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----- Forwarded message from "Douglas J. McCann" <aa935@chebucto.ns.ca> ----- Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2000 16:21:11 -0300 (ADT) From: "Douglas J. McCann" <aa935@chebucto.ns.ca> Reply-To: "Douglas J. McCann" <aa935@chebucto.ns.ca> Subject: Webmaster Report (CCN Template Changes) To: Sharon Parker <sparker@chebucto.ns.ca> Hi Sharon Here is my draft report regarding the template change (colours). Not included is a chronology of all the messages (I've compiled one but it is too long to transmit). Doug --------------------------------------------------- New Web Site Template ... and Colours ---------------------------- PARTICIPANTS ---------------------------- Andrew Wright Mark Rushton Doug McCann Donna Randell David Potter Michael Cormier Johnathan Thibodeau Bob Adams Sharon Parker Christopher Majka Michael Smith ---------------------------- SUMMARY ---------------------------- On SUNDAY July 9, 2000 a CCN member reported difficulties reading pages created by the new template. Specifically, "the Recent Updates page bothers me. If the links are supposed to change colour when you have visited them I can't tell. I am not classed as colour blind but there are shades of light blue and light green I cannot distinguish between. " The initial colour change proposed (vlink="#808080") was directed to the Webmaster. The Webmaster "suggest[ed] bringing in [the complainant] and others into the discussion ... [to] provide a more expert opinion regarding colour contrast". The complainant and one other discussion group participant indicated the initial change as less than satisfactory. The second solution, proposed to be implemented on MONDAY, was satisfactory to the user. It displayed colours according to the users default browser settings (vlink=""). The Webmaster cautioned against a quick implementation. The discussion had occurred over a weekend, and given that the change would impact on ALL pages using the template, other stakeholders should be consulted first. It was suggested that other technical solutions were possible. --------------------------- There was no further action until July 28, 2000 when the user inquired about the status of the colour change. Over the WEEKEND of July 28 - July 30, a discussion ensued regarding various technical solutions, their suitability, and overall philosophy. A server side solution was proposed that would maintain the integrety of the original design, and also allow users customize the colour displayed. On MONDAY morning, the user complaining as a member and a 'customer', wondered why the colour change had not been implemented. By noon of the same day, the user had resolved the colour issue by override our colour selections (browser preferences). The users final comments were "For the most part, my association with Chebucto has been very positive. This "discussion" has been totally frustrating. And - Given I Am The Customer - leaves a lot to be desired". ---------------------------- No further action on resolution of the colour issue at CCN occrred until THURSDAY August 3rd when the Tech Editor present an updated server side solution. A discussion ensued over the appropriateness of a technical solution, the use of technical resourses, and the lack of a managed approach to problem resolution. On THURSDAY August 3, 2000 the Webmaster directed the Editor in Chief to "take all necessary steps to implement [the server-side] solution". ------------------------ SYNOPSIS ------------------------ 1) The 'colour' problem was relatively minor. The complainant was only concerned about the colour displayed on ONE page. In hindsight, this could, and should have been fixed by a temporary change to the PROBLEM page. 2) The complaint pointed out an underlying problem with the new template. While the pastel colours were inviting and appreciated by the user, the site lost functionally because of the colours selection. 3) The complaint and ensuing discussions occurred over two separate weekends, and during a holiday period. This limited input and consultation possibilities from interested stakeholders. 4) Not all stakeholders (template authors, designers, editors, technical, board members) participated in the discussion, either by choice or lack of awareness of the issue. Question: Who has subscribed to ccn-webmaster, the discussion list regarding web design changes? 5) There is confusion regarding CCN's mandate. Are we a commercial ISP or a volunteer-driven community service organization? Do our members share a common resource or are they customers? ----- End forwarded message ----- --------------------------------------------------------------- This mail was sent through the Nova Scotia Provincial Server, with technical resources provided by Chebucto Community Net. http://nsaccess.ns.ca/mail/ http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/
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