www.Leazott.com

The "Down-Low" on "What's Up"!!
So much happened here this past month! So much new growth!
2015 05 01

A lot has been taking place, and the site is really showing it!
Of course, that's fairly natural with any new project such as this, but this is amazing!
There's just never enough hours in a day to get all the ideas done and working.

Now that there's to be a bit of a foothold made... I wondered how other sites do this?
So a websearch was made for family websites to find ideas and models.
Well some have recipes and blogs and such. Some very nice sites out there!
The nicest ideas right off were picture links of family members-which is planned for here also,
but might be it's own section in addition to the list views. Time will tell.

The idea that really caught my eye? The events calendar!
It solves the "scroll-down" problem nicely!
The "By State" method still has merit, and will be used until a calendar can be aquired.
They do look nice, but they're also pretty pricey....

So anyway, it seems that other sites have the same basic goals as this one does.
To spread the word amongst their kin bringing all of them together in one place.
If you see other sites with features you'd like to see here, post about them on the guestblog!

The good news is that this will probably be the longest newsletter for a very long time here!
There's so much needed for any new site, and ideas just keep coming in and bombarding every day!
It only makes sense that there would be more add-ons and improvements for any site at it's start.

It's a lot of fun, and very exciting to discover more and more new things about web authoring...
Viewer input is what's really being sought after though...
So come join the fun!!




Here's what's been done so far...


Well the page's look has now changed-A LOT!!
The header bar was changed to its new style!
For those of you that may have saw the first week or two of this site...
It was a preloaded software graphics template similar to one used by a certain group for their cause.
The solid background seems to be a better suited header that's more able to be used for our needs.

Also, after much thought, the menu bar was moved from the standard "Left Side" position to the top.
So any references on the pages that have been made about the left side will eventually be changed.
Notice how the sentences for this paragraph can go a bit further to right than the ones below?
The others were made before the change, and made to fit the available space.
Probably, this change had an effect on all pages already made, so they'll have to be reworked-again!

The main reason for the menu change, is that it yeilds us all an extra 1.5 inches or so of pagespace.
It can be used for photos, more text, callouts and other uses-on every page!!
Member pages are where it'll REALLY be of use! Larger photos & more thumbnails in the same space!

In reality, the space was really always there below the menu. Now it can be made usable for us.
There are some behind-the-scenes reasons for this also, but they're all veryy techno-geek!
Learn as you go I guess!
Expect some changes in the look from time to time over the next month or two while a "fit" is found.


This months uploads were HUGE!
A lot of new pages and features were added.
There's much behind-the-scenes work done also that users won't even see.
They're needed to make pages you do see work properly. Take a look around!
Why such big uploads you ask? Because many new software downloads were added!
They're free to all Leazott.com email contacts! So look them over! Many useful ones, not just fillers.


The newsletter layout alone took an entire day to create...And then some!
Now, you wouldn't think it (I know I sure didn't!),
But there's a lot more to drafting a newsletter column than one would normally realize!

First there's the basic layout and the inherent problems....
As if just making the article fit well on the page with the other links isn't enough...
There's re-reading and editing content over & over until every line fits and reads well.
Changing the wording time after time for grammar, spacing and just the look of it.

Then there's the flow... As in, how well one topic flows into the next.
Without that, things just seem pretty chaotic no matter how informative they are!
So shifting paragraphs around to relate well is needed time and time again.

The written paragraph is the one chance for a writer to transfer an idea ACCURATELY.
If the thoughts of both the reader and the writer differ, even just a bit,
What good is the message?

And of course, there's the many technical aspects that never seem to end...
Making sure all of the pages work for certain members while keeping the public out...
Creating new secure areas to save archived documents in...
Uploading files only to find out there's a bit more to web design than meets the eye.
Things do not always work on the internet as they do at home.

It's a work-in-progress...
With monthly tweeks & improvements coming until the look & feel is right!


Google Analytics & Webmaster Tools, plus Bing Webmaster Tools were added.
For those of you who don't know what those are:
They're a set of search engine tools that help people build better websites.
It's used as an aid in learning what words people search for relating to a given site.
This way, site builders can use the same terms others do, so their pages can be found.

Though it might seem obvious to some for Leazott.com to show up in a search for "Leazott"...
There are about 50,000 pages out there with the word Leazott on them...Amazing huh?
(45,700 on Google, and 51,900 on Bing--Though Google reported over 80,000 at mid-month!)
Hopefully these tools can help the site be found more easily for more family!

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that has to be done on a website.
This is just one item on a long list of details that most users never become aware of.
Figured you'd like to know what's being done here daily than besides just the pages you see!


