The Webmaster's Corner

I've been asked a few times why some aspects of the MWSA website are still changing. There are several answers for this:

1. Adding features as members come up with new ideas to try means things are still evolving. 
2. Organizing so much content takes time, and we sometimes "reorganize" while restoring old content.
3. Adapting the software to MWSA is challenging, but already worth the effort.
4. Finishing the site so we can add "Join Today" links is a top priority.

That last item, a "Join Today" button and form, is my highest priority. That will take time because several people are involved with the PayPal setup and how it links back to the MWSA website. We want to make joining easy for new members and renewing even easier. 

As for the "moving menus" people have noticed, yes the menu links to part so the site are still shifting and moving about on their own. The basic Drupal "theme" we're using has only been partially customized. As a result, when new features are added or existing content is reorganized, the Drupal menus and links move around automatically. Eventually, we want to craft a custom experience that makes the site easier to read and easier to navigate. However, fine-tuning the site is a lower priority than getting it up and ready for new members. 

I have to admit, the insistence of Drupal to place images and video against the left-edge of columns annoys me and causes problems with several features. The images are supposed to support text wrapping, but there is an issue because the wrapping is limited to one paragraph. This is why on profiles you see your last name, a gap, and then your first name. Drupal is "helpfully" wrapping text around your photo. Not so helpful — and I will fix this problem in coming months. It annoys me to see linked video that isn't centered and I know it is bothering some members. (The left-justify is a result of Drupal's heritage as a magazine / newspaper platform. Give me time to reprogram those "helpful" features.)

We will need a new logo, new color choices, and much more to finalize the design. Also, remember that every browser and computing device displays the site a little differently. "Problems" for you might be a matter of the screen size, font choices, or a browser issue. We are trying to make the site work as well as possible with as many devices and browsers as we can. 

I'll try to post updates on the website development when appropriate. Please let us know what you think of the change and how we can make the website an even more interesting place to visit.