Even though many of you have all been looking at it for two or three months and staff members longer than that, the new Web site has now been live to the world for 8 days. We have been working diligently to correct problems that occur whenever a Web site of this complexity and size is launched. Most of these issues involve correcting the data imports from the old site to the new site. Content updates and corrections are happening as we find them through our new content management system that allows us to make these changes easily on most pages. The biggest concerns have been with data and functionality particularly with the Field Organization, Education and Clubs. We have prioritized these items and we are working on the most needed and requested first. We have made progress in each of these areas although, it has not been as rapid as we would all like. Some items, because of their complexity and, because of the available number of resources that we can put to the task, may take a few more weeks to bring on-line, so thanks in advance for your patience and keep any eye out for updates. If you are a Board Member or SM and still have permission, data or editing problems, please let us know. URLs and screen captures are helpful to let us pinpoint the problem. Send this information to me and Katie Glass, KGlass@arrl.org Thanks for all of your feedback and comments to this point. Here is the current status of the Website upgrades and fixes: Here are the priority items that we expect to complete within a week: 1. ODV Search Function is now operational partial search now works with further upgrades to follow 2. Adding user's Section name and "Section News" link on member homepage 3. We are extending the auto-login time so users do not have to sign in as often. This is a complicated compromise between refresh rate, security and ease of use. 4. We are reviewing, correcting and revising the Club data and forms 5. We are also internally reviewing all SM and Field Appointee data. Again, if something is still not correct, please let us know. We need the URL and any other information that you can send us. Any other functionality or data error issues with ODV or SM pages, please let us know and be as specific as possible. 6. We are also in the process of fixing problems in the membership data including correcting international addresses, changing addresses on-line (we did not have this previously either), bugs in the profile and some Suffix/Prefix issues. In Progress: * The search function will continue to improve as Google continues to search and index the site. * We are modifying the Instructor Registration page to include some additional fields and information * We are modifying the Licensing Instructor page to include some additional fields and information * An expanded "alert" function is programmed into the Web site but we need some additional discussion about who and how it is used before it is fully activated * We are adding the PO Box Line of FCC Address in FCC Search [This is a peculiarity in the FCC Database] * We are eliminating the extraneous "16" from the FRN in callsign search * The problem where all VE sessions are being listed as "No Walk-ins is being fixed * Time should display 24 Hour time in Special Events and other forms * Various fixes to Field Day Locator * Congressional Representative search is being added * Automated discount shipping of promotional materials for ODV and SMs has not been implemented yet in the e-store.[In the meantime, just contact Gail Iannone Diane Petrilli or Amy Hurtado directly if you need materials. ] * Membership Certificate Maker not implemented yet * SM Certificate maker not implemented yet * CCE (On-line courses) new registration system under construction ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------- In summary, A note from Brent Robertson President of Fathom: We knew it wouldn't be easy, quick or seamless, but the creation of the new site of ARRL represents much more than just a new website. It represents the future face of ARRL and a pathway to perpetuate and grow this incredible organization and to energize its membership. We also understand that this site represents significant change in how the organization functions. The complexities of what happens behind the scenes within the organization and within this site's technology is hard to describe, but necessary to offer the membership and ARRL a platform for future growth. Our team is working tenaciously to address the issues of the new site and are committed to seeing this project through as it represents not only the passion dedication and hard work of ARRL, but of our company as well. I appreciate everyone's feedback and look forward to meeting as many of you as I can in Dayton in May. 73 Brent, KB1PYY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- A separate copy of this message is being mailed to the SM List. I am heading out tomorrow (Thursday) to the Idaho State Convention and I will return Tuesday. I may or may not be able to check my email depending on connectivity, but I will get back to you as quickly as I can. Katie Glass can handle most Web related issues while I am gone. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: 860 594 0220 email: hkramer@arrl.org <mailto:hkramer@arrl.org> web: www.arrl.org/ <http://www.arrl.org/> Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: 860 594 0220 email: hkramer@arrl.org <mailto:hkramer@arrl.org> web: www.arrl.org/ <http://www.arrl.org/>