As I've mentioned before, I've been a member of the Microcomputer Club of Melbourne http://micom.asn.au for several decades now, and I'm currently its Treasurer. At the meeting on Saturday, we discussed some ideas to halt the erosion of members (we once had 1,800, then we started Special Interest Groups which broke away to become MelbPC, AUSOM and several others).
Anyway, this just came through on our Google Group, and I can't help thinking these might be services forum members might be interested in.
The micom web site has now moved and it has been neglected for some time so I would like some comments as to what members want the site to be into the future.
1) It now can handle reliable web mail and email as it is now hosted on cloud servers. Free members email address or a @micom.asn.au redirected to your own email address.
2) now hosted on wordpress so wp multi could be activated so members could have their own wordpress website under a directory of micom.asn.au where you choose the content and the theme it runs under. As admin I can add lots of themes and pugins to make your web site quite a powerful site.
3) If you want to make micom into a social hub I could set up buddypress that is a package that turns wordpress into a buddy or friends sharing site.
4) News feeds can be added to the main site on topics of interest to members so please suggest content. This can include embedded videos from youtube or any other content.
5) Any member can become an author of the main site so that many hands make light work.
6) Services like messaging other members, running webinars or lessons, the possibilities are virtually endless.
7) Access for members and supporters separated so members have access to more features.
Any suggestions - ideas for topics - news feeds - social or technical - whatever members would like!
While the $40/yr membership might be a bit rich for people who aren't going to turn up to the monthly meetings, perhaps its time to consider an associate, or 'lite' membership, which would suit people in remote locations.
What think ye?