SHARABLE ONLINE GENEALOGY SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE SITE!!
This is HUGE news for us all!!
The software links for downloading the program and it's updates have been added to the site!
Contacts can also download the latest updated family files and then import them to their computers.

Monthly historical highlights of family members are set up and will be ready to rollout later this month!
Code name: "The Pages Of L"
Every month, new L-Pages of historical narratives will be added online and to the family tree software!
It's only just begining, and we may see some glitches as it evolves, but this is humungous for us all!

This means that all contacts can all share current info together as one uniform file for all!
And can also send in info to add to it at any time, whether it's typewritten or on compatable files.
Contacts are encouraged to download the program and files, and add to it as soon as possible!

So far, it's not yet known how much can be made visable as "online viewing", but in testing it so far...
Everything uploaded is visable in the program when downloaded and opened on another computer!
(That means the downloads are working properly!!-YAY!!)


The "Newsletter Archives" link was created and placed on the headers right side.
That way any contact wishing to find past notes can do so quickly & easily.
There may also be some bits of geneology info in them that readers send in.
Contacts can visit the Newsletter Archives at any time.

After some thought, it was decided that the archived newsletters would not be public.
The "Current Newsletter" of any given month will be left accessable for net browsers,
But all saved news letters would be for member viewing only.
This way visitors can still see what's been done, as well as what's planned.

Also, the newsletter notice & link regarding visitor viewing was added to the upper right.
It'll be on every newsletter with a sign up by email link so visitors will understand.
Contacts can still search through the archived letters at any time.
Those not on the contact list can only see the current version that's posted.
Server bandwith is limited and paid for monthly, therefore it's reserved for contacts only.


The email address form was edited for newsletter signups.
New contacts will be asked at signup if they want to receive the newsletter (Recommended).
Newsletters can help keep you up to date with new contacts, family tree updates, and site changes.
Anyone changing their mind either way on it, can simply send an email regarding the changes.
Newsletters will be emailed to names@Leazott.com accounts only.
If you wish your mail to be re-directed elsewhere, state so on the email address form.


The "check eMail" link now on the header for signing in to your @Leazott.com mail.
Easy access in case you loose your link or are using another computer somewhere.
(Be sure to sign out of your email no matter where you are!-And clean your history!)
Email Login is also upper & lower case letter specific as another measure of security.


The "Report a Bug" email link was added to the header.
Many times when doing and re-doing webpages, the mind gets boggled from soooo many thoughts...
Each new thought has to be looked at in a way as to how it will affect other paragraphs or pages.
One thought leads to another, and another, and separates into several others at the same time...
Much like a web link system!
Each thought automatically leads to what will happen from the page, and then it's pages, and so on...

Inadvertantly, sometimes links will become broken from the sheer magnatude of intertwined thoughts.
Please help by clicking the bug link at the top of every page now, and sending an email regarding it.
Describe what page it's on, and what the link says.
Your help is very much appreciated! Thanks!


Contacts passwords seem to be working properly...Now!!
Wow did I get a huge lesson in multiple page passwords!
Never would I have imagined it was that difficult, and I'm sure there's a lot more to it!

There is only one way to enter contact password areas.
USERS MUST ENTER THE LOGIN PAGE FIRST IN ORDER TO USE MEMBER AREAS.
There are only two ways to get there:
1) The "Contacts Login" link at the top right corner of every page.
2) The menu dropdown link that says "Login Page".

Let's explore that just a bit...

Though each locked page has a login block, it won't work if accessed from that page.
Users cannot directly enter a locked page, until after using the login page first.
After entering through the login page, users can access the entire site normally at will.

Password Update:
The pages password entry worked as noted above when written...
Since then, the settings have been modified for a more direct user access.
Enter your username & password when entering any contacts page for the first time.
After that, it's now longer needed for unless you leave the site or clean your browser.


If any user ever has an issue with website or email passwords send an email quickly!
Generally it will be an all or nothing issue with pages for members.
But certain pages can be a bit trickier than others.
This message will be copy/pasted to a page accessible by header links for future help.


A "Why You Should Join" Page Was Made.
Some that find the page accidentally may not immediately realize the value of joining.
This page serves to bring light to the hidden reasons and benefits of joining us.
Anyone having other reason is encouraged to write in with them so they can be added!


A Contact Page Was Built.
At first it seemed a bit unnecessary for such a niche-specific site.
Especially when almost every page already has email links built within them.
But then it occured to me that some information might help in extreme cases.

So just to be sure, a page has now been dedicated, complete with an email form on it.
It's able to send both text and attachments in case anyone needs to.

