Advice to folk web sites creators

Subject: RE: Advice to folk web sites creators
From: Rasener
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:45 PM

Phew Thanks Will :-)

I have started to introduce links to myspace accounts of each performer, so people can listen and decide if they like the style of the music.

LOL, wouldn't be much use to put the bus routes on for Faldingworth Live as it is in a rural situation. So taxi is the thing if without car, or scrounge a lift.

I have a contact info button at the top, which has all the info about where it is.

Subject: RE: Advice to folk web sites creators
From: folkandroots
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:23 PM

Just to agree generally with Will, I can't remember whether it particularly applies to clubs in the South East but there are certainly some that neglect to put the full address of the venue in an obvious place or include it all (now that would have been fair enough in days gone by for licensing reasons etc but these days I assume its because they assume any potential visitors would know), the other neglect I find is failing to link to forthcoming artists or include a description which would (imo) potentially encourage new visitors.

Personally I think the Ram Folk Clubs site is a very good model and even includes very detailed directions including ones for non car drivers (we do exist)

Subject: RE: Advice to folk web sites creators
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 01:20 PM

Hi Les - looks pretty good to me! All the info you could want and obviously up to date.

Subject: RE: Advice to folk web sites creators
From: Rasener
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 12:59 PM

Does this sort of pass the test Will?

http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/

Les

Subject: Advice to folk web sites creators
From: Will Fly
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 11:59 AM

After having spent several hours trawling through page after page of website data relating to folk venues in the south-east of England, (and having created several sets of web pages of different sorts myself over the years) I have some recommendations which I'd like to pass on to those who develop web pages for folk music sites, or those who are responsible for updating them.

1. It's sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to gauge the accuracy and currency of web pages if they don't have a "last updated" date on them. Even if a page has not actually changed for some months, it's worth editing a "last updated" date when the page has last been checked.

2. It's worth splitting a complex club site up into simple, separate and clearly labelled pages, such as: "home", "contacts", "dates/diary", etc. Sounds obvious, but some club sites are either impenetrable or lacking in all but the most basic info.

3. Keep pages clear and simple in their design. Some clubs make use of specialist web developers. The problem with these can be that they're sometimes more intent on being clever than straightforward. Fancy graphics, backgrounds and buttons can be overdone and mask essential information.

4. Long lists with no spaces in between are very difficult to read. Linked pages can often be more effective.

Many club sites are excellent, I have to say. One site - can't remember which at the moment - has clear pages setting out all the basic info, plus pages on the club's performing and booking policy, a "what is folk music" page for the uninitiated, etc. A model of its kind.

It's worth remembering that such pages can be the club's most important face to the world...