doesn’t mean you can’t use “railroady” terms, but make sure you explain every- thing clearly. Once you have achieved the basic goals of
your web site, you might want to consider expanding into other areas. Having the ca- pability to sell tickets or other items from your store (so called “e-commerce”) is a great convenience for your visitors, but best ap- proached with the help of a professional. Set expectations up front: Will your
web site be updated once a month? Once a year? Who will be responsible for writing the content, and who will perform the updates? It’s best to have more than one person in- volved in the process to avoid burnout, and also to make sure the right message is being put out to the public. Speaking from experience, you may want
to avoid having a “News” section on your web site. If you are hiring someone to keep your site updated, they will most likely charge you each time you want to make a change. If one of your volunteers is helping, you want to make sure they don’t get burned out with frequent changes. As a visitor, nothing is more discouraging than visiting a news page and seeing the last update is from years ago. If you’re not committed to keep- ing the “news” current, and it doesn’t serve your group’s goals, don’t bother. Designing your web site: Your web site
should be easy to read and easy to follow. Avoid elements that distract from your mes- sage such as garish colors, too many fonts and type style changes, animations, and so on. Don’t include train sounds or songs on your web site (nothing is worse than inno- cently clicking on a link to a railroad web
site and suddenly having “I’ve Been Work- ing on the Railroad” blaring through your speakers). Start with a clean and simple lay- out for your design. Use fonts that are basic and easy to read. Add some clear, sharp photos to enhance
your site (and if you don’t have any of your own, don’t be afraid to ask others to share their shots and make sure to give proper credit). While we think the trains are the star attraction, don’t be afraid to show peo- ple in your photos. Nothing sells a visit to your activity like a photo of a family with smiling children in tow. Most importantly, never, ever post the
dreaded “Under Construction” graphic. All web sites are under construction. Keep it current: Be sure to review your
web site from time to time and make sure it represents your organization in the best light. List a schedule of events and keep it current. Make sure information about your organization, including descriptions of your collection, is up to date. Is the most impor- tant information about your group easy to find and accessible? Don’t be afraid to accept feedback and constructive criticism when your site first “goes live” to the public. Ask your friends to test out the site and get their suggestions for improvement. Don’t get caught up in a loop of endless feedback, though. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Associate editor Otto M. Vondrak is a trustee of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in Rochester, N.Y., and has been an active volunteer with many historic preser- vation groups throughout the northeast.
Historical Technical Society, Inc. Celebrating and Preserving the History and Heritage of the Monon Railroad
Visit our website for Monon Railroad history and Society membership information
Many great products available in our store including model kits, RTR models, books, archival information on CD, apparel, and more.
www.mononstores.com A Class 1 Railroad small enough you can substantially model in either diesel or steam era.
w w w . m o n o n s t o r e s . c o m Lehigh & New England
The Lehigh & New England was a bridge carrier stretching from Anthracite country in northeastern Pennsylvania to the gateway yard at Maybrook, New York. This Carstens Classic features rare photos of this anthracite carrier in its final twenty years. Enjoy great photos of Camelbacks and conventional steam, to transition era diesels including Alco FA’s and road switchers.
www.herronrail.com 12 JULY-OCTOBER 2014 •
RAILFAN.COM
WHITERIVERPRODUCTIONS.COM (877) 787-2467 $
A NORTHEAST CLASSIC! 13.95
www.whiteriverproductions.com
PLUS S&H ITEM LNE-CRS
Monon Railroad
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64