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Frequently Asked Questions about the Activity Centre.
Q 1. How does The Activity Centre differ from other websites?
Most websites are built bespoke for the specific customer. This is usually very costly and once it is complete relies on either the developer or a single expert volunteer to update it.
We have studied a large range of websites used by the walking community and incorporated most of their features into the Activity Centre. However there are also a number of useful unique features only seen in our system such as an internal messaging system which complements the common features.
The website itself is generated through a common template but the content is added by members of your group. Any member of the group can submit data such as photographs, reports and notices so long as they register themselves on the website. In addition, only selected members (usually the committee) control what will be published to the public. This process is very easy and does not require any involvement from MeadowSoftware.com. Editing the website does not require prior knowledge of updating websites and can be done at your convenience using a secure username and password issued by the system after registering.
Q 2. How would our website fit in with the Ramblers' Association Walks Finder? Surely there is duplication here.?
The Walks Finder can be updated by uploading a spreadsheet in the correct format. The individual group first has to plan and develop its own walks programme.
With the Activity Centre, the walks can easily be planned online using walks submitted by group members. Once the group is happy with their programme for the new season the system allows all the walks to be downloaded automatically to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in the correct format. This can then be uploaded to the RA Walks Finder in the usual manner.
Additionally, because the system is so interactive, should you decide to add a walk mid-season you can do so and also upload it to the Walks Finder as described above. There is no duplication.
Also, we put a link to the RA website on your own website which can be activated by clicking on the RA logo.
Q 3. Do we need a technical webmaster to run the website?
Absolutely not. The whole website is updated through intuitive website screens and does not require any technical computer knowledge.
We do however recommend that one member volunteer takes overall responsibility for the website. We call this individual the Website Controller and will have complete administration access. This person can enable other members of your group to have administration privileges to control smaller parts of the website but will still remain in overall control. Delegation control to other members will help spread the work load of updating the website with new information for the group. We are happy to explain this further and provide full training on this issue.
Q 4. Do our group members need to be computer literate?
No. Many of our groups include many people with only basic computer skills. They have nevertheless managed to operate the system with ease.
Q 5. Will our website benefit from improvements you make to The Activity Centre in the future?
Yes, we are constantly making improvements in the background. This coding is implemented on our server which hosts the website for all groups that use The Activity Centre. From time to time we make updates to provide new features and fix bugs. This process should be seamless and is undertaken in the dead of night to avoid any unnecessary downtime for your group’s website.
Q 6. Do we need to have high powered computers or fast connection speeds to use the website?
So long as your home computer is relatively up to date and can see other popular websites there will be no compatibility problem with The Activity Centre. Obviously the quicker the connection speed to the Internet the better the performance to an individual user.
In addition we give the group options over the resolution of the photographs stored on the site (these represent the largest data sets) so they can strike a proper balance for their group membership.
Q 7. We are concerned about putting walk start positions and people’s personal contact details on the website – how is that catered for by The Activity Centre?
Clearly if you want your group members to be able to contact you then there has to be a way of achieving this. But you don't have to have your e-mail address or telephone number on the site if you don't want to. Just use the integral MeadowMail electronic messaging system.
If you think it is useful to put contact information on the site, for example for walks leaders, but you only want registered members to see this information, the system allows for this. In addition walks start location or meeting point information is only displayed to registered members who have logged in, therefore ensuring you keep control of how many people turn up for your walks.
Q 8. Some of our members do not have computers; can we still put them on the system to help us to manage our membership online?
Yes, another member of your group can add this person or the Website Controller can add them directly.
Q 9. We would like our own URL for example www.ourwalkinggroup.org.uk. Can we have this and what will it cost?
We will arrange for the registration of your chosen URL. If you have an existing URL we will work with you to transfer control of it to us. This is included in the standard website initial setup fee.
We require control so that we can continually update and debug where necessary. In the licence agreement that we ask you to sign you will see that we are obliged to hand this back to you and cover any reasonable costs of transferring the domain to your new host company should you choose to give notice in the future.
Q 10. Our club already has a registered web address. Can we still use the Activity Centre with this?
Yes you can. If your club already has a registered address we ask that you transfer control of it to us. You will still be the legal owner of the web address and if you decide to leave us we will immediately transfer control to whoever you request.
Q 11. We don’t have a lot of money. How do we pay for the website?
We require only a small initial fee to cover our set up costs and then a small annual licence fee which we plough back into the business to help us to continue to develop the system for its users. In return we provide you with a licence number which gives you full access to operate The Activity Centre. We will provide everything you need to get up and running within 14 days including your own website address.
Clearly however, we do have to generate some additional revenue in order that we can grow the business and accelerate the development of the product for everyone. To do this we reserve a limited amount of space for advertising. However, we do not plaster your site with adverts and we limit the adverts to companies directly relevant to your club and its membership. Hopefully these adverts will not detract from your website but will actually provide a useful library of links to providers of products and services that you would be interested in as a matter of course.
Q 12. What sort of companies do you envisage advertising? We have a reputation you know.
We appreciate this and have a vested interest in ensuring that our licensees remain pleased with their website and the service offered. Therefore we will limit the types of companies. These will typically be businesses local to your group’s geographic region and would include walking and camping equipment suppliers, map makers, walking book shops etc. In addition we will try and find companies that are located in areas that walkers would most likely visit, for example we might approach English Heritage in the Lake District.
We assure you that the likes off 888.com will find no place on any of our websites.
Q 13. Do we have to go and get advertisers for you?
No, we take care of that, but if you wish to recommend any businesses please do.
Q 14. Can I leave Meadowsoftware.com any time I like?
Yes you can. We ask that you give one month's written notice and we will close the account with you. You will then be refunded the due amount left in your contract.
Q 15. Can we have more than one Website Controller?
Your club can only have one Website Controller. This person is the initial point of contact for Meadowoftware.com and will take overall responsibility of the website.
Q 16. Who should the Website Controller be?
The Website Controller can be any person who is a member of you club. He or she does not have to be the chairman of your club as the club committee roles are often different to the website roles.
Q 17. How long can our club use the temporary website address?
There is no time limit on how long you can use this temporary web address for although we recommend you go live within two months as the website can become stagnant if you leave it for too long.
Q 18. Not every member of our club has a computer. Is this a problem?
This is a common situation and not every member of the club has to be registered on the website. Many clubs still operate a manual paper event list which is mailed out as well as having the website. We can help with generating this from the programme on the website.