The webmaster is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the website. This means the webmaster is responsible for the appearance, usefulness, performance, availability, and security of the website. The most time-consuming duties are clerical – managing the online events, announcements, and new reports.
Website activity reports show the overwhelming importance to members of online event information and online registrations. Hundreds of members access each issue of The Cardinal online. Each year, hundreds join or renew memberships online. The website also provides an online source of information about the club and its activities.
As the club expands and more functions are added, website usage increases about 10% annually.
Two online input forms were added using the same software as the membership form. First, the Chimney Swift Monitoring Program’s monitors started submitting their observations to the website using a more user-friendly input form. Second, the Christmas Bird Count participants started submitting their observations to the website. This reduced the workload substantially for Pete Read, the coordinator.
The website was upgraded with new commercial grade email-handling software. It improves the reliability of emails sent from the website and alerts the webmaster of any failed deliveries. Up to 1000 emails per month include notifications, confirmations, and reminders to website users for events and online submission forms.
Submitted by Glenn Berry, Webmaster