DECIDE AND DESIGN

As it now stands Gamaliel.org is a complex website even if the programming has been kept as simple as possible so that others can be taught to manage their own websites and so that the site will transfer easily to other development platforms. 

But this website, kept update, will be a powerful tool for the Gamaliel network.

But there are a number of decisions that need to be made about this site. 

E-commerce

We are searching for the least expensive way to receive donations, registration fees, and perhaps sell certain products online.

The shopping cart is provided us by our WEB host. We need a bank. Some of these accounts have hefty fees. We need someone who likes not-for-profits.

Chat Rooms

This requires a free site with the software to handle this process. It also requires reliable people to staff these chat rooms so that it worth people’s time to be there. It is no fun when you and “snarling dog” are the only people in the chat room.

Secure Project webs

It is possible to design space for groups to work on projects on line. Parts of the work of every component of the Gamaliel network could be done on line. Things like working on grants, planning event agendas, etc could be done on line.

One of the biggest decision we will need to make has to do with security. For the time being we are make our WEB accessible to all who access our site.

It may be that we will want to build a dual site: One for the public and one for members. In the next year we will need to make this decision. The question will be, “how secure can we afford to be?”

The largest decision in the next year will have to do with whether or not we wish to establish a database for the whole organization on line.

This is a radical idea. With a secure server (enables us to give people permission to view and work in specific areas of our site.) With such a server, we could eliminate the need for bookkeeping and data base software in the entire network. Our executive director, could look in on every organization from his office, study at home or his hotel room. Organizers could share their reports on line. Pastoral leaders could select data for reports in the way that helps them get their work done. It may be possible for mail lists, mail labels and other reports to be down loaded from this site.

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Congregational  development