HMAUS Signal Supporting Macintosh and Apple Users in Hawaii

Every so often it’s good to experience makeovers … like remodeling a home, buying a new wardrobe, upgrading from OS 9 to OS X. Getting some lipo or botox done. Changing spouses. You know what I mean.

Same thing with web sites. I’m about to finish off changes to the HMAUS web site but I wanted to do a soft rollout first and let you take it for a test drive. I am hoping you will be able to provide feedback that will help before completing the transition.

Would you be so kind as to share some of your feelings about the new site? I’d be curious to know your thoughts in the following areas:

1. Usability … navigation, structure, readability
2. Visual aesthetics … typefaces, colors, design
3. Content … information, breadth of articles
4. Functions … member services, other

As I’ve said it’s still unfinished. I’d say only about two-thirds done. So there are some things (functions, for example) that may not yet be all there. No matter, please send me questions or recommendations. Better still, why not use the new web site to share these ideas? There is a category called Leaderboard (you’ll see it in the leftmost column). Let’s use that forum to share ideas. You may comment or create new posts … user registration will be needed (see the Register link in the Meta section, right column near the bottom). But email your recommendations to me if you prefer.

What about the old web site?

You’ll still find the old stuff here: <http://www.hmaus.org/>.

What’s the DNA of the new site?

I’m growing things into what is loosely termed “Web 2.0″ in the industry. Specifically, I’m using a content management system (CMS) as a platform for the foundation of the new site. I’ve settled on the Wordpress system, which has been used lots by many bloggers. I’ve found that it has great uses for general content management that go beyond just blogging. This system makes use of PHP, CSS and MYSQL to do what it needs to do. You can read more about Wordpress here: <http://www.wordpress.org/>.

By the way, even if the thought has never crossed your mind to ask: The HMAUS web site(s) is hosted on an Xserve or a G4 (certain parts) and all production and design is done on one or more Macintoshes. Except for a brief moment in HMAUS’ history (in the late 1980s) all of HMAUS’ online publications have been produced and delivered on Macs.

What else is there to know?

One big reason for the change to a robust CM system is to enable users (meaning HMAUS members) in the participation of contributing to the content of the HMAUS SIGNAL. (What a mouthful!) Anyway, I’m also seeking (desperately) anyone who wishes to help with content, management and production. Is there a bloggist in you crying to come out of the closet? Let me know if you’d like to help. Techno-savant or not, doesn’t matter to me.

Well, that’s all for now.

Aloha and see you post-haste,
ev

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