I've started this gnu thread to get it off of the original New Owners thread.
I've started to BUILD a Facebook page to draw people to the C-34IA webpage. Please look at it, make suggestions and even "Like" it. Here is the link to it:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Catalina-34-International-Association/137984386255993 (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Catalina-34-International-Association/137984386255993)
We're already up to 9 friends.
Ed. [fixed link URL - Stu]
Stu,
If you will look at the FB Info tab, you'll find all the info you suggested.
Cool post of Facebook Joe. Was it hard to post a video?
I had previously uploaded it to Google video (because of the file size) and really just uploaded the link. That being said I have easily uploaded videos to Facebook but they do have a file size limit. You can do it right from the wall.
I sent my significant other the Facebook link and she joined up. She is familiar with the existence of the C34 Forum since I talk about it all the time but it is not something she would typically follow due to the more technical nature of it. Another nice benefit of the Facebook page might be for the less involved husbands/wives and significant others of those of us who regularly haunt the forum.
I'm starting to add discussion pages to Facebook. The first three give links to the Tech Wiki, Projects Page and to this forum. Any suggestions for other discussion links?
One other note about the Facebook and Website relationship. One additional benefit is that by linking as many of the pages as we can, we INCREASE our relevance on Google and other search engines.
I was thinking about suggesting that Facebook be used for documenting cruise stories etc that was suggested in the other thread. But with the recent concerns about security it might not be a good idea to tell the world that you are vacationing on the boat, leaving your house/cars unoccupied for a period of time. Safest plan is to document/share your trips in the Cruising Wiki upon your return.
Lance - For the reasons previously discussed re diversion from this site, I would limit the "Discussion Topics" on the FB Page or not even use them except to point people to this forum (which is pretty much what your notes say I realize). To me the Wall is the best place to share the kinds of day to day stuff and pictures that does not really work on the more technical C34 Forum. Since if someone posts on the Wall all the page group members get notified on their own status updates (or by SMS if they want that) then that will accomplish the purpose. No need to add a layer to that by having to go from the FB main page to a discussion page.
Good points Ken and Joe.
I intend the FB page to be a redirect (For the most part) back to the website. Ken, you're definitely right about informing the public at large about, "Hey, I'm out sailing right now, come and rob me house." It is a more informal way of posting quick images and more importantly, video highlighting our wonderful boats.
To be honest, posting the images in photobucket is tedious and time consuming. FB is just one or two clicks and you can get a cruise worth of images in one upload.
Lance,
"Daily Discussions" links to the General Activities page and doesn't mention the Main Message Board.
Please revise the link from what it is to: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/board,11.0.html
Thanks,
Stu
Thanks Stu,
Done.
Would any of the officers like to be admins on the Facebook page? If so, requires you to have a FB account. Also, do any other fleets want me to post info as I did with the Photos from Fleet 13?
Just a reminder that FB is a social page with a lot of so called "friends". It reminds me of warm summer weekends at the dock, drinking beer, socializing, making friends after a few beers and tell stories of sailing adventures. I like the technical aspect of our website and if you want to share with someone your sailing experience you can. Most of us just want to go sailing. My two cents worth.
27 members already and a posting today from a new person with a new to them C34 thanking Lance for creating a FB page. Great job Lance and before anyone says anything this was my response to her (name blocked out)
"Joe Kern Welcome _______. And make sure you check out the Association Page, Forum and and join the C34 Association!!! http://www.c34.org/
ยท LikeUnlikeWrite a comment...
Thanks Joe! Here is her, Joe and my comments:
Lance, thank you so much for creating this FB page!!!!! My husband and I just bought a 1988 C34 - and we've been sailing every available opportunity!!! I really appreciate this more socially-driven "base" for C34 owners.
I'm going to have to let our slip neighbors know too - they have a C34 as well!
Joe Kern: Welcome Britt. And make sure you check out the Association Page, Forum and and join the C34 Association!!! http://www.c34.org/
Lance: Catalina 34 International Association Thanks Britt, I'd like to second Joes' invite to the Association. There is a ton of information on the site AND even more for members. Welcome aboard!
Also, for those that have "liked" the FB page, could you send out a invite to your friends? Also, no one has contacted me about being an administrator. Joe, would you be interested?
Be glad to Lance.
Give me 5 and then you're in! Thanks! This way we can make sure we keep the site true to the Association.
Joe,
wait one.... Need to friend each other first.
Interesting stats for the first week.
Make up:
United States 30
Canada 2
Australia 1
Demographic:
Male 67% Female 33%
Age
13-17 0% 0% 0%
18-24 0% 0% 0%
25-34 0% 0% 0%
35-44 0% 17% 17%
45-54 50% 0% 50%
55+ 17% 17% 34%
Another interesting stat:
2,023 Daily Post Views
These are people looking at the site regardless of them being fans or not. I wish there was a way to track FB referrals TO the C34 site.
I received an e-mail from facebook today with this week's stats. Interesting:
Hi Joe,
Here is this week's summary for your Facebook Page:
Catalina 34 International Association
76 monthly active users 76 since last week
42 people like this 42 since last week
41 wall posts and comments this week 41 since last week
1,298 visits this week 1,298 since last week