Do you have a web site or business you would like listed here?

I'm thinking about making a listing of web sites / businesses of forum members who are regular contributors (read at least a few hundred posts).

Let me know in this thread if you are interested in something like this.

Marc,

I think that would be a great idea!

What would you think about developing a little short list for people to use in the subject line. Just some things I thought of quickly:

1. Auditing consulting
2. Quality mgmt consulting
3. Statistical consulting
4. Calibration
5. Reference materials
6. Other

That way, each person would have an idea what it's about by the subject line. Just a thought.

Marc - I would always welcome the opportunity to raise the profile of my services by listing on here. I think BradM's suggestion of categorising would be good and I would add Training Services to his list.

Well, let's see who all 'signs up' for the idea. Let me look around and see what is available. I think there's a vBulletin add-on product for this type of thing. Wesley got me thinking about this.

Also - Your suggestions on what the 'qualifications' should be to allow a listing?

Also - Your suggestions on what the 'qualifications' should be to allow a listing?

While I as an individual do not have a web site or business, I obviously work for one that does.
My company is always open to new avenues of exposure. Count me in.:agree1:
I myself was directed to the cove by a very helpful customer. I also refer customers and other individuals who have an interest in the mechanics of a quality system to the Cove.
Most of my time is spent on educating my customers and prospective customers (and myself) on the value of 17025.
Having our companies’ web site listed in some kind of directory here could only produce positive results.

So the question remains: What would be the requirements for listing?

Good idea..I'm game! :thanx:

Put me in. I would like to let folks know that I can provide platform options ( Web Based, CD ext) for their content by partnering including interface to their LMS/CMS of choice.
To many experts out there better than me but I can match anyone in platforming and deploying content.

Let me know in this thread if you are interested in something like this.Definitely... This is both a good idea and a generous offer. Only: I'm between web sites at the moment: I recently swapped ISP's and decided to shut my old site down and start over again.

/Claes

Perhaps I should consider opening a website :) Might get me a consultancy job on the side :D

Just for fairness, a link for a link would be nice and friendly. Surely an entity getting a free link from a focused demographic like the Cove might have visitors to its site who would benefit or be interested in the Cove.

Surely an entity getting a free link from a focused demographic like the Cove might have visitors to its site who would benefit or be interested in the Cove.Good point. As a matter of fact there is a link to the Cove from our company intranet. :agree1:

/Claes

What about "freelancers"?

I don't have a website and I don't have my own business, but I could be interested in occasional consulting. I'm sure that at least a few other Covers might be in the same boat.

I suppose I could alwasy create a little webpage with biographical info and subjects where I might be able to provide statistical and/or physics related advice.

Sure: my Hanford statistics materials at

http://www.hanford.gov/rl/?page=1144&parent=169

What about "freelancers"?

There are some threads for that, but thinking about it it would make sense to include freelancers.

The issue is going to be criteria for inclusion.

Yes please. Lovely idea, Marc.

My company's site is http://www.mapwright.com.au

I'm lazy and often procrastinate, but there is no reason not to have a simple website, no matter how sporadic your business.

Getting a domain name is relatively simple and cheap (google "domain names")

Yahoo and some other providers have online software (free) to create and then host a website (with YOUR own domain name versus a completely free web site like http://www.geocities.com/johndoeconsulting/ )

The whole thing can be done in a day or two.

Definitely... This is both a good idea and a generous offer.

/Claes



Greetings Marc.
I firmly agree with Claes. A most generous offer.

I (I mean my company) would be very interested in listing our web site here.
I have asked “He Who Must be Obeyed” about a reciprocal link.
The idea was extremely well received and approved.
This is no surprise as he is well aware of the time I spend here gathering
information to support my arguments….. he usually is persuaded to see things from my point of view;) .
After all, this IS people helping people. It goes both ways.
I eagerly await the questioned requirements for listing.

I'm looking at some vB 'product' add-on's to do this more 'elegantly'. Or, I may do a special html static page.

Some of you have put links in this thread already, which is OK, but again I ask - Let's discuss the criteria. I'd like your ideas on what we will use to 'allow' a special link. And I'd like your ideas on content.

For the information relating to links, I suggest including three fields:
1. The name, such as company name or web page name.
2. The link itself.
3. A brief description of the site. This could be limited by number of words or number of lines, in the default font size.

I agree with the suggestion that if a link is placed on the Cove, then the other site needs a link back to whatever starting page Marc would like, along with similar information that I have shown above, about the Cove.

