Help with new website Options

[bigfootmorf]

Hi everyone. I just purchased www.newjerseybigfoot.com and will be setting it up.I want to hear from fellow Bigfoot researchers,or Bigfoot website operators. Perhaps you could give me some input or ideas for the site.Any info is much appreciated,thanks. Mike

Please PM me or email me at morfordmi@comcast.net

[plaidlemur]

Think clean. A three column design, plenty of spacing between items, and nothing flashing.

Text sizes should be constrained, with titles bolded, slightly larger, but not overpowering.

A draw to the site needs to be in place, such as recent encounters, a report submission page, and possibly a forum, or other draw for repeat visits by individuals.

Hook into a report database, so that viewers can peruse sightings. This is probably the #1 draw.

A section dedicated to the lore and past sightings of New Jersey is essential.

Links to other sites (in a link sharing scenario, if possible).

An audio/video section dealing with the famous bits would be great, and an extensive listing of known hoaxes, with analysis would be pretty sweet.

There are plenty of very inexpensive templates available for purchase with which you can build your site. These offer minimal investment, while maintaining a professional and clean look.

[bigfootmorf]

Plaid,thanks. I will look at some options,the biggest problem for me is lack of time

[bipto]

This is somewhat self-serving, but I think the TBRC site is the best-of-breed at the moment. I'd look at it for inspiration.

[plaidlemur]

bipto,

I'm in awe of your company site. Smooth, clean, and original.

You need some paper towels? 'Cause talent is dripping off you.

[bipto]

Garsh. Thanks!

[AlbertaSasquatch]

Wow Brian that site is super impressive. I am also in the process of creating a website so this helps me a lot. Thanks.

[bigfootmorf]

Question,as far as posting pics or videos of supposed bigfoots,how do you find out who owns the rights so that i can get permission? Do i need to get permission? For example Bipto,i see you have PATTY on your site,did you need to get permission?

[bipto]

Posting of copyrighted images is protected by the Fair Use Clause of the US Copyright Code. As far as the TBRC site goes, they mostly post images and movies they themselves have created. And for the few that they didn't, I'd say the Fair Use Clause would cover them.

i see you have PATTY on your site,did you need to get permission?

Paul did get an exclusive license to use the PGF figure on tshirts.

[bigfootmorf]

So,am i to understand that if you are not actually profiting from the image,that its merely there for something to look at,then it should be okay??

[bipto]

I'm not sure that profiting has anything to do with it. It's true that the BFF is not run as a for-profit enterprise. Regardless, what we do here is, in my opinion, "criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research" so is therefore protected. Of course, the only way to know for sure would be for someone to sue me and have a court decide.

[l3lacken]

The one thing I have kept in mind when doing a site is the simple KISS rule........
Keep It Simple Stupid LOL
dont over do it with alot of animations or flash, things that will make a page load alot slower then most are will to wait. And keep your main page eye popping, something catchy. once you have them there ya wanna keep them there. But then I am no expert on this.

[AlbertaSasquatch]

Posting of copyrighted images is protected by the Fair Use Clause of the US Copyright Code. As far as the TBRC site goes, they mostly post images and movies they themselves have created. And for the few that they didn't, I'd say the Fair Use Clause would cover them.

This is exactly what I was wondering for the past couple of weeks so this is great to know. Thanks for the help Brian and thanks for starting this thread bigfootmorf.

[bipto]

Keep in mind I am not a lawyer, never played one on TV, and did not stay at a Holiday Day Inn Express last night. Mine is just a common-sense reading of the statute.

[AlbertaSasquatch]

I would say your common sense is spot on Brian!

[nightscream]

I agree that the TBRC site is pretty smooth and is the current gold standard. Very professional. I think that the more professional BF research sites appear to the public the more serious they will take the subject but I might be wrong.

[nightscream]

Bigfootmorf, just checked the domain to see if you had anything set up yet. I was just checking out of curiousity as I have been thinking of setting one up myself. Whatever I would set up is definately going to be on the amateur side. At this point I probably won't even purchase a domain, will probably just make something with a free builder site like Angelfire or Google sites.

Keep us posted on yours as I am interested to see how others go!