New Resources Page

[albpilot]

joseki said:

Let me offer up a few possibilities on the Ace List mentioned above. If you choose to keep it and maintain it, how often will it be maintained? Arizona flys about once a week, if not more. That could mean having people knocking on your door to update as soon as they fly. Moving names and keeping track of who is on top becomes extremely difficult. And thats just the four to 10 players from one small group. Lets multiply that by 3 to 5 times for adding in other groups. Your talking alot of effort there.

Well, having run information tracking exercises like this at work, it's not all that hard to do technically (something like an Access db with exports to Excel which would then link to the page would not be that hard to set up). For myself, knowing the sort of time constraints I face on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, I'd say that an update on the online Ace list would be a quarterly thing at best, and then I'd set guidelines on submissions and when they needed to be in by. Any more rapid posting than that and I think you'd need to have someone who has much more time than I have to spend actually doing it.

[Stephen]

joseki said:

I also appreaciate you mentioning your trials and tribulations with the online Ace Page. Makes the point as to how difficult it can be.

Rick had a better way to do it but I was never computer savvy enough to implement it no matter how hard I tried. And, since unmaintained DP sites drive me nuts, I couldn't stand to have an unmaintained area. So we dumped it. I wish someone could pick it up again because it deserves to be done.

[Stephen]

albpilot said:

Well, I mentioned before that we could always start to reimburse you from the Sqdn fund too, if you want to go that route.

I'd hate to saddle our group with a society bill. And think about it... we barely collect that much each year. It would bankrupt us and would kill Armistice Day and RBF prizes.

[AP]

I spoke with Mike briefly about this subject last fall when he was in town. I volunteered my time & services to help get the DP site 'up to date'. Mike said he would let the webmaster know, but I doubt that happened. Honestly, I think when Mike wants to have the DP site updated, thats when it will happen...much like the 8th edition...
As for the Ace List, I only use free sites for webpages, but would happy to setup and run a page. I already update our local profile pages on a weekly basis, and have the bandwidth timewise to expand that no problem. Perhaps the mini-con would be a good venue to have this discussion & 'get the ball rolling'?

PS- Jim if you catch this thread - I found a few more profiles but do not remember what I have sent you already... do you know what you are missing? lmk!

[Stephen]

I say go for it. I'd suggest putting the ace list up and complete it, then send a notice to MC and discuss it with him at the mini con. He may want to merge the official list with your new page.

I'd do an article on it in ISD to help drive traffic there as well. When we had the World Ace Rankings on IndySquadron.com it was one of the most popular pages and got lots of hits, so there's no doubt it will boost your readership. Everyone loves to see where their pilots rank.

[albpilot]

So, my offer is apparently not good enough... fine.

[Stephen]

Well... SOMEBODY do it!

[joseki]

(Chuckles) ok were on to something here lets run with it.

Stephan do you want to set up a page here for the Alb pilot or shall I get Mason to add a page on the Arizona site?

[albpilot]

joseki said:

(Chuckles) ok were on to something here lets run with it.

Stephan do you want to set up a page here for the Alb pilot or shall I get Mason to add a page on the Arizona site?

Actually, I'm going to put together the next Ace list for the Aerodrome it looks like, so let's chat at the minicon and we can use what I get together to post once we decide format/updating/etc.

[Stephen]

First of all, I need a fresh link to the AZ site. The old Frank Luke site is apparently down and I don't know where to find it. We'll add it to our LINKS section as well.

Secondly, I would really like to have the Ace List page here as part of ISD. We originated and debuted the whole concept of a web-based ace list and I would enjoy playing some small part in taking the idea to the next level. If it helps, I can also set up webmaster access for the Ace List editor so that you can update it whenever you like without me.

I also think that using ISD as a base is smart because it gives the Ace List program a big boost. We have the most complete and well established DP site on the web with the most viewers and ISD will generate more participation than any other "home." So yes, I would like it to be here.

That said, I think you and Rick (Alb pilot) should make that decision and do what you think is best for everyone. I'll do everything I can to support it no matter what you choose. You guys are the ones making it happen and its your decision. Rick has experience putting it together and will be a big plus in that regard. Let me know how I can help.

[AP]

I was bored at work last night & started tinkering around with a page...
www.geocities.com/cubsfan4life1908/acelist.html

It probably makes more sense to have the list on the Indy site since it is the most well known & viewed sight though... so if any assistance is needed in the creation / upkeep lmk I am happy to help!

[Stephen]

Andy, your page looks great and if you guys decide that's where it should be then I'm all for it.

[joseki]

Wow That page looks great! I also buy into Stephen's reasons for wanting it on ISD. Andrew would it be possible to move your page to ISD?

I imagine Rick will have slots and more fun breakdowns such as kill % etc.

But as I've said before I'm in favor of whoever wants to do it. (Grins)

[joseki]

Oh almost forgot groups.msn.com/ApacheJadgstaffel

The Frank Luke crew no longer participate on a regular basis.

[Stephen]

There is another way to look at this, guys.

The Ace List is a draw. Everyone likes to see their name in print and believe me, people will find their way to whatever URL the list is under.

So... do we put the list on ISD where it will be most frequently seen and get the most participation? Or do we use the list to help boost readership and support one of the newer sites such as Apache or Ghost Jasta?

I would like to have it here, but our readership is established and growing and if another site needs the boost I'm all for it.