The linked web sites should be grouped, similar to commercial sites and consultants, non-profits and recognized organizations, personal sites (such as those with pictures, etc.). One other category is sites that Covers have found to be useful. There needs to be some rules/guidelines regarding content of the linked site, at the discretion of Marc, to not accept links to sites such as adult content sites.

If a site does not wish to link to the Cove, then an annual fee would be required to be paid to Marc.

The contact person for the site would need to send an e-mail to Marc on some regular basis to confirm that the link is still valid. This interval could be a six month cycle (or 3 month or 1 year), so that Marc does not need to make sure the links are still valid.

Marc, I think it is a great suggestion, and I will check to see if the company I work for is willing to add a link to your site.

Wes R.

OK, just some brainstorm stuff I threw together. Feel free to add, remove, etc.
*********
GENERAL:
A vast majority of the posts on the Elsmar Cove strive to be objective and commercial free. This thread, however, serves the quality community by allowing those who frequently participate the opportunity to provide their website/business information.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. All posts, links, and websites are subject to the general etiquette rules of the Cove (appropriateness, no religious/political themes, no profanity, no personal agendas, etc.) The moderators can and do have final say regarding the links, and can remove temporarily/permanently any information at their discretion.

2. The posted links should be material of some tangential nature with quality. They can be educational/informational in nature, advertising quality products/services, and advertise for training/ professional services that would benefit the quality professional.

3. Professional Courtesy is strongly encouraged. If a link is allowed on the Elsmar Cove to a complement site, the complement site is requested to allow a link for the Elsmar Cove.

4. The original poster is responsible for maintaining correct information. If a moderator detects a dead link, bad phone number, address, etc., they can remove it at their discretion.

5. Any website link to a blog/ other discussion board should be highly supportive of the quality discipline, the Elsmar Cove, and the volunteers who contribute to the Cove. If there is any question, the website probably does not belong.

If there is any questions regarding appropriateness/ procedure, please feel free to contact a moderator for assistance.

I think it is a great idea. I like the criteria stated, and the Cove always retains the right to remove it.

Mine is www.jilling.com (http://www.jilling.com)

We are adding a bunch of things to it, but it explains a little about what we do, and will have a lot of downloads and links available.

I also like the idea of a reciprocal link to the Cove and would be happy to add one if you would like?

One additional criteria might be that the website owner should be a regular poster, to prevent unknown people from linking to it. Exceptions could be made for well-known sites like ASQ, etc.

Scott isn't in this discussion yet, but I'd like Scott's input on possibly using the Wiki. That way each person / company could have their own page and could put in what they want.

There is a vB 'hack' which would allow specified registred visitors to have their own 'page' in the forums, but it was not updated to work with the most recent version of vB. I'm still looking for other options.

Scott isn't in this discussion yet, but I'd like Scott's input on possibly using the Wiki. That way each person / company could have their own page and could put in what they want.There's a Good idea. :agree1: I admit that I have been slow in learning how to use Wiki, but it is a good tool, and it isn't really hard. I just need to get around to it.

There is a vB 'hack' which would allow specified registred visitors to have their own 'page' in the forums, but it was not updated to work with the most recent version of vB. I'm still looking for other options.I see. That is the problem with those hacks, isn't it? A bit awkward when it is time to update the forum software.

/Claes

Something like http://www.aboutus.org/ would be a good idea.

Over the last 2 years it has gotten much better as vB now has 'product' (think add-on module) support so most 'hacks' (especially starting with vBulletin 3.6 last fall-winter) use standardized calls and are easy to add and removed. I have a few 'old' hacks I should replace with 'product add-ons', but they pretty much use standard calls anyway.

I could link to wiki pages here by making a special forum or link which takes users to an index of those we list.

In part, what I'm doing with this is 'easing up' a bit on self promotion by establishing some criteria such as number of posts or something like that.

I *could* use the sidbar for links, such as the ones there now, but I hesitate to do that because I'd end up with a super long sidebar.

Something like http://www.aboutus.org/ would be a good idea.

That's what I was thinking, Atul. I hadn't seen the site at your link, but yes - Something like that, but not as fancy... ;)

Scott of course can comment on how easy or difficult it is to do, but I believe each user will have to create their own Wiki Page. [Edit: OOps, you already said that...]

If you are thinking about the "Top Sites" add-on, I think it looks nothing better than a static html page and (possibly) very limited info can be fitted.

No - Not the 'Top Sites' one - See: Give Your Users a Custom Page on Your Site (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=91903)

But - I'm leaning towards using the Wiki.

