AETHERPHON, global theremin family

Susi

Thanks for the kind words & support...

> If you can make use of more Web 2.0 technologies e.g. RSS feeds
> the easier keeping a portal up to date becomes.

Well, we'll have RSS and e-mail all feeding off the posts, so a single 
update to the site will allow us to get the message out to people who 
prefer those methods of delivery instead of visiting a website 
regularly.  The test e-mail came through as clear and readable and I'm 
certain will be the delivery method of choice for many.


> The keys to portal/social networking success are:
> make it do something that everyone appreciates and values.
> Engagement to get everyone using it.
> Ownership - make people feel it's owned by them collectively.

Hopefully we've got all those covered.  We'll always have at least two 
admins so that the site doesn't get abandonned if one goes AWOL, and the 
fact that everyone can update their own space with whatever they like 
should help the ownership issue.


> Personally, I'm terrible about updating my own website, let alone anyone
> else's, and I'm probably more web-savvy and organised than most musicians!

This is always a risk, but personally I'll be offering to help anybody 
get started who wants assistance.


> Wouldn't a MySpace theremin group do a lot of this stuff?  E.g. people
> already post details of their gigs, links to their music files & videos...
> although it's a bit limited on functionality like adding in documents,
> links, resources...

It could potentially, but I find it to be a nightmare to navigate, with 
searches for artists I know are there returning blanks.  I find it is 
too busy with adverts and distractions, and rarely use it if I can avoid 
it.  To top it all, they use Flash Player 8 for music playback which I 
can't use under Linux :-(
I think our biggest advantages over MySpace will be the very specific 
focus of the site without needless bells and whistles and the guidance 
that Gordon & I (as well as others once we're up and running) will be 
able to provide.



> Anyway, genuinally do eagerly await details of theremin UK portal.

...Not long to go, now...



Jonathan (J_D)