My term as your Webminister expires next month, and while I am willing to continue doing this job, I am also willing to give somebody else a chance. I can even serve as deputy to the new Webminister until they get their feet under them, if necessary. Heh, “web feet”.
The Webminister is responsible for the official Baronial web site and its related functions. The Webminister updates the information on the web site as requested, such as when office holders change or a new event is announced. Knowledge of HTML and basic web design is required. Some functions of the web site are written in PHP, and an understanding of PHP would be helpful. You must have a reliable computer, Internet connection, and email address. Your ZX81, 300 baud modem, and AOL address are probably not sufficient. Most changes to the current site can be made in a text editor and uploaded via FTP, so no special software is required. The web site is hosted by a commercial service provider, so the ability to pay hosting and domain registration fees via credit card is required, though you will be reimbursed by the Barony after you make payment.
The Webminister is also responsible for maintaining the list of email aliases. The hosting service also provides email forwarding so that senders can always send email to a Baronial officer without having to remember who currently holds that office and what that person’s address is. Updating the list of aliases involves logging into the hosting provider’s domain management web interface, so some ability to deal with that kind of thing is required. We always have problems with forwarded email landing in spam folders, so dealing with email problems is a constant task.
The Webminister is also responsible for maintaining and administrating the Baronial Blog. The Debatable Blog uses the WordPress system and all interactions with the site are through a web interface. Some knowledge of WordPress usage and administration would be helpful. If I stay as Webminister, I’m going to pester officers a lot more to post things to the blog.
The job of Webminister is not constant. It mostly consists of small amounts of work on a irregular basis, but occasionally requires a large amount of work in a short time period. Like when you discover the entire web site has been hacked to forward to a bootleg pharmacy site. The editorial policy of the website is available on the site. Some familiarity with the current policy, and an interest in upholding or improving on these traditions would be to your advantage.
The Webminister is not responsible for the Barony’s social media presence, as this is a function of the Seneschal’s office by society policy. Some coordination with the Seneschal or Social Media Deputy may be required, but they tend to be really nice about it.
If you are interested in standing for this position, please submit a letter of intent to the Webminister and Seneschal before the next officers’ meeting, which will be on April 5th, 2017. Candidates should be at the meeting if possible, as the elected officer will be expected at future meetings for the duration of their 2-year term.
