List Serve overhaul. Looking for a cheaper alternative to the current list server. There are concerned that a switch over will cause an interruption of the LISTSERVE. I can say that typically, you run both, for a few test messages and then pull the plug entirely on the old.
Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will work on finding an alternative to the current service.
The Chair wants the membership to make better use of the Executive committee so that the membership can be comfortable to make recommendations to the EXCOM. There may be available, soon, an email address for the EXCOM only.
EXCOM: considers the different initiatives concerning Little stony man, Nelson Rocks Preserve and the SNP initiative.
DUNCAN THOMPSON will be the access coordinator; we need volunteers to work on reporting back to the Duncan and work on the initiatives.
PMC on-line Directory is now LIVE. Login to see the directory.
MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES ARE IMPORTANT: Vincent brought up the issue that it is important to report back to the club what occurs at the monthly meetings. If the Secretary cannot attend the meetings, then minutes do not get recorded. Then Vincent is an unhappy camper. He pointed out that the Chairman has the vice-chair, and the treasurer has provision for other people to be able to SIGN checks if he is not there. It was decided that the EXCOM will record the minutes of the meetings for this purpose.
Club Sticker was passed around for members to examine. It has the words ROCK and ICE on it…It is just another design feature intended to SELL the club. Can’t really tell what that sticker is about by looking at it so that’s what the ROCK and ICE is about.
The Club Brochure was passed around in color, but the publication will be in black and white. This brochure will be distributed at the CLUB EVENTS, REI, HTO and the PATC HQ.
The Vol.62 Issue #1 of the UPROPE newsletter is about to be mailed out.
Duncan’s Access Update :
· Southern Pillar has been sold to USPS.
· Nelson rocks is up for sale by owner
· Owner not interested in conservation easement for tax purposes
· Looking for a state entity to buy property
· N.C. recently purchased Chimney Rock; will contact N.C.
· Shenandoah National Park (SNP): a conference call is scheduled to discuss and update the status of the New Management concerns for the park and climbing access. Duncan needs a volunteer to represent the PMC at these meetings and conference calls to report back to the club. Please contact Duncan Thompson.
Simon Carr: Great Falls National Park (GFNP): Climbing Ranger liaison is no longer at this facility. Prior agreements with the friends of Great Falls are uncertain at this point.
CARDEROCK WEDNESDAYS: Recent traffic on the LISTSERVER posed a question to move the classic weekday climbing event to either a Tuesday or a Wednesday. More discussion is needed on the List, so chat it up. The initial discussion is no change will occur but that could change base upon what the membership wants.
New List Serve Alternatives: Vincent proposed a few months back to seek a LISTSERVER that is FREE. The current List costs the club a good chunk of the yearly budget (what budget?). I proposed using Google Groups for our new LISTSERVER type medium. My experience with Google Products is stellar. Our college group from the University of Montana uses Googlegroups and switched from a similar PAY LIST last summer with a SEAMLESS TRANSITION. Essentially cut and paste the addresses into the BOX. LIST Server managers must have a GMAIL address in order to add, subtract and edit features and PEOPLE. Currently, there is only one Mack Muir, to maintain issues with our current list. I am proposing a FREE and secure list with multiple managers to ease the pain. Feedback welcome. The team of Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will spearhead this project.
PMC WEBSITE:
The current webmaster is not an IT professional and he is self taught in Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop7 and fireworks. I am no design guru as I volunteered to assume the duties a few years ago.
ADS that appear on the PMC site belong to 2 groups.
- The first group of ads come from a list of about 3000 merchants who advertise on the internet through the Joint Commission, a company who arranges advertising for websites. I initially chose a handful of ads that maybe of interest to the PMC like travel, gear, skis, snowboards etc, since we have to travel, we ski mountaineer and have gear envy. I empowered the current Executive Committee with the ability to enter the Joint Commission’s website and CHOOSE BETTER ADS that would serve our Club and have not had input so everything has remained as you see it. What makes this group of ads different is when ANYONE makes a purchase through the ads on OUR site, the Joint Commission PAYS THE PMC a percentage of the sale.
The Second group of ads are from entities that have served the PMC is some manner. Some companies give discounts or we have received reliable service that we recommend to our members, thus, REI, HTO, IMCS, White Trellis Hotel, Cascade Inn and so on.
Ads appear throughout the website as they do similarly on many websites.
The website is constantly evolving and a call for a clearer design with an emphasis on information is duly noted. I hated the look of the previous design and I am working to come up with new ideas.
Suggestions and Content are always welcome.
BY-LAWS: What is the Executive committee? Plans have been on the table to re-examine and update the by-laws of our club. Pleze take a moment to read the by-laws and send comments to the EXCOM. Goto the site map .
Mack Muir donated (1) loaner tool to the GEAR ROOM .
We have another donation from Mr. Benoit, of some rock climbing hardware, which the club appreciates.
