Here is an example of the type of information you can directly link to from NewsOverCoffee. For more information on sites and locations visit the Site Map, which includes explanations of the sites linked to and who hosts them.
- News & Information: Hosted on Google's Blogger, Nazareth News is written by community members for community members. You can read about recent meetings of local government and organizations, as well as more traditional news, commentary, and issues related directly to the community of Nazareth. If you would like to contribute email editor@newsovercoffee.com
- School Information
- Bad weather - check for delays by clicking on "School News" which will link you directly to the NASD home page.
- Letter Day of the Week - did you forget if it was "C" or "D" day? Click on "School News" to link to the NASD home page where this information is displayed.
- School Calendar - not sure what school related events are taking place this week? Click on "School Calendar" to link to the NASD Calendar.
- Sporting Event Schedule - want to watch a school sporting event? Click on "Sports Schedule" to link to the Athletic Department's Event Calendar. While there you can also check the schedules of other subscribing school districts.
- Activities and Sports Results: Click on "Activities" to read postings by community members about recent student and youth activities and sports. All activities and levels of athletics are encouraged to be written about. If you'd like to contribute, email: editor@newsovercoffee.com.
- Nazareth Directory: Link to a mapping service "Frappr!" and enter 18064 to see names, locations, and phone numbers of Nazareth restaurants, shops, and points of interest. Great to use when you want to order take-out from work!
- Classifieds: What would a community site be without classifieds? NewsOverCoffee utilizes Google Base. The ads are free to post and not only will NewsOverCoffee readers be able to search them, but so will anyone on the web.
If you have any other questions or would like to comment, post a comment here, or email: editor@newsovercoffee.com
If you would like to register to contribute material to News or Activities email: editor@newsovercoffee.com
2 comments:
Your approach to assembling a portal for news and such is interesting for NOC.
I admire your efforts to knit together various web tools to accomplish your purpose. I intend on studying your site(s) to understand it more in the future.
A different approach can be found at http://InPratt.com in the heatland of the midwest. We (Blogsweepers) are trying to incorporate area related content in several local sites, then syndicate them to a larger statewide site. These sites are in various stages of alpha and beta testing.
The biggest problem for us is participation as it seems our small town folks are hesitant to share their views.
Good luck with your efforts.
From: Milt Martin, Community Sweeper of InPratt.com (formerly known as PrattNews.com)
Milt,
Hope you have comment tracking as I couldn't find a direct email on the inpratt site.
I have a companion blog that shares my thinking about the site, and is in essence a how-to so others can do the same in their own community.
It is available here:
http://newsovercoffee.wordpress.com/
Regarding the participation, I have found people are very willing to read, somewhat willing to comment, and mostly reluctant to submit content. For this reason (and I learned a lesson by attempting to moderate) I've left the anonymous option open and I've noted that I'll post emailed reports anonymously as well.
I don't fear the anonymous factor, but instead work hard to reinforce the positive thrust of the site. By doing so the readers have kept it positive and have asked other commenters to keep on topic and not be personal. It has worked well so far. Like the physical world, people want to feel safe.
Thanks for taking the time to visit and for sharing your site. Best wishes,and feel free to contact me via email at editor@newsovercoffee.com
Ross
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