Draft Website Sample 02

From the discussions and exchanges, I re-drafted the homepage to reflect the suggestions contributed by the members. Please note that this is a draft page and hence your comments/suggestions/critique is appreciated.

* Project Showcase
- This section will keep changing and the process will be manual. The idea is to showcase all Upakriti _projects_. Blurbs for each project can be pre-written, which is then updated on the website at regular intervals.

* What's New at Upakriti
- Currently, I am pulling in an RSS feed from a feed I maintain. This can be an active Upakriti blog wherein we can pull feeds from and will be updated every time a new post is made on the blog.

* Projects
- This section provides a set of links to projects. This list can grow and perhaps the idea can be that projects that need the most support can be on this list...

* Have a suggestion?
- _Users_ send email suggestions, comments, etc., via a form-mail option.

* Donate
- Self explanatory

Meeting with Rakesh

A meeting with Rakesh moved the project along and the following are highlights from our conversation -

* Brief review of website comments
- This discussion was based on the previous sample of the homepage and discussions that had transpired.

* Concerns with future maintenance - FrontPage vs Dreamweaver
- Discussion on how to best build and support a structure wherein the Upakriti website is manageable for the future.

* Coordinate efforts with Ram
- Certain quick-fixes and technical details were to follow after a meeting with Ram

* Communications for Upakriti
- P.S. Rakesh might be able to add his thoughts on this...

"Get Involved"

From discussions with Sai and Sundar, the idea of a "Get Involved" page evolved. I completed the text for the page and the same was shared for comments/feedback.

----------------------------
Get Involved
There are several ways to get involved with Upakriti and improve the lives of disadvantaged children in India. No matter how you wish to get involved, remain assured that your contribution means a lot to us and to the disadvantaged children.

Promote awareness
You can help spread the word. Tell a friend or a co-worker about Upakriti and its initiatives.

Stay informed
Become a volunteer by signing up for the Upakriti Yahoo Groups and participate in our campaigns and fundraisers.

Send us your story
Share your visit to a Upakriti project site by writing us a story. Don't forget to send us your pictures!

Join a vibrant community
Join a team of dedicated and productive individuals. Offer your ideas and strategies to help Upakriti grow.

Speak with a member
If you would like to speak with a Upakriti staff member, leave us a message at _________. Or, send an email to ________ and send your contact number.

New initiatives
Have a new project idea that you would like to see implemented? Call us or email us ________

Donate
Join a group of caring individuals who donate to Upakriti and make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children.

Link to our site
Have a blog or a website? Provide a link of the Upakriti website to help traffic and raise awareness.

Forward to a friend
Send this page to a friend
----------------------

Meeting with Sundar

The following are the notes Sundar had posted after our meeting [Sundar: I am taking the liberty of posting your notes online before _okay'ing_ it from you. I hope you do not mind.]

---------------------------
(a) Restructure the current left menu structure of current website
(b) Increase the prominence of the current project details
(c) Remove 'Terms of Use' and other areas not used
(d) Collapse all 'About Us' related sections namely About Us, Mission Statement, Upakriti at a glance etc
(e) Fix the Frontpage issue - left side menu disappears on MAC
(f) Include a new page Join Us - Sundar to provide structure
(g) Include a place where people will share ideas - Create a place to feed information (RSS) from a blog
(h) Upload more pictures of children at Upakriti supported homes
(i) Create a location to include all articles about Upakriti on the web - for example: the story on Ehsaas/Upakriti on Hindustan times
(j) Include a link to all websites,blogs, other stories on the web on all Upakriti supported beneficiaries
---------------------------

Both Sundar and Sai had additional comments regarding the draft page, which I will let them post if they find necessary.

Draft Website Sample 01

Hi All:

This is the draft homepage for Upakriti as I had suggested/communicated via email to Sai and Sundar on March 23, 2006. In addition, the following are the notes from my email -

-------------------------
* Upakriti Projects
This section will showcase different projects from time to time. The projects will _rotate_.
* What's New at Upakriti This is news items brought via RSS.
* About Us ...is about Upakriti
* I believe the "Donate Now" button needs to be easily located.

Again, this is a draft/sample and open to critique... hence, revisions.
-------------------------