The current website has been in existence since 2018. Many members have expressed a desire to pursue a more modern website with a cleaner look overall.
The developers & keepers of the current site insist that the current website is already pretty much perfect as is and have strongly resisted a number of efforts aimed at change. Hopefully this new effort will include team members with an open mind and exclude those adverse to change.
General comments regarding existing site
1. Loading pages into one's browser is very slow.
2. The current graphics could use a refresh. Might want to consider using an AI image generator to simplify this task.
3. The random colors on some page's shouts "amateur".
4. I would suggest the Executive Committee revisit the Members Only requirement to view Presentations, Newsletters, Photography links & resources and Gear recommendations pages. Many clubs do not place that restriction on site visitors unless they deem what is offered is proprietary or protects the privacy of members. I would submit that at the very least Newsletters & Bylaws do not. It would also allow us to move this content over to the new website where the overall look would be more consistent.
Specific suggestions
Home page
1. The Home page should have a slider with some of the very best current photos from members. The photo size would be large enough to basically fill the screen. The photos used for the slider should elicit a "WOW" when viewed. Update monthly to encourage folks to visit more frequently.
3. Calendar - Suggest using Google Calendar which seems to present Calendar and Events in a single user interface.
Other pages
1. Monthly themes - arrange themes alphabetically to make it easier to search. We currently have a “dictionary” with “words” in random order. Individual pages could be improved versus current page.
2. Monthly galleries - as the PMP meetings are recorded by David and posted on YouTube, is it really necessary for Randy to spend the time writing "minutes" of the meeting? How about something simple for this page. Might even consider adding all of the submitted photos.
3. PMP pages - rework to eliminate "word salad" to be more to the point. Visitors will click away from pages with long winded content. Use of many colors looks like it was designed by a kid with crayons.
Why does one need to "Join" the PMP? Dates, time and location are listed on the Events page.
4. Shoot to Care - not a very attractive logo. Page would look better without.
5. History - who is the intended audience? Is this really necessary?
6. Presentations - reorganize this page into categories to make it easier for a visitor to find something.
7. Photography links & resources - review for currency
8. Gear recommendations - review for currency
9. Look to combine pages where possible with the goal of reducing the total number of menu options.
10. Consider adding a page listing links to Member websites.
11. Critically review the text on each and every page for spelling, grammar, accuracy & currency with the goal of using as few words as possible to convey the message.
Pages in general
To use Photo Composition as an analogy: for each and every page ask the question "Does this add something critical to the composition or add distractions that draw the eyes away from the artist's intention?"
Consider using AI where appropriate to generate content