No - Not the 'Top Sites' one - See: Give Your Users a Custom Page on Your Site (http://www.vbulletin.org/forum/showthread.php?t=91903)

But - I'm leaning towards using the Wiki.Thanks, I've seen this one before..Does it provide html programming/formatting tools or do you have to write html yourself (notepad :nope: ??)

The 'Custom User Page' is standard vB coding. Nothing fancy and easy to do.

Thanks for the great offer Marc.

I like the idea and would be an active participant. I will do whatever I can to help you set it up and maintain it.

Some of the suggestions presented so far are excellent. I can see a lot of effort is going into this already. My only "concern", if you will, is that this could end up looking like the bulletin board at the local grocery store. Unless there is a quick and easy way to find what you are looking for, notices/links can easily get lost. I like the idea of categories (sort of like the yellow pages). That way you wouldn't have to spend hours sorting out the services you are looking for. I see a problem in categories though in that people may tend to list in multiple categories and flood you.

I know this isn't "politically correct" but I will say it anyway. When we are talking about quality services (as opposed to links to companies), I don't feel there should be a restriction to who should be allowed to "advertise". I do think this would be a perfect opportunity for "pay back" to some of the long time contributors here. There has been a lot of help and experience shared over the years and I have little doubt this is probably your reason for setting this up. Maybe you could determine a way to "highlight" certain contributors so their ads are easily found. You might put the ad in a box or maybe in bold. Maybe certain listings could appear above the others similar to Google's "sponsored" links.

I certainly won't be upset if the "highlight" idea isn't implemented but it would be awful nice to see a recognition that "this guy/gal has been around a long time and we think he/she is worth listening to".

Just my :2cents:

Dave

I do think this would be a perfect opportunity for "pay back" to some of the long time contributors here. There has been a lot of help and experience shared over the years and I have little doubt this is probably your reason for setting this up.
That is precisely why I started this discussion thread. Yet - I don't want a free for all where anyone and everyone can have a page (or however we end up doing it). I am thinking that number of posts and time registered, or a combination of number of posts and time registered, as a qualifier.

Maybe you could determine a way to "highlight" certain contributors so their ads are easily found. You might put the ad in a box or maybe in bold. Maybe certain listings could appear above the others similar to Google's "sponsored" links.

We'll definitely have to have a focus point, such as an index of sorts. This could easily be done in the Wiki as an add-on to the existing index that Scott made.

That is precisely why I started this discussion thread. Yet - I don't want a free for all where anyone and everyone can have a page (or however we end up doing it). I am thinking that number of posts and time registered, or a combination of number of posts and time registered, as a qualifier.



We'll definitely have to have a focus point, such as an index of sorts. This could easily be done in the Wiki as an add-on to the existing index that Scott made.

Just like with Google, the higher paying sites are the first ones that appear in a search. You could award your longer covers, contributors, etc. by having their sites first in the list. Like others have suggested, you could have some small fee or whatever for those with no association with the Cove (or have it exclusive-totally your decision).

I am Wiki ignorant. I need to learn about it.

Scott isn't in this discussion yet, but I'd like Scott's input on possibly using the Wiki. That way each person / company could have their own page and could put in what they want.

The wiki would be a good idea. We can set up a category for "User webpages" (or whatever we want to call it) so there would be one-click access to all the pages, listed alphabetically. We can put the link to the category on the front page so it's easy to find.

For those who are wiki-challenged, take a look at Wikipedia:Cheatsheet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet) for a brief introduction to the wiki markup language. Links to additional help pages can also be found there.

If it would be helpful, I can workup a 'dummy' page so folks can see what's possible.

Something like http://www.aboutus.org/ would be a good idea.

Anyone can also do this - and then could link back to their elsmar.com wiki page.

That would be much appreciated, Scott.

Thanks for the great offer Marc.

Some of the suggestions presented so far are excellent. I can see a lot of effort is going into this already. My only "concern", if you will, is that this could end up looking like the bulletin board at the local grocery store. Unless there is a quick and easy way to find what you are looking for, notices/links can easily get lost. I like the idea of categories (sort of like the yellow pages). That way you wouldn't have to spend hours sorting out the services you are looking for. I see a problem in categories though in that people may tend to list in multiple categories and flood you.


Dave

I agree with Dave.
While I am relatively new here I would not like to see the spirit of this site be compromised.
I do make it a point not to promote my company in my posts.
(Why would I want prospective customers to see how stupid I can be on occasion:o )

I would suggest a link in the sidebar labeled something to the effect of offered services or referred services, or ????.
Again like the yellow pages / super pages with an index.
Consultants, Registrars, Calibration Labs….. with links to our respective sites....Just a thought

I was wrong and I apologise. I forgot about this: http://www.aboutus.org/Elsmar.com

Scott set that up.

