After all the emails that went between all the others, and me I made a last effort to get us all together. But, I have had no replies, So, here they are for you to see, anonymously, of course. I have also edited out some words and sentences to avoid embarrassment to others.

21/07/03 Two emails to the two BDC/NPNC representatives in order to get us all together..

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First email

As suggested at our meeting yesterday, I have put a link on my site to yours.
I know that it will be a bitter pill to swallow, but could you do the same for me on your site?
Yesterday we spoke of confusion in web names, and I made some suggestions.
NOW!
This is the absolute truth.
After all the times that I have typed the different 'org' URLs, when I put the link on my site, I typed .co.uk!
Did not realise until I checked the u/l page!
I have looked ............. and ......... I know that I should not give advice to the 'enemy' .................... but I strongly advise you to arrange to register the URL, it seems to be available, (and any other Northlands Park) URLs still not registered.
I'll leave it until Wednesday, and then I'll try to register all similar URLs.

All the best,

(If you want another meet, give me a bell.

Ted

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Since my last email I have been looking at the source code of the official web site with a view to incorporating some of the techniques used into my site. (This is not plagiarism - it is learning code - like learning English grammar)

(I know that some rancour has developed over the past couple of weeks, but this must be placed behind us.)

Afterwards, and while having my sandwich, the following worrying thoughts 'emerged'.

The code used is advanced, and requires the use of a sophisticated HTML compiler package with the associated web design skills. I have not got these, neither have many amateurs such as I am. I have spent about three hours looking at the code, and got nowhere!

This means that you will ALWAYS have to employ, (or get the free services), of a high level web designer. in order to maintain, and develop the site. If it to be dynamic, and not 'wither on the vine', then this will be very expensive. In the order of £50 to £100 an hour. My estimate is that to maintain visitor interest the site needs to be updated at least weekly, with an input of 5 to 15 hours. The main costs would be if a major re-write of the site was needed. (I have the time, but not the knowledge, and would not enjoy doing a course to learn!)

****deleted***

An alternative course of action is to opt for a site, using simple code compiling, that can be updated, and maintained, by amateurs, similar to my site. If this were done, I would of course, drop my site. You would not be dependant on me as I would teach others to do the job.

I could teach someone, or several, the skills necessary in 10 to 20 hours. Providing that they can write a letter using MS Word, or better still produce a simple flyer.

My conclusions - subject to the limited facts at my disposal :-

1. Halt all payments, and work, on the current official site.

2. Have a meet with the web designer and discuss the above points.

3. Place the facts, and observations to the NPNC and get a decision.

4. Consider asking BDC (or others) if they would contract in-house to do the job at a favourable rate. (Downside, people will think that BDC have control of NPNC.)

It must be kept in mind that this is a local 'domestic' site with a targeted population of only 5,000, not an (inter)national site appealing to many millions.) The larger population requirements i.e. Basildon, are met by the BDC and Essex sites.

For cost considerations, and certainty in the future, my recommendation is to settle for a simpler site, (technically), and train a couple of people to do the job. Using simpler coding techniques does not mean having a visually unappealing site.

****deleted****

I have no objections to you using this email as you think appropriate.

My sincerest best wishes,

Ted

(Edward C Aylward FMS)

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What on earth am I guilty of?