Very-Basics
We try to keep things simple and to use methods that will be familiar to folks with basic computer skills.
The pages all follow a common pattern but there is a lot of flexibility in the system which allows sub-sections to look and work differently.
I would prefer not to have any Javascript but there is a little, the site will generally work without, but some features do require it.
Typically you will find a three column page, with a top or 'header' section and a bottom or 'footer' section.
The Main part of any page will be the largest section, in the middle. Here you will find the content specific to that page topic.
The Header is the topmost area with our logo and the Search tool. Just below the search tool are buttons to allow you to increase text size to make the site easier to read; the +- part needs Java enabled. At the lowest edge of the Header are buttons to allow you to show or hide the Side Bars, to return to the "HomePage", and on the right a few more tools to help you edit pages.
The Left column is called the Side-Bar and we use it for Navigation links. It will change depending on which section you are in, but you should always see the 'Start Here' link, no matter where you are. Sub-sections menus often only show details relevant to where you are, with the option to return to the HomePage for that section.
The Right column has at its top an advertising frame, here you will only find advertisements from businesses who specifically support our site and this project.
Below that we have a flexible RightBar that will be used to display different content depending on the page designer's whim. It might be a sub-menu navigation box or it might be graphics or external links.
Site Design & Wiki Use
- The site is made to have several sections or "Wings" distinguished by topic or function.
- Within each Wing you will find Major pages which are locked for editing only by senior staff.
- Each page should have a comment or bulletin link to open a sub-page which is open to all for editing. Feel free to add pertinent and constructive comments and content here.
- It is possible to create whole pages and even sections to the site linked from the Comment pages.
- Senior staff will move such links and pages to the Major pages or create proper sub-sections once they have been cleared for content.
- Sub-sections can be given specific passwords, allowing specific groups to have control of content for their own Topic area.
- We expect, as things grow, to have numerous Topic Areas managed by individuals from their relevant communities.
- If all goes well, and that means if enough folks volunteer their time or donate enough money, then we should be able to have whole sub-sites dedicated to specific groups.
- Local Clubs can easily create a simple web presence using our site and tools.
Site Framework / Tools
This site is built on a PMWiki framework.
PMWiki is a very flexible system with a lot of support.
Please go here for details on Using This Wiki
It has its own rules and it takes a little getting used to but we believe especially for folks with only limited computer skills you will find you can build and manage content pages and even whole Topic Areas without having to learn much in the way of new commands.
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