Sea Scouting on the Internet

Bruce Chr. Johnson

Promote Sea Scouting both inside and outside of Scouting in your country
Establish the type of image that you want for Sea Scouting
Bring Sea Scouting to the place where so many protential members (the youth) will actually see it
Improve communication with your membership
But ... Remember to ask yourself the question, "What are we trying to accomplish?"

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Make sure that user comes away with the feeling that Sea Scouting is FUN! (example)
Add adventure (example)
Sea Scouts get to do exciting things that others in your community may not get to do, or that youth in your community don't get to do (example)
Pictures should focus on our youth enjoying themselves (example)
Sea Scouts do Sea Scouting in large measure because they like doing things with other young people their age. (example and example)
Spend some time picturing and discussing the boats
Spend little time discussing the adult leadership; focus on qualifications (why they are good leaders for parents' children)

Avoid java scripts
Design site assuming 640 x 480 screen resolution
Don't use dark backgrounds (text is difficult to read)
Don't use servers that have mandatary ads
Don't participate in link exchanges with banners
No more than 1 animated graphic per screen (less is better)
Try to use a consistent graphics style
Stay away from cute; focus on message
Pictures are worth a thousand words; a thousand pictures communicate nothing
Try to avoid designing pages with more than 50K total load-up; fast page loads translate into better user satisfaction
Avoid clutter
Try to use terminology that outsiders will understand
Develop a standardized look for all pages in site
Check for html coding integrity
Periodically check for link integrity
Include an email address for user feedback
For unit websites, make sure that information about where and when the unit meets is easy to find on the site
Avoid using Scouts' full names, particularly with their pictures (adult names are OK)
Make sure that the website provides a way to contact your group: it can be email, telephone number (if for a local unit), or a web response form