Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Looking for model cohousing decision logs

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> On Aug 9, 2015, at 9:29 AM, Kathy Icenogle <kathy.icenogle [at] gmail.com> 
> wrote:
> 
> I wish I knew [Wordpress] like I know Google Sites. And, unfortunately, 
> migrating at this point would be tough.)

Here are the directions for exporting the information in Google Sites using the 
Google Sites Liberation Tool. The directions on Google’s own site don’t include 
“sites” as an option. (Don’t ask. Google has its own unique cognitive style.)

https://hec.su/bjJK

I haven’t tried this so I don’t know want format they are exported in. There 
must be some way to import it to Wordpress, even if you have to go in and 
transfer some data into other fields. Wordpress at least gives you good search 
options.

> Crystal Farmer wrote:


> Sharon, can you give some more details on how your WordPress records work?
> Are these internal files or do you have a website that's searchable? Do you
> assign keywords like you would for a blog post?

They work exactly like a blog post. You use a category, “Decision Log”, that is 
used for nothing else. There are plugins that allow you to search a category so 
you can search a topic only in the Decision Log and not get all the entries in 
minutes or photos. 

The problem with Yahoo searches is that if I search “furnishings” I get results 
from every message that was sent with the word in it, even if the word is only 
in the trailing messages and has nothing to do with the main message.

When I researched best ways to start a wiki, I found that the best method was 
to allow people to just start entering data and organize it as it seems right. 
A structure will evolve. Then a Head Gnome goes through to move, correct, 
structure, etc  Before the gnome gets to it the information is still there to 
search even if it isn’t perfectly organized.

In Wordpress, entries can be emailed by anyone to the email address set up for 
posting by email. If the subject line includes "decision log” the entries can 
be easily found and categories, keywords, etc., added.

Wordpress is not awful to learn. You can start with Wordpress.org, a free site. 
It has limited options but they are entirely sufficient for a basic site and 
its a good way to learn. Otherwise you can get into deep water too soon. One 
limitation is that your address has “wordpress" in it.

Then when you are comfortable, you can export the data and transfer it to your 
own server and freestanding Wordpress version that allows pretty much 
everything you could dream up. Takoma Village has a hosting account with 
Bluehost. We have a main site and a password protected members site. We have 
.takomavillage.org email addresses available for residents. 

Bluehost has a dedicated Wordpress service that optimizes Wordpress accounts 
and has Wordpress support staff. Very good support by telephone, email, and 
chat. The expertise required is only the willingness to take the time.

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org