Folkmap versus 'the others'

Subject: RE: Folkmap versus 'the others'
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:29 PM

Things like this depend on every organiser in the country using it and keeping it up to date.

It didn't work when EFDSS tried to automate the Folk Directory and it isn't working with Folkmap.

Subject: RE: Folkmap versus 'the others'
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 02:58 PM

2 other threads

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=117596&messages=18

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=86316&messages=62

Subject: RE: Folkmap versus 'the others'
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 02:56 PM

There was thread about this site recently (in the last month). It was determined that quite a lot of it is out of date.

Would be brilliant if kept up to date.

Subject: RE: Folkmap versus 'the others'
From: Jack Campin
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 02:13 PM

Nice interface, if your computer supports it. I normally read forums on a machine that doesn't, so this is the first time I've actually looked at it.

It doesn't know about any sessions in Edinburgh or the Lothians, which suggests it's got a problem.

The main problem with all session/club info sites is that they don't share data. It's a waste of time updating one in isolation when you don't know how popular it is, with who, or how long it's going to last.

And it would help if you could update the thing by email instead of having to use some heavyweight non-automatable web interface.

I would only contribute to a site like this if I knew that all its raw data was available by a straightforward protocol to any other site that wanted it. Info sites should differentiate themselves by interface (maps like this, RSS, automated mailings or Usenet postings) and by selection (regional, genre) - they should all be working from the same database and should all be sharing any changes they get, along with whatever attribution and date info they have for their sources.

Subject: Folkmap versus 'the others'
From: JohnDun
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 01:31 PM

I travel all around the UK with my work and quite often find myself staying away or working late in an area some distance from home.   When this happens and traffic or logistics allow I try to find a local session for the evening for a bit of company or entertainment.

Searching the internet is quite labour intensive at a local level.   I use the Hobgoblin 'what's on' site, Folk Orbit, Mr Red, Folk Roots, and various other local listings.   Then somebody sent me a link to 'Folkmap' and my eyes opened to a whole load of sessions and clubs - at a glance...

Folkmap

I can see all the clubs/sessions etc at a glance... on a map
I can list all the clubs/sessions for a particular night...   on a map
Each venue has a contact number to check...   on the map
As someone who uses maps every day I find this display medium a lot easier than the rest...      What do you think ???
If it looks simple it must be...   so stick a pin and let us know where you are - at a glance      ;0)