I am certainly all in favour of exploring alternative options. We should
always be looking to improve our service. I don't like the notion that we
may be exploring other options merely because of some small possible
slight, or because of a dispute that does not involve us and that we do not
understand. That is all I am saying.
RootsWeb running on a UNIX based server already limits some of the
tehcnology we may wish to potentially exploit. and a domain name is
certainly sexy (I have one for my company). Personally, though, I would
rather spend my money and time (which is of course my own personal money
and time) securing more content for my county. I can not use the space
provided free by my isp to put up my County page, as it is in use for other
purposes. While I could afford to, I do not think asking county
cooridnators to pay to host their own site makes sense...as it will limit
greatly the potential volunteer base that is needed to maintain the
project. (I know no one has...I just want to say for me it should not even
be an option)
I would like to say this too. There is another Jay County Genealogy site
out there sporting the INGENWEB logo. (This does not bother me in the
least.) I have had two seperate emails asking about it.and..the fact that
my county pages have the "rootsweb" address seems to give my site more
credibility to the users. This is entirely anecdotal...yes. This is
unusual...yes. But I wanted to say it.
Bottom line to me ...If the state and some county pages go somewhere
else..lets at least make sure that where ever we go will in fact improve
our ability to serve our client base (US Genealogists), not hamper it with
either financial or technical restrictions, (oh yeah..and also preferably
somewhere free and without banners and an ability to filter spam etc etc).
Amy
Jay County Coordinator