Introduction to RockNet

1
Introduction to RockNet

• Bob Ekman
• 301-340-9696
• bob.ekman_at_att.net

2
Agenda

• RockNet
• Mission
• City Relationship
• Services
• Web Links
• Web Hosting
• Email Lists
• Camera
• Consultation
• Web Pages
• Wireless Internet Access

3
RockNet

• Rockville Community Network
• Non-Profit Corporation (501(c)(3))
• Founded in 1996
• All volunteer board and administration
• Web site http//www.rocknet.org
• Since 1997
• Over 400 visitors a day
• Meetings 3rd Thursday of month at City Hall
• Anyone invited to participate

4
Mission

• To promote communications between citizens,
  community groups, businesses, and the Rockville
  city government.
• We support connections to your neighbors, your
  communities, and local information resources
  through Internet technologies, including a web
  site and an e-mail list server.
• We are building a network with a community focus
  that provides a presence for organizations that
  are under-represented on the web.
• Your RockNet.

5
City Relationship

• City provides the servers, software, and Internet
  connection for our online services.
• We maintain the server content (web pages, email
  lists, etc.).
• City provides support for meetings and system
  administration.
• We help the City with new technology and related
  initiatives.
• We complement City services.

6
Services

• Web Page Links
• Web Page Hosting
• Email List Server
• Digital Camera
• Consultation and Advice

7
Home Page
8

• Second
• Level
• Web
• Page

9
Web Page Links

• RockNet web pages link to many other web sites
  that relate to the RockNet mission.
• If you would like a link to your web site, send a
  note to comments_at_rocknet.org.
• Must provide service to Rockville citizens
  through the Internet.
• Non-profit organizations may be listed without a
  link.

10
Web Page Hosting

• Web space for non-profit organizations that are
  associated with Rockville.
• Options
• RockNet administrator will post your web pages,
  or
• You can administer your pages directly.
• User Accounts forms online
• FTP upload/download
• Separate directories for production and test.

11
Email List Server

• A way you can communicate with others in the
  Rockville on-line community.
• A "list" is a group of e-mail addresses such that
  by sending a note to a single e-mail account, all
  members of the list get a copy of the note.
• Some lists are open to all, some are closed.
• Try sending a note to rcnet_at_rocknet.org.

12
Digital Camera

• Sony Mavica digital camera for loan to community
  organizations within the City of Rockville.
• Use to create digital pictures for community web
  site or other publications.
• Contact Jim Beller, the RockNet Treasurer,
  camera_at_rocknet.org.

13
Web Page Consultation

• You need a web administrator
• We can help with design and structure issues
• Think of it as a journalist task
• Keep it simple, clean, user friendly
• Consider your audience your community
• There are tools - RockNet CD of tools available
• Grow your skills and your web site
• Planning a web author class

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• Web
• Page
• Example

15
Web Page Markup Language (HTML)

• Your Organization's Name
• height200Your Organization's Name
• Introduction to your organization.
• The mission and purpose of your organization.
• • Calendar
  • Members and
    Officers
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Newsletters

16
Web Page Tips

• Plan to revise some of your pages frequently.
• Use obvious navigation techniques.
• Keep material free of litigation inducing
  comments.
• Important information should be toward the top.
• Use high contrast, few fonts, color schemes.
• Identify the pages as Rockville Maryland.
• Indicate page owner and contact information.
• Use photos, limit graphics.

17
Wireless Internet Discussion

• It would be possible to set up a wireless
  Internet access in a local neighborhood.
• See RockNet web pages on the subject.
• Issues of cost, ownership, security.
• Commercial providers available.