Tuesday, October 23, 2007

From the Woodland Valley Bridge

What is a Blog?

A blog is basically an easy to use website. It can be anything we want it to be. My vision for this blog is to be used as a community newsletter. Another way to keep up on all the interesting people, places and things that are in our valley. Posts on a blog are written on an ongoing basis. Unlike a regular website, the last entry is first. You will notice that my welcome message is on the bottom of the page. It's a little different than what you are probably used to but better because you can get the most current news first.

A couple of things about this blog. First, in some blogs people are able to comment on the posts. That feature is turned off here. Although it's great to hear what is on our members minds, to open up this forum to ongoing discussion and/or argument (not that anyone in Woodland Valley would start an argument) would dilute the informational quality of this site.

Secondly, this blog can be edited at any time. Even older posts. No one is perfect so if you see a mistake let me know and I will correct it.

For now, I am going to be postmaster general but you, the members, are going to do the writing and photography. The email address for this site is wvview@gmail.com If you have anything you would like posted just send it and I will try to get it on the site.

Lastly, in a blog brevity is a key. Writings, photos and videos (give me a minute to figure out that one) can be posted but none of it should be too long. I can generally post things by copying the information you send me from your emails so write it well and keep it brief.

Well now that's enough of the serious stuff. Send me things to be posted. Let's have some fun!!

Guidelines

This site is a community newsletter. All posts should contain information about valley people, places, and events. Let's get to know the folks in our community better.

All posts will be by and about WCA members. (Note: I will make an exception and post messages from nonmembers if the item is about Woodland Valley.)

Keep things brief. If posts are too long they will be edited. Only one or two photos or pieces of artwork per post.

All posts must be G rated including any website links. This is a family site. Let's make it so even the kiddies can read it. Anything questionable will be reviewed by the WCA blog committee. The decision of the committee is final.

The WCA supports diversity, tolerance and mutual respect. Nothing of a racist, sexist, intolerant or derogatory nature will be posted.

No politics. Except for informational things like caucus times and dates, voting reminders and election results, nothing else of a political nature will be posted. Since our membership has diverse political views this could only spoil the fun.

This site is maintained on a volunteer basis. We will try our best, but there is no guarantee that everything will get posted. Posts will be made on a first come first serve basis.

No prices given. If some of our members have a store, give classes, provide services we will post the what, where, when of it but we will not give costs.

Everyone's privacy will be respected. No email address will be given without the express permission of the owner of that email account.

All photos must be digital. Don't try and slip me your 4x6 prints at the Boiceville Supermarket. Scanning is a time consuming process and needs to be done by the member who wants to post the photo. Copyright laws will be respected. No photos containing children will be posted without a direct email from their parents giving us permission to put their child's photo on the site.

Sorry if these guidelines sound a bit stern. Now that we have laid out the ground rules I promise we'll have some fun!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Welcome to The Woodland Valley View

Greetings Valley Residents!! Since being elected president last summer I have wanted to find better ways to keep our members in touch and our strength as a community growing. Since I have an interest and aptitude in technology, I thought a website for valley news and events would be great. Unfortunately, a traditional website would require too much time and maintenance. Earlier this week it hit me like a bolt of lightening.....a blog is the answer! It is simple, free and, in my opinion, easier to maintain. So here it is, The Woodland Valley View! This will be a great way for our members to keep posted on news and events, especially those who leave for the winter to find warmer weather in Florida or Mexico. So neighbor, I welcome you to The Woodland Valley View. Let's make this a fun and positive part of our community!