About Our Web Site

This page is an anachronism as it does not reflect the current state of affairs.

After receiving several e-mail messages about how we got our web site started and maintained, I decided to devote one page to this subject.  I've listed some common questions and my answers.  Hopefully this will help other associations with their web site pursuits.

How did you get the web site started?

The board thought RCHA should have a web site and I volunteered to get it started. I looked at several sites that host web sites for free and decided on this one. I then followed the instructions on how to join and got an account set up. I have some computer training and my husband is a programmer who helps when needed.

How much does it cost?

Angelfire hosts the pages for FREE! (which is all RCHA can afford) There are some limitations to the free pages and guidelines that need to be followed, such as:

• need to be a non-profit group or doing a personal web page
• limits on ads and fundraising on the pages
• usually cannot have a "members only" section
• long URL (This was shortened by paying for the ".com" name)

When you sign up for the free hosting, read the guidelines or faqs for details. Some sites, for a small monthly fee, give you more features.

If your association can afford an internet budget, check with the ISPs in your area and see what they provide and costs.

How do you create the web pages?

I started out using Netscape Composer to do most of the editing, which is much like using a word processor. Occasionally I would have to edit the HTML source code (usually for tables) in a text editor. I next got Microsoft FrontPage and used it for a few years. I recently bought Macromedia's Dreamweaver. It is a powerful editor and manager, but it might be hard to use for those just getting started.

There are several other programs available. Some sites have utilities that allow you to create your pages on-line.

I use WS_FTP95 to upload the files. Some sites have utilities to upload your files.

Do you pay someone or a company to maintain the web site?

No, it is entirely a volunteer effort.

What about privacy?

To protect people's privacy, we avoid using addresses and phone numbers on the web site. The exception to this is in the case of Yard of the Month and other contests where we list the address only, not the owner's name. We include e-mail addresses after getting permission, especially for those who use their work address.