Other relevant information will be posted to the page as any needs arise.
Feel free to use it any time.


Online Calendar For Events Selected (For Now).
An unbelievably exhaustive search of the internet, using both Google & Bing search engines.
Many online calendars were downloaded, tried, and rejected for a range of reasons.
Some wouldn't load, were too costly, too difficlt to admin, and a host of other issues.

After all that, the live.com calendar was picked to be the site calendar to start out with.
See Events/Calendar-Outlook (The /Calendar-Pad is a good choice, but costs money)

It might not be glamorous as others, but it meets the minimum standards needed for a web calendar.
Up until about a week ago, I would have been one of the unbelievers as to the availability and difficulty associated with what looks to be such a simple thing like a "Web Calendar" ...hmmmmm

Well, the first problem you run into when looking for one of these, is availability.
Sure, a web search "appears" like there's hundreds or even thousands to pick from, but try them...
They turn out to be "doorway pages" selling items, or "ad pages" that obscure the download links...
Then of course are the computer-geek downloads that once opened, leave you wondering where to install such an animal, and why they couldn't make it install like a store-bought program?
Which of course is answered by the fact that if it did, it'd be in a store!

After a few days of unsuccessful loadings, trials, and general frustrations (Basically giving up or in),
I resigned myself to just "look" at the pay demo's...
Well the first one was a fiasco...wasn't sure if the site would have to start again from scratch or not!
(Let that be a lesson!-ALWAYS back up your site-DAILY!!)
The second one was a bit better, though there were some uploading problems.
But the really frustrating part was that they hide their controls in the demo...
Why that is I couldn't even begin tell you...
After a day or two, I got the hang of it, but still wanted to hang on to my cash...So I looked again.

Thinking the Outlook would have similar requirements as the google one, I was reluctant...
A quick look showed it might work after all!
Not as colorful, but we're off and running!

The drawbacks are that it's frustrating to navigate if you aren't logged in to outlook-So get an account!
You can still look without an account, but navigation is limited.
And it will probably never have linkable text (Site shows users asking for it for several years now)

Anyone with an event to list, just email the info and it'll be added!
This has spaces for date, time, place, and even a weblink to a page about it.
Keep in mind, this calendar is for Leazott family outings, not flea markets and craft shows or friends stuff, thanks.

Eventually, another will be had that each contact can sign in and edit their own events.
Working on that....
But this really is good news for us until then!


New screenshots page made for "prospectives" to see what the email system looks like!
They're on a slideshow presentation... There just wasn't enough page to put them all individually!
Take a look at the screenshot page to see just how capable the program is!
Much more than just messaging... The organizing of contacts, calendars, and more is impressive!


New Website login & change email password links added to the "Password Help" page.
A link for those with Leazott.com email addresses to be able to change passwords whenever needed.
It should be relatively easy (No pun intended) for you to change your password whenever you like.
It's on the upper right side of the page. This is for email passwords only, not pageview passwords.

Also added to the upper right were Links to the new "L-Pages" and "Website Login".
These are the pages people want to enter when they're needing help, so this way they're handier.
Each link will open in a new window so you can return easily by x'ing them out if you need to.


Guestbook/mini-blog is online and running!!
Use it either way, just say hello and let people know you're out there, or startup a talk!
Link your name to your facebook page in the "website" line so others can find you there too!
For now at least, it'll be open to all so that more leazotts can see and be a part of this site.
Let people know what you think of the site!



Yeah... It's lotta fun.
Yes it is! The end result is worth it, and learning is the key to success, right?
Well a lot has been learned here in a very short time!

All so that you can look forward to having good informative newsletters on a regular basis!
Who knows, perhaps there'll even be a signup for emailing them soon!...Very soon!...
Yes there will!...Workin on it!
Thanks for reading about this months adventures!





And here's what's been planned for the future...

This list will stay on the newsletter, and be added to or subtracted from as needed.
Mostly as a "To Do" list, and something to be accountable to for making progress!
They're listed in no particular order of importance or lineup.
As the ideas or needs came into focus, they were written in...
Of course, with effort later to add new ones near related ones for train of thought.

Some items may be quick to get accomplished, while others may take longer...
Many may not even work out at all.
But we'll cross those bridges when we come to them.



"Future Plans" Menu Page Link So Everyone Can See...
It can show those not yet joined what future things are planned is for the site.
Possibly that may not be needed, but is an option...
Current newsletters can be seen by visitors, and the future plans will be on them.