I was wrong and I apologise. I forgot about this: http://www.aboutus.org/Elsmar.com

I wouldn't preclude that from doing our own thing on the Elsmar wiki. They can compliment each other.


As for criteria, just to throw some numbers out, if you expect someone to be somewhat active - maybe expect 5 posts a month or so - after being signed up for 1 year they would need 60 posts - after 2 years, 120 posts, and so on.

And maybe at least double-digit thanked posts?

$ contributors are automatically included?

Some of the suggestions presented so far are excellent. I can see a lot of effort is going into this already. My only "concern", if you will, is that this could end up looking like the bulletin board at the local grocery store. Unless there is a quick and easy way to find what you are looking for, notices/links can easily get lost. I like the idea of categories (sort of like the yellow pages). That way you wouldn't have to spend hours sorting out the services you are looking for. I see a problem in categories though in that people may tend to list in multiple categories and flood you.

This can be handled in the wiki - there can be sub-categories for the "user webpage" main category. There won't be any flooding - folks can choose to explore the sub-categories or just browse the main category.

$ contributors are automatically included?

Probably, but with consideration to participation. $ Contributions are US$10 to US$25 so that's pretty cheap for an advertisement without participation.

We can set up a category for "User webpages" (or whatever we want to call it) so there would be one-click access to all the pages, listed alphabetically. And a keyword search - within Elsmar Wiki user pages - is also possible?

If it would be helpful, I can workup a 'dummy' page so folks can see what's possible.Now there are already two possibilities: 1. A user page (for the individual member)- like an extended profile. Those who do not have a web page can make one for themselves? and
2. A company info page - more like an advertisement for the member's company.

See this (http://elsmar.com/wiki/index.php/User:ScottCatron-5977/draft1)for a simple example of layout and formatting options.

And a keyword search - within Elsmar Wiki user pages - is also possible?

I just tried a search for "Scott Catron" and my user page didn't pop up - so I'm assuming the user space is not normally searchable.


Now there are already two possibilities: 1. A user page (for the individual member)- like an extended profile. Those who do not have a web page can make one for themselves? and
2. A company info page - more like an advertisement for the member's company.

Any registered forum user already has #1 - they just click on the Quality Assurance and Business Standards BOK Wiki (http://elsmar.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page) link found in the Information Resources - Papers - Articles - Etc. (http://elsmar.com/Forums/forumdisplay.php?f=79) sub-forum and look for a link to their user page (it will be their forum name) just below the normal forum header.

#2 is what we're trying to clarify now.

Just like with Google, the higher paying sites are the first ones that appear in a search.

:topic: Google would actually be horrified at your saying this, because it isn't true. Yes, there are paid advertisements, but they are clearly identified as such. But they actually work very, very hard to try & ensure that searching brings up highly relevant sites - and while many would like to buy those kinds of search rankings, they aren't for sale.

I like the idea very much!
:)

OK - Scott is going to start on the framework for a form page in the Wiki. Please take a miute and read through this discussion thread and let's see if we can come up with exactly what we want in the way of a form / contents.

Scott's suggestion as a starting point is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_Company which would end up something like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Whatlinkshere/Template:Infobox_Company for examples of use.

It looks like you're already set on a course of action, but here's another suggestion. vB can be setup to allow signature links. This, of course, attracts spammers. To combat that, I have seen other vB forums do two things:

(1) Require a minimum number of posts before a signature link is allowed.

(2) Automatically remove the links if the poster hasn't remained active in the forum for a set period (e.g. 3 months).

This method would benefit your greatest contributors in that the more they post, the more exposure their sites would have. I'm pretty sure there are mods available to manage both functions, cutting your administrative workload.

Just my $0.02.

(2) Automatically remove the links if the poster hasn't remained active in the forum for a set period (e.g. 3 months).

I haven't seen how to set up something like that, but I'll look into it. I'm not sure I want live links in signatures, but it's something to think about.

Scott and I have been chatting in PMs about this and he's got a good idea for a 'category' setup in the Wiki. I'll let him explain it. That will be better for people because Wiki pages are static pages and are easily indexed as opposed to forum pages which are dynamic (or so the SEO theory goes...).

I'll set up an outline folks can use for their pages. I'll be glad to help those that need it - I'll just need text and images.

I'll try to have something tomorrow and post a note here when it's ready.

