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Plugging Into a Community That Clicks
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Only the current newsletter issue and one previous one are posted on the Virginia Hills Web site. "We don't archive all of our issues," Boulter said.
In contrast, Chamberlain said Hillcrest archives all of its past newsletters.
Getting the paper newsletter out is easy in Hallcrest Heights, with only 150 townhouses. Teen volunteers who deliver the Herald and other fliers to each door not only earn community service hours but also get to know their neighbors, Tyler said.
Tyler, Boulter and Chamberlain all see their respective Web sites as the public face of their communities. This is where the first impression of the community's personality, traditions and setting are showcased.
The sites are also popular with absentee landlords and former residents. Chamberlain said she gets e-mails from people across the country who write, "I used to live in Hillcrest, over on . . . . . . Street."
What to Include
A variety of features can be part of your community's Web site. The trick is prioritizing them so that the site is easily navigable, uncluttered, informative and relevant to your readership.
"The hardest part is making sure that what is clear to me will also be clear to the Web user," said Ed Lehmann, webmaster for Waterford in Loudoun County.
First, when purchasing space through your Web hosting service, don't skimp. Allow room for future archived documents or photos.
Use clear menu options, so you can easily have both public and private spaces on your site. Sometimes they overlap. Don't make folks wade through reams of information. Instead, design your site so they can easily find what they need.
Know your audience. Prospective residents may want to see what activities are available for young children. Current residents may need to apply for architectural changes, or may wish to see minutes of the latest board meeting.
Recognizing the changing demographics in Virginia Hills, resident Dena Gollop, a teacher in Arlington, has translated that whole site into Spanish with its own corresponding menu below the main English menu.
Here are some common elements of community sites:
