If you have a moment, I've got a favor to ask

[CornField]

Since 1996, I've maintained a community site for Marion without reimbursement. It has changed throughout the years in terms of design and layout, but the content is pretty much the same -- things to see and do, where to eat, where to stay, political events, community calendar, school info, etc. It's mission is to be a hub for a community which is separated for a variety of reasons (two school districts, parochial schools, urban newcomers, etc.)

Although the site is very active, I don't receive much feedback directly from the community. That's where you all come in. I'd like to know your thoughts on if you believe this to be a good resource, what other information you think would be beneficial, what you think stinks, etc. (I realize many aren't Marion residents, but pretend this site is for your own community.)

One final thing: To date, I've maintained strict control over the site. The only place residents have been allowed to add information is on the community calendar. I'm now debating on opening it up so that others can directly post their information and/or content to the site. If anyone has experience in this area, I'd love to hear from you.

Here's the link -- http://community.marion.ia.us/

Thanks!

[IA_Seth]

1. Wow

I don't really have anything constructive to add other than wow. I really like the site!

Did you create this website on your own? It looks very professional...more so than many of the official Cedar Rapids sites.

As far as allowing visitors to post there own info, I think its a good idea as far as the calendar goes. As far as posting content I would be cautious and probably keep a close eye on it so as to avoid abuse.

[CornField]

3. Yes, I did

It isn't really very fancy. There's no asp or php on this site, just a few javascripts and cgi programs. Still, I'm glad you like the end product.

As for it looking professional -- well, I hope so. One of the services my business provides is web design. ;)

[cyberswede]

2. Nice site!

I like the site - so much so that I've bookmarked it! :)
We usually head up to Marion a couple times a year to hit the antique shops downtown - in fact we were just there on Monday (yummy breakfast at Huntington's).

I think your site is a terrific resource - I didn't know Marion had so many attractions (arts, music, parks, etc). I also like the design - very clean and crisp, and visually interesting.

As for allowing residents to post content - I'm usually not in favor of that, but if you think people would behave and not abuse that option, it might make residents feel more invested in the site. However, policing what people post might end up creating more work for you in the long run.

thx - cs

[CornField]

4. I'm happy you can make use of it!

Most of the email I get in relation to the site is from people who are coming into Marion from out-of-town. For instance, "My son is in a basketball tournament at Vernon Middle School, can you give me directions."

Oddly enough, I also tend to get a lot of email from people who lived here many years ago who want me to take a picture of their old house, send them a copy of the paper or whatever.

Did you do the buffet at Huntington's? I think there is enough fat content on that to warrant only eating it a couple times of year. LOL! Unfortunately, my husband loves it and you can find our clan there almost any given weekend.

I'm still split on the self-posting. I'm so busy lately with paying clients that I feel the whole issue will becoming to a head very soon.

[CoffeeCat]

5. Really nice site...

I grew up a couple of miles from Granger House.

I love the site. It's designed extremely well. I love the colors you use and the
layout is very creative. The site is easy to navigate.

The information you provide is great, too...where to eat, shop, etc.

I think it would be wonderful to make the site more interactive. I could see messageboards...or places to post memories of Marion. So many people move away, but still maintain a fondness for the little town. People might eventually use the site to re-connect with other Marionites and to find out news about others who still live there, and those who have moved away.

Marion doesn't have its own newspaper, correct? It didn't when I lived there anyway. If there are Marion publications (magazines, small newsletters, etc) maybe you would post them or provide links. Maybe have a "Marion News" feature? Marion does hit the national news sometimes. I remember reading that Ron Livingston (from the movie "Office Space) hails from Marion. The DSM Register did an article. Spotlighting those national news stories might be interesting, too.

What about interviews with local "celebrities" like restaurant owners, the mayor, shop/business owners and those who have lived in marion for generations?

What about an area for education links? The area schools (Lin Mar, Marion, Xavier) may allow you to link to the site--or they may have newsletters that you could post. People love reading about area school sports and other education news. Some local sites allow you to "grade" local schools and make comments. That's always interesting.

You could increase interactivity, by allowing people to post reviews of area movies, restaurants, attractions, etc.

Those are some thoughts off the top of my head. I think you are doing a great job. This site is wonderful as is!

Best of luck to you!

[CornField]

6. I've tried some of that

The problem with having an open space for people to post comments is that it quickly bottlenecks with ads for Cialis and Viagra... penis extensions... breast enlargements... live (as opposed to dead) nude women... and all types of other loveliness. ;) The trick is to make the registration process strict enough to keep the fodder out, but lenient enough for residents to sign up.

Marion does have a newspaper - The Marion Times. ;) The community was without one for a stint after the Marion Sentinel went under, but the Times has been publishing now since at least 1995. (When we first moved to Iowa, I was asked by the owner to help keep the paper afloat until he could sell it. I was there from 1996 to 1998 as director.)

I know Ron Livingston -- he's a very nice man & still cares a great deal about the community. There is also another hometowner who does film production. His name escapes me at the moment, but he moved back not too long ago from LA and helped the local Historical Society create a documentary on Marion history.

There is a section on education. You get to it through that javascript slider on the left side of the home page.

All-in-all I agree with everything you've said. First, it would help residents two-fold (i.e., feeling of ownership & better resource). Second, it would release me from a great deal of the work I'm doing now.

Thanks to you (and everyone else) for the excellent feedback. It means a great deal!

[Counciltucky]

7. Pleasing to the eye...

...and very informational. I live in Iowa City -- I should travel up there sometime.

[CornField]

10. You should!

The free concerts in the summer are really nice. When the heat gets to you, walk across the street to Bill's for a cold one. :)

[MaggieSwanson]

8. That's a great site!

I fowarded a link on to some friends of mine, some of whom will be especially delighted to see the "Manufactured Fear" forums posted.

You really have done a remarkable job.

:toast:

[CornField]

11. Thank you!

I hope there's a good crowd at the forum. I'm still trying to clear my schedule so I can attend. (Cross your fingers for me.)

[pstans]

9. That stie is well put together

Any urge to make a website for Democrats in Iowa? I am sure you could get a few people on DU to help with content.

[CornField]

12. As a matter of fact... yes

I've been debating that back and forth since last winter. I'm not sure if I want to do something which would span the state - at least not without lots of help. I do think the dems in the CR/IC Corridor need something to keep them connected -- as well as a private area for discussions/information away from prying eyes.

The thing is, I think the Linn Co. Dems site or maybe even the Iowa Dems site should be doing more to keep everyone connected. I was tapped this last weekend to begin helping with the county technology committee, so maybe I'll be in a position soon to help shape that site into a better resource. ??? It's difficult when when I'm dealing with an all-volunteer group because I don't want to step on anyone's toes. I also get the impression that, since I'm considered a newbie, Norm trusts me about as far as he could throw me. LOL! Maybe after I've proven myself through work on the county convention, the trust will come.

Sorry... kinda went off on a tangent there. I know of an open source CMS program that would work well for such a site. It would allow us to assign user levels and, thus, keep some areas of the site more private than others. We could also assign groups which might also be helpful to the various committees. No matter how we decided to set it up, cost would be minimal (something I could swing out of my own pocket, if necessary -- $35 a year for the domain (unless we wanted a freebie ia.us one like community uses) and $15 per month for hosting. I'd not charge for setting it up and custom graphics, etc.

So, in answer to your question -- I've thought about it semi-seriously for quite awhile now. Two things have stopped me from moving forward with the idea:

1) Time. I've got three major client projects already on my plate and I've been asked about authoring a book. If I say yes to the book, my time is going to be very limited over the next year or so.

2) Interest/Toe-Stepping. I'm worried that some dems who have been active for years might be both apprehensive and a feel a bit shut-out by a relative newcomer instituting something on this scale. If the longtimers felt threatened and/or disenfranchised by the site, it's doubtful they would have interest or contribute regularly. For the site to be successful, it would require the interest of the people it served.

[IA_Seth]

13. Toe Stepping

I am a relative newbie to the county party myself...having been on the Central Committee just since the 04 election...but I will do what I can do prevent anyone from feeling stepped on.

Everyone I have worked with in the past has been great (which admittedly isn't everyone), and if there is anything I can do to help you or introduce you to anyone I will sure do so!

I think your site is great and I would LOVE to have someone with your talent work on the Linn Dems site. I know the Tech Committee works hard on it, but it isn't what it could be.

[Rambis]

14. Good job

very user friendly and logical-