Well, all my fancy plans haven't worked, so let's stick to basics. I'll refer folks to the example page I set up earlier - see here (http://elsmar.com/wiki/index.php/User:ScottCatron-5977/draft1) - for a simple layout.

Marc, are we ready for folks to start? If so, I can help set up pages - I can get a framework started for users to fill with their information, or if they want to provide text and images, I can create their pages. Once folks get their feet wet, I think they'll be able to update information as needed.

We can have each 'user company' have a separate page, and all pages then can be linked by a 'user company' category page.

Questions?

Well, all my fancy plans haven't worked, so let's stick to basics. I'll refer folks to the example page I set up earlier - see here (http://elsmar.com/wiki/index.php/User:ScottCatron-5977/draft1) - for a simple layout.

Marc, are we ready for folks to start? If so, I can help set up pages - I can get a framework started for users to fill with their information, or if they want to provide text and images, I can create their pages. Once folks get their feet wet, I think they'll be able to update information as needed.

We can have each 'user company' have a separate page, and all pages then can be linked by a 'user company' category page.

Questions?

Shouldn't the slogan be "We're Hair for you"?

Otherwise, it looks great. Shouldn't we put a limit on length/size of each page?

Shouldn't the slogan be "We're Hair for you"?

Otherwise, it looks great. Shouldn't we put a limit on length/size of each page?
Well..... I guess it doesn't matter, other than setting some sort of 'limit' as to what 'qualifications' for someone to make a page for themselves and/or their business. That's still up in the air.

I say "I guess...." because vBulletin just went through 3 upgrades (a main upgrade and two bug fixes to each of those) and I haven't done them yet. Since the update includes database schema changes, it has changed whether some hacks (add-on modules, if you will) work. And some people are having problems with the Wiki integration of the latest MediaWiki.

So - It will probably be a week before I upgrade all the necessary software, but in the mean time everything is working so we can carry on as usual.

I keep coming back to 'qualifications' to post a page.

Ideas, folks?

Concerning qualifications, I have a related concern. Would we be opening the site up for possible legal unpleasantness if someone uses one of the businesses here and has a bad experience? Even without the legal stuff, how would such an occurrence reflect on the Cove?

That is a good concern. I wonder if it would be any less/more/same as the advice provided within the Cove, and the existing advertisers?

That is a good concern. I wonder if it would be any less/more/same as the advice provided within the Cove, and the existing advertisers?

Well, that is a point. It may not really matter much, but I do wonder...

Concerning qualifications, I have a related concern. Would we be opening the site up for possible legal unpleasantness if someone uses one of the businesses here and has a bad experience? Even without the legal stuff, how would such an occurrence reflect on the Cove?

I'm not very concerned about someone suing over taking a recommendation here and having problems. I AM concerned about anyone's experience with an advertiser, or even general information from here. But there is a limit of responsibility. Again, herein is the aspect of what to use as a 'qualifier' to have a page.

I will say, from what I see so far, I don't see a lot of interest in this. It may turn out to be not used at all.

...I will say, from what I see so far, I don't see a lot of interest in this. It may turn out to be not used at all.

Actually, I was interested, but was simply waiting for everything to be developed and the dust settle. I put it on my to-do list to come back to it in a few weeks.

If that is already done, maybe I did not understand that.

I will say, from what I see so far, I don't see a lot of interest in this. It may turn out to be not used at all.

While I am very interested in this endeavor, I also am standing by to see if our company will qualify for a listing.
Also being techno-stupid doesn’t help me any in setting up a company page.

I am sure any listings from here will be used by those who require services provided they can be easily found.

I am hoping to be able to provide a link to our company web site. This would seem to be the simplest answer for me. (provided links will be allowed)

Our company would like to provide a reciprocal link. I refer interested people here anyway. Providing a link serves a duel purpose.

So… What are the rules?:confused:

Actually, I was interested, but was simply waiting for everything to be developed and the dust settle. I put it on my to-do list to come back to it in a few weeks.

If that is already done, maybe I did not understand that.
Technically, Scott has posted the template so it can be started.

So… What are the rules?:confused:
That's what we have to discuss. My personal input is it should be based upon participation using a metric such as number of posts. Maybe 50 'business related' (not Coffee Break forum) posts of helping others.

Technically, Scott has posted the template so it can be started.

By all means, let's do a real-world example to get this going.

Assuming hjilling will qualify, why don't you send me a PM with whatever you want on the page and I'll put something together.

(It may not happen until Tuesday, however, since we're going camping this weekend.)