LPH Progress Report
As of June 12, 2008 Things are coming along well. We finally found a calendar system that has all the features we need, plus it is Joomla! compatible… not an easy find. We have purchased the system and our programmer is putting things together. We spoke by phone on Monday and cleared up a couple items that were difficult to communicate by email. I still won’t commit to a completion date, but we’re close now. Very close.
As of April 8, 2008 We have a programmer working as I write. We’re still struggling with the calendar issues, though. In order to more forward we had to cut the fat. Still, the system should be fantastic for starters.
As of March 9, 2008 It appears our wanting to combine complex features - ”Rolls-Royce” calendars, a social network, self-post this-that-and-the-other - is a recipe for technical problems down the road. It also creates problems for “one-time” login, as compatible programs either don’t exist, or we haven’t found the magic combination yet. Programmers bidding on our project continue to be less qualified than we know we require. It would appear that the qualified ones know better than to take the project. We’re now looking at cutting back on the fringe services and simplifying the beginning system. Hopefully this well help make it possible to move forward.
As of January 22, 2008 It was sadly a scammer we fell pray to in October. He finally revealed himself 3 days before Christmas. Entered into contract through Scriptlance.