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Fire Department Websites
I don't mean to be rude here, but why do so many fire, police and EMS sites just down right stink?
They're not engaging. They're hard to follow. Some don't even exist or are "under construction".
No money? No techie geeks that like to fight fires?
FFN is set up well and at least is easy to use and doesn't make me nauseated when I stop in, but some are just done very poorly.
~Chris
www.buscofire.com
They're not engaging. They're hard to follow. Some don't even exist or are "under construction".
No money? No techie geeks that like to fight fires?
FFN is set up well and at least is easy to use and doesn't make me nauseated when I stop in, but some are just done very poorly.
~Chris
www.buscofire.com
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michael Wood on
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I have tried to set up a forum board for my county and i am still working on so give me some time. here is the web address http://brantleyfirefighters.proboards.com/index.cgi? Feel free to stop by sign up and leave a comment.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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Nice website, Chris. My F.D's is www.bartlettfire.com check it out. Stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by Michael Vito on
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Hi Chris, that's great topic. I think some department top brass are old school regarding the importance and the great potential use of the world wide web, not to mentioned FFN. My present volunteer fire brigade top official at first did not support my idea of putting our website of our unit. Like putting the website address in our official letter head. One old school FF (also a board director) remark says .. " well in those days we get funding without the NET " until one member says well those days are changing because commercial establishment secretaries or bosses seldom use yellow pages anymore. Their research and background investigation uses the Net as their primary and quick resource. At the end, they agree to support the website.
At first our website is meant as a public relations for our sponsors, business owners, generous individuals and the local public for news, our runs, events, fire prevention education and activities in which to show them that because of their contribution is helping the community. I couldn't imagine it went beyond our territorial boundaries, our shores to the other side of the world.
Because of our humble website, I've met great persons here in FFN. One fire captain sent me his stuff, his turnout gear as Christmas gift and most importantly a NFPA 1001 Firefighters book in which is rare to find here in the Philippines. The book have help us a lot for our training and sharing to our counterparts.
As a webmaster, it gave me a great reason to maintain our website and in return reading and learning a lot of FFN topics. Now our friends at FFN is watching us and I believe even though they are halfway around the world, they are happy to be a great help to us. Some FFN members vows one day, Lord willing will visit our country and meet them face to face one day.
Thank you all !
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very cool whats your website?
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Permalink Reply by Dustin J. Millis on
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I know exactly what you mean Chris. My dept's website pretty much... well... it sucks!!! I honestly think the two reasons you listed above are the two main reasons why we dont have a nice one. None of the FF's on my dept know anything about web design and the dept certatinly isnt rolling around in money so a website is just not top priority on the budget as far as getting one professionaly made.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Tomlinson on
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Brian,
That is a GREAT site! One of the best I've seen in some time. Did you design it or was it professionally done by a company or individual?
The code is solid, the imagery looks great. Just a very nice site!
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Dustin, I was quite certain my list was probably the cause. I know of at least three companies out there that offer website design and their prices range from $150 - $995 for the design and then roughly $25 - $100 /month for hosting.
But honestly? 2 of the 3 have HORRENDOUS coding and/or "geek" stuff.
I'm working on an idea to develop an inexpensive system that allows departments to update/maintain it themselves and at a pretty decent price. I'll keep you up to date.
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Permalink Reply by Scamehorn on
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We have just started to create our own as well... My wife has some basic web design skills and is putting one together for us. I would like feed back and or suggestions.... here it is http://wacofire.webs.com/index.htm
It is still being worked on and updated but it's better than what we had a month ago.....nothing
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Permalink Reply by Station10Capt106 on
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Chris,
You're site looks awesome, as does Brians. Did you design your's? I just looked and we are almost neighbors. I'm from LaGrange, Indiana. Our dept has been thinking about gettting a website, but like others have said it is not a top priority.
I agree with you on how most sites are very eye straining. I absolutely hate going to a site and seeing all kinds of flashing lights and moving icons and sirens blaring. I does nothing but make the site look amaturish.
John
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Hey John,
Yes, I designed it and I still maintain it. I actually redesigned the entire thing while I was off due to an injury sustained in a house fire. Needless to say I had A LOT of time on my hands for about 45 days. LOL
And yes, we are almost neighbors! Quite cool!
Sites probably aren't a top priority and I know the money is the biggest issue. But do you think your department might be a little more willing if it was cost effective? So much so that if an average volunteer department of 25-30 members could have each member chip in $20 that would cover the initial design?
I'm working on this idea and will be sure to send your department a brochure when I'm ready to launch the idea.
Chris
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Hey, that's a MUCH better start than some I've seen that are "finished".
A couple of things to keep in mind:
1.) Get some "keywords" in there if she knows how to do that. Helps with search engines
2.) Get a "description" also. If/when you search on Google or Yahoo!, that little bit of plain text, that's usually the description the search engine is reading
3.) Stick with thetags she's using. That's much more common in today's design world. Keep up the good work! You're proud of your department, be proud of your website!
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Chris,
Please send me info when you have it. I've kicked around the idea of trying to do one myself. I'm not too tech savy, but have put together a couple sites using godaddy: www.bigjohnsfurniture.com & www.mytoysource.com
John
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