It seems our website has been financially possible because we have used
an off-site server.  Internet providers have very competitive rates, and
our "webmaster" keeps an eye on those rates so we are assured of not
"paying through the nose" while retaining good service.  And the website
doesn't have to be a fancy thing, only that you have a presence, and are
able to inform the cyberpublic of the things one would find out if
visiting and reading your brochure.  We did engage someone to help us
design the thing, and to help us pick an internet service provider, but
the all of the research came directly from us; from the archivist, to the
curator, to the membership people, we all had to write material for
inclusion on the web pages.

Of course, those people who work with websites and know their technical
capacities might be better informed about the actual workings of it,
maintenance, follow-up, people connected to the lines, etcetera, so I'm
looking forward to reading more about this.  One thing for sure, you do
need someone working on it, if not full-time, then at least part-time,
and depending on system you use, it could have a high learning curve.

O

Olivia S. Anastasiadis, Curator
Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard
Yorba Linda, CA  92886
(714) 993-5075 ext. 224; fax (714) 528-0544; e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

On Thu, 20 Aug 1998 09:24:27 -0400 Roger Wulff <[log in to unmask]>
writes:
>Dear Robert and Listers:
>
>I agree that the establishment of a web site is a very cost effective
>method for a small museum to reach it's public.  In fact, a web site
>is
>a very effective method for a new or "start-up" museum to communicate
>its proposed concept and programs - and even to solicit funds
>"On-Line."  A web site is a great "leveler of the playing field" for
>any
>museum.
>
>The one piece of advice I would give - to a large or small museum - is
>not to invest in your own server system.  There are many firms and
>organizations out there who will provide all of the services you
>require
>at very little initial outlay of funds.  Your server does not have to
>be
>in the same city, state, or indeed, the same country.
>
>Take a look at our web site, and if you are interested in costs,
>services, etc., E Mail me and I will be happy to provide them.
>
>Kind Regards
>
>Roger Wulff
>
>/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>Visit our New Web Site and our New BARNES & NOBLE MUSEUM BOOKSTORE at:
>
>        http://www.washingtonpost.com/yp/museumshopint
>
>Museum Services International is a non-profit organization which
>provides planning and implementation services in all areas of cultural
>and museum operations - especially in the area of "Economuseology."
>/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
>

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