the Wiki. Lisa and Julie offered to work on those.
As soon as Paul gets the code up, Casey will look at it and add comments.
Paul also would like to find help with conceptualization — especially anyone with drawing or Photo Shop? skills, page visualization. Site design was conceived several years ago.
Help is needed with research in several areas. Lisa offered to help research the e-mail situation.
Paul has added a Survey through Poll Daddy? and could use suggestions for useful questions. After this cycle, he is developing a demographics survey.
There are three or four other members who have expressed an interest in working on this committee. The goal is to get a group of people other than Paul, Tara and Kolene looking at the site regularly and able to help update it, and to research and post content. Paul suggested that if any committee member hears anyone say “I wish the co-op could do this,” invite them to join the web committee.
Miscellaneous info: statistics for the Co-op can be found at wmicoop.com/pages/stats (not linked on web site). Google analytics is tracking people on our site. Paul is going to change to a local server co-location, CPR Grand Rapids, from our current, smallorange.com in Texas (keeping it local!).
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 6:00-8:00 p.m.