"Why You Should Join" Menu Page Link...
Use this as a CONSTANT registering email address for joining other sites.
That means.... As a redirect to your ISP email=NO RE-REGISTERING EMAILS EVER!!
WOW!!
Webpage use....
Family contacts in one place...
Family reunions or get togethers...
Newsletters...Website updates on what's new...
Software Downloads...Office, science, geneology, anti-virus programs....more!
Update:
Page has been started...See info above.


Home Page Needs Some Work...
Anyone have any ideas on what they'd like to see?
Functionality information are the immediate focus, but any insight is welcome!


Website needs a contact page...
Though almost every page has email links, it seems necessary nowadays to devote space to this.
One will be created soon, with basic info to start with, and dressed up as time allows.
(Started after writing this...See details above)


Email Address Purchase Page Needs Updating...
It needs to tell more about the product details, and payment links.
It works fine as it is, go ahead and use the checkout.
But we all like for things to be simple and easy, don't we?
As time goes by, it'll get there.


Email Page Screenshot(s) Will Be Taken Soon...
These should help immensely in showing its features & appearance.
They may be helpful for those wondering about it's working details.
FYI-It has MUCH more control features than any ISP email mailbox that I've ever seen.
Perhaps a feature rundown for this is in order also...
NOTE: THE PAGE HAS BEEN MADE! (Just a day or two after writing this...)
Take a look at the email system screenshots page, and see what you think!


Some Page Menu Changes Are Planned...
Shortly after posting the last newsletter, It was decided that there seems to be no valid reasoning for
having two separate pages for contact emails and another for contact emails with pagelink and "info".

The two seperate pages ideas came at different times.
They were created on the site that way without realizing the possibility.

Life is a continual building project...
So now, merging them onto one page is being worked on....
Probably a re-ordering of pagelinks in the menu column will be the result.
This should make it very easy to look, email & share pages with each other.
One step at a time... Some have already started...


Newsletter email signup link and method being planned...
This will be a link for contacts use only for several reasons...
If a person is interested enough to join, they're probably interested in the information.
Sending emails takes up server resources, bandwidth, etc, which the contacts pay for.
Newsletters are archived for contact use only, and contain useful genealogy material.
Emailing them to anyone and everyone would defeat that purpose.
Update:
This idea was going be scrapped and make it an automatic/with joining.
See info above...


Reader opinions and input are wanted...
It's difficult to find someone to sit down and write a list of helpful ideas for websites.
The time it takes gets in the way of a fast paced, instant answer, lets move on world.
So a survey page might be the answer...
Readers can simply check radio buttons for multiple choice or other fast answers.
Look for this one to be added soon!


Eventual need for a search engine for this site...
The one already chosen for this site is very good.
It'll be added to the top of every page for easy reference.
Works to find any word you type into the search block (That's what they do right?).

So this is the proverbial "Heads Up!" to write very descriptive stories and photo titles.
Use lots of words-and not just the same ones over and over either. Describe it well!
The more words you have in your documents, the more it'll come up in the searches.
Plus, anything written about in the newsletters will also be easily retrievable!
Also, names and locations will be a big factor... Just a little FYI so you can prep now!


The "Events" section could use a good calendar...
Searching for some online for an entire day yealded nothing but "snooper programs"...
Many were loaded & installed only to find they were the 30 day, monthly fee or other junk types.
If anyone knows of a good event calendar that can be used for websites, please speak up!
Thanks.

Update:
A very extensive and exhaustive searh was made in April 2015 to find one...
Results posted above in What's been done section...Thanks


Possibly a higher quality blog may be created so users can interact...
Somewhere down the line possibly... Does anyone know of a good software program?
One with file attachment and other capabilities that users might want.
File uploading for picture sharing, email responses to their posts, etc.... Something fun!
This one would be for members only due to picture postings and other interactive ability.


Genealogy software for sharing info wanted here on this site...
Hopefully something we all can share and add to with each of our own bits and pieces.
Wouldn't it be nice to have an online software program dedicated solely to our own clan!?
Update: SOFTWARE FOUND!!...Read above section...


For now, while the basic framework of the site is being created, it'll be just that-Basic.
First come the pages with the important solid info...
Later comes the pizzazzz like member picture links to pages and thumbnail photos.
One less problem here is the multiple-page-click methods some sites use to get where you're going.
That feeling you get that it's a waste of clicks...Those pages are designed to get more ads to you.


As ideas and knowledge grow, so will the site-Let's have some input!
All I can do is implement the ideas....
You are the ones that can help guide the site where you want to go!

So many needs...
And so little webspace...


Please join in and help us all to find our heritage.
It belongs to all of us.
It belongs here.

So that's the down-low on what's-up!
Thanks for reading,

George Leazott
Massachusetts

Our family. Our website.
Leazott.com