Okay folks, a call out for ideas.

What articles or how to items would you like to see on the main site?

Should we do a contest again to get people to write?

Anyone willing to help with website running (database knowledge and php knowledge needed)?

Do you think it is possible to get localized groups (in person) started so that we can do book/dvd trades and just hang out (I know many of you get together with others in your areas but making it more formal could increase the numbers of the gatherings)?

Other thoughts (no website design comments though )

quote:

Do you think it is possible to get localized groups (in person) started so that we can do book/dvd trades and just hang out (I know many of you get together with others in your areas but making it more formal could increase the numbers of the gatherings)?

Cristina,
I think that localized information for each region would be helpful. Our experience has been that how things work in one area does not always translate well to another area. Being able to find info specifically applying to Marche would be more helpful than what is going on in Tuscany.

Speaking of contests, what ever happened with the last contest? Who won, and what did they win? I must have been on vacation or something, 'cos I missed the whole thing!

An idea I had ages ago, but never developed, was to create a sort of "barterboard" for skills exchange. For example, I could teach someone Italian in exchange for some garden landscaping etc. People could list their areas, skills they could exchange, and skills they wanted to exchange for. I'm not sure if you could actually make money from it, but people could get services in exchange for their time. Even if you could offer nothing more than babysitting, it would still be a plus, I think. (Not that babysitting isn't a skilled job, but you probably get my drift.)

I like the idea of having local information as well. I know two of the other Venetian residents who are active on this site and I think we all (if they are open to doing this, of course) can bring different things to the table to help create useful information for people who live or are interesting in relocating here. I would certainly be willing to pitch in to help get something like this off the ground.

I waited to see all the suggestions here following Cristinas question above, but as so often seems to happen what transpired was a bit of a damp squib!

The question of another writing contest could be a 'goer' - But publication and easy access to the entries of the last one might go some way to getting people to try another one.Plus an increase in Articles and Reviews might be possible, but it must be made clear that not all items will be acceptable. A clear access to these parts of the site would be good too. OK the Review section is obvious, but trying to find the accepted Articles is a bit of a maze!

I'm equally sure that there must be some people among the membership who could give an occasional hand with the 'techie' type jobs to help with the 'website running'. Alas - as Cristina already knows - I'm not one of them!

As for 'localised groups' - that has got to be a good idea. But I tried that for the Lake Como area and it fell on deaf ears... (perhaps it's me ). But those groups that DO meet could, by posting such meetings here attract others who are not yet in 'the gang', but might like to be.

There was a suggestion though about 'local information' being available - well it was in some areas and can still be found >HERE<. Though some of the 'reps' no longer seem to be around and I don't think most Area Information has been updated for some time.

Then someone raised the question of the cost of the various membership packages and what one 'gets for their subscription'.... Well let's be honest, both the Silver and Gold packages do offer value for money at €17.15 and €34.30 respectively. But if you don't need the extras offered with these schemes, but still want to help keep Expats running then just make a small donation that you can afford. Let's face it - even if only 30% of the membership (who don't subscribe already) chipped in with say a €5 or €10 donation then I'm sure that would help no end.

These sites DO cost money to run - I am a partner on, an as yet, very small one where we are trying very hard NOT to use advertisers but I'm not sure we can resist for long. So it follows that on a site the size of Expats the running costs with such things as annualy recurring costs for bandwidth, domain name, access (internet) etc., have just GOT to be quite considerable.

Cristina has never supported (to my knowledge) a standard membership charge - and quite right too - that WOULD SCARE PEOPLE OFF. But I don't think she would object to a volontary donation by those who wished to help keep such a great site as this afloat and viable!

OK - I'll get off now....

I would love regional groups. I tried to revive the Siena GTG a couple of months ago but it never happened so far as I know! Besides GTGs it would be useful to share info such as where to find certain items for sale, housing info, driving info, etc.

I know I sometimes (read: often) miss things, but dare I ask how long the 'Become a premium member' and 'Make a donation' boxes have been at the top of the r/h side bar?

I only noticed them a couple of days ago....

quote:

Originally posted by Carole B.:
I know I sometimes (read: often) miss things, but dare I ask how long the 'Become a premium member' and 'Make a donation' boxes have been at the top of the r/h side bar?

I only noticed them a couple of days ago....

They've been there for a long time... about a year or so at the very least!

ETA: It was added on September 30th, 2006!

Thank you for the clarification - it's appreciated.

Well there you go...that just goes to prove that I'm in need of a guide dog too.

Honestly I never noticed them there. I remember the flashing coloured adverts and I shall maintain (use as an excuse) that their presence blinded me to everything else.

hey Annika! where've you been?

missed you!

quote:

Originally posted by MamaMia:
hey Annika! where've you been?

missed you!

I've been crazy busy with ... life, basically. I started a business this August so I'm running that on top of working full time at the salon, and somewhere in between I'm trying to find time for my friends and family. It's not always easy, I can assure you!