API Web Thread From Hell

[DenisMutter]

Just for the sake of discussion, what would members (and non-members) like to see on the API website?

Saves the gripes - I'm lookig for actual constructive feedback on what would make the API website a valuable resource for members.

[Plantweed]

Basics on how to set up a screen operation.

Basic legal advice.

General pointers from veterans.

Tax and business info.

Profiles of different designers and artists.

[DenisMutter]

Re-cap of my take; I think Clay got it right the first time around, but here's a couple of thoughts.

Member Section:
API member's only forum, with professional resources (legal stuff, forms, etc)

Vendor links - we could sell ads or get discounts in exchange for adspace from suppliers - maybe folks like French, Ryan Screen SUpply, GM Graphics, XpedX, Lenscrafters...

member Directory with actual information.



Public Section:
Mission statement

Public gallery with links to members' sites, and maybe a gallery section with short profiles on each member with maybe, 3 examples of their work. Members would be responsible for updating and entering this info.

Event Calender - members could submit show dates and exhibition dates for things they're involved in.

Invitation to join API as supporter/artist.

Flatstock photo gallery

Flatstock Poster Gallery

FAQs with info on basic set ups and what's needed to get started creating or collecting posters.

[surrender]

I would definitely like to see a few different maybe monthly or biweekly columns by differnt people- offering assistance/advice/thoughts on anything from printing techniques, to legal mumbo jumbo like contracts and such, to marketing advice, printing techniques... stuff like that would be most beneficial.

definitely the flatstcok galleries for posters and photos of all API sanctioned events.

of course- general discussion forums to throw event ideas and gallery/project information.

some swag would be cool- so maybe a small webstore where people could buy API related stuff, shirts, flatstock posters.

possibly different sets of plans for building DIY equipment. maybe also some step-by-step techniques like cutting ruby seps, creating split fountains, stuff like that.

[DenisMutter]

Yes and Yes.

[Tenebrini]

Yes... all great ideas but I think the problem is more getting people to generate all that content.

[Bread8]

suggestion - make a small part of the forum open to only people that have a proven body of work (30 gig posters or something).

there have been a couple of times on gp that people would freak out saying a conversation needs to be moved over to api

as far as i know, the only criteria to getting into that "secure" website is to send a thirty dollar check. that's not gonna keep mr corporate out of anything

[DenisMutter]

I agree - and I think that any forum on API should be members only, not public forum. not for public consumption. Secret handshake needed.

It was actually set up like that to begin with, but for various reasons that was droppped. I'd like to see it come back.

GP has plenty of space for public forums.

[surrender]

suggestion - make a small part of the forum open to only people that have a proven body of work (30 gig posters or something).

there have been a couple of times on gp that people would freak out saying a conversation needs to be moved over to api

as far as i know, the only criteria to getting into that "secure" website is to send a thirty dollar check. that's not gonna keep mr corporate out of anything

i wouldnt go as far as to say there should be a SET number of posters... theres people on there, like myself who havent done that many but are willing to be just as much part of everything and might have just as much info and stuff to pass on.

seperating it between Professionals and Supporters may be a better idea.

[DenisMutter]

I think that people who qualify as professional members should be (and are) counted as just that.

I think the admission form states that you've done at least 1 real, official poster for a music event sanctioned by the club/promoter/band.

Leaving the supports out? It's worth a thought, but if they support API enough to join, I would assume their signing on to be part of the family and not a watchdog. Members only also = No lurkers.