I'd like to thank each and everyone for their input to the FLGenWeb
Project. I feel that we have come a long way from ancient times to the
present in our endeavors in providing public assists for those
conducting genealogical research on the Internet. We have witnessed
the USGenWeb Project become more formalized and develop it's
organizational structure. This organization started with the
implementing of by-laws. By-laws are the means to which an
organization governs itself and sets standards for its membership.
By-laws/Operating Instructions by no means detract from the
Organizations Mission and ours is Genealogy.
The FLGenWeb Project has an established and seated Advisory Board. They
are in the process of drafting by-laws for our Project. The seated
members are Jim Powell, Bob Bamford, Cindy Sloan, Melanie Cox, and Betty
Mae Smith.
In the past several weeks few of you have aired your disgust regarding
information being forwarded from other mailing list or from other
participants of the USGenWeb. I'll admit there should have been a
little screening of content on my part for some of the information that
was passed on and I apologize for this. However, Jim or I will pass on
anything we feel is relevant to our State Projects participation within
the USGenWeb Project. Should there be any that is lengthy, a brief
summary will be sent and if anyone desires the full message can request
for a copy to be forwarded to them. The FLGEN-L Mailing List is an
information list, not for replies to or conversations. Any relies to a
message placed on the list will be responded to privately, no
exceptions.
Another sore subject is web site content. All I basically am concerned
with is that the sites have the necessary logos posted in their
appropriate place, these being the current USGenWeb and FLGenWeb Project
Logos; ensure that all of your posted links are accessible. One subject
that has been frequently discussed is Copyrighted Material, if you have
any copyrighted material posted on your web pages; ensure that it is
posted legally. Any major violation of the above mentioned could be
grounds, especially by the USGenWeb having your links removed. Take it
to heart, the rules are there for a purpose and if you're not sure of
the meaning or intent you should ask or read the rules.
Next to the last subject, Monthly check-ins. It is a general consensus
that we continue with the monthly check-ins. I feel I have the right to
know if you, a County Coordinator, are still functioning. There has
been several occasions this year where a coordinator have just decided
to quit and not let anyone know anything. Basically all it takes is
approximately 30 seconds to send a short memo each month; to let me know
you're still online. I had started to leave it up to each CC to
check-in each month and not send out a memo. To which for December I
received better than a 50% response; compared 20 to 30% in previous
months. Since there were some pros and cons regarding this procedure,
let me know if you'd what to check-in with or without my sending a
reminder. One last item regarding monthly check-ins, there will be no
time limit placed on checking in. However, don't wait till the end of
the month and check in for two months.
This is the last subject, promise. I've recently initiated a Complaints
E-Mail Link , the address is FLGWComplaints(a)netscape.net. I am
requesting that this e-mail link be placed on the county web sites, it
is a means of addressing problem areas with our internet community.
Since it's been in operation there have been only six complaints and
they really didn't amount to anything.
For e-mail responses directed to me should be sent to any of the
following addresses: drdarrel(a)suwanneevalley.net, drdarrel(a)alltel.net,
genreid(a)aol.com. Also, this message is a reminder for the February
Roll-Call.
sincerely,
Darrel Bell
FLGenWeb SC