STP Web Site Suggestions

[Brad]

As we work with the site I am sure we might have sggestions for improvements for next year. We have gotten the current total raised on the site so all can see our progress. What else would you suggest for next year?

My main suggestions are:

1. Have a link off the STP pages to get you back to the MWO regular site.

2. Have both "Billing Information" and "Contact Information" for a pledge. In some cases other people send me the money and ask me to deal with the web site. In this case you must put in the contact information for the billing address of the credit card. The observatory does not get the information on who really supported the organization. Yes, there name is displayed - but there is no place to put in their address, telephone number or e-mail address - as an option.

[mtruman]

I like the idea of having a list of all the hikers with their current pledge amounts (sorted by pledge). Might help to create some competition between the participants to try to get their pledges up to those above them. Not a whole lot of other ideas. The site this year is really great!

[BlueDog]

Mark stole my one biggest suggestion... but I'll roll it in this...

Make the "user admin" log in from the StP pages. One I log in, then I can:
- update my custom page text
- see the current amount raised by each hiker (Maybe there's just the top 10 or 25 listed, then a link to another page to see all.)

On the hiker homepage, design-wise, I'd get rid of the box around the custom text and make the font a little larger. I'd also be great to allow some rich html in that area, or an option to let up add a profile picture in there, like one from last years hike.

On a long shot, perhaps an API, or work with some of us outside developers to let us access the data for building widgets and such. In addition to the countdown widget, I would build one that replicates the goal thermometer.

But, please let me also say that if you do NOTHING, its still one of the best charity fundraising sites that I've used! (And I build this stuff for a living!) My sister is participating in a walk to raise money for breast cancer and the site she sent me was so confusing to make a donation that I almost gave up and sent her an old fashioned check instead!

[Brad]

Another suggestion - allow one to edit their pledge goal after creating the page. This year I did not set a goal - and along came wonderful prizes and I wish folks see that I am shooting for the $1,000 level.

[BlueDog]

Brad, you can change your goal amount anytime. Just go to the main StP page, click Create/Edit a Hiker Page and it will take you to your page in edit mode. (If you haven't logged in to your MWO page it will take you through there first.)

[BlueDog]

One other suggestion that I've seen brought up before it the ability to attribute Offline Funds to a donor. This would mean allowing multiple entries for offline. For example, the offline amount that I have right now I'd like to attribute to my car club when they did a "pass the hat" after an event. The work around I'm thinking of doing is depositing the cash in a personal account then make the online donation myself on their behalf.

[Brad]

Brad, you can change your goal amount anytime. Just go to the main StP page, click Create/Edit a Hiker Page and it will take you to your page in edit mode. (If you haven't logged in to your MWO page it will take you through there first.)

Thanks for the tip. I was looking at my page and there was no way of editing it - had to go back up to a higher level on the site. And that worked.

[Brad]

One thing the STP web site should have is a good area map with key locations identified. Folks who have not hiked in the area may want to join in and this type of map would give then some perspective on where things are. At least the things are would be important to a STP hiker.

Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (Tuckermans Trail)
Auto Road base
Cog Base Station (Ammo and Jewell Trails)
Summit
maybe a couple of the major local campgrounds.

This was my attempt, but having one on the STP site would help.

[BlueDog]

Great suggestion Brad. Adding on to that, perhaps some suggested routes, particularly for those that haven't been before. I know there are places online to get trail reviews and such, but hey, more content bring more traffic.

[Bill O]

The problem is that MWO doesn't want to be suggesting or encouraging people to take specific routes. Its up to the hiker to become knowledgeable on their own and take a route that is most appropriate for their skill level.