[mb]

Hey, anyone know what's going on over at the WTA? I was just thinking about them and noticed they're looking for a magazine editor, and the web archive of the magazine hasn't been updated since June, and the weekly report hasn't been updated since 9/27/01.

[Brian Curtis]

Dan Nelson wrote a farewell column that was published in the most recent edition of Washington Trails. He's going to be taking over the management of the US Hang Gliding Association's magazine.

[Rich Baldwin]

I last heard from Bill Sunderland about two months ago. He had planned to release a new version of the web site in October, but ended up on a jury. There was also a change coming up in his work. I'm wondering whether the weekly report was intended to be discontinued. It lacks a shortcut or hot link on the home page. We are continuing to work on the Trails Database for the web site.

[Allison]

Yes they have a couple of jobs open over at WTA. There are changes afoot.

[mb]

just went over to check and their website is down, saying "new website coming soon". what a weird way to do things, unless the new website is coming tomorrow and they just want it down for a single day.

[Whirled Why Wait]

That's the way Bill S does it -- he closes it down for a massive reorganization. Seems like a smart idea... people can wait while he messes with it, eh?

[An Observer]

I am simply fascinated by the interest shown here about WTA's forthcoming updated website.

[mb]

Um, the normal way to do it is to prepare a new web site somewhere else (like beta.wta.org) then switch over in a few minutes. I'm more interested in what's going and what they're up with respect to trail advocacy and maintence than the web site, but the site is the only way I know what that is. This weekend is the first time I've checked on it in quite a while.

[An Observer]

As a member of WTA you receive "Washington Trails" and should be well infomed about their programs!

[-lol-]

[mb]

Ah, good point, Observer. I don't know if I've ever been an official member of the WTA. For a number of years I donated an amount greater than the membership fee, but I declined the magzine when offered. Why? Because I don't want more chopped-up-tree publications when I can read the same information on-line. That amount was a portion of a workplace-giving-program, and since I no longer work there I haven't yet re-organized my finances to include the WTA. And frankly, they're lower on my list than they used to be because of politicial decisions they have made (unsure alliance with bicyclists, support of the trail park pass). If it weren't for the web site I probably wouldn't even know they existed. I never had the planning to go on a work trip, and it took me a while to connect the magazine I saw in REI to the organization.

[An Observer]

The new WTA website is running. Well taken point mb about another 'chopped up tree publication' though I'm sure they use recycled paper. In any case, you can read the magazine online now.

[mb]

Looks like the website was a normal switchover, I just happend upon it at the wrong time and the 'we're down' message didn't have a timeframe (like we're down until 3/3/3). Haven't looked at it much yet, but it looks good.

[Sore Feet]

oooOOOOOoooo. Eye candy. From a web designers p.o.v, it is very bad practice to take down your old site while the new one is being built. I could probably spend an hour or two tongue lashing them about how to cut down the dowload time too (not that it took forever, but there are ways to streamline). It's looking very nice though. *edited to say that I've got a beef with their navigation system too*

[MCaver]

I dont think I've been to the WTA website since Trail Talk was shut down. Not out of spite or anything, I just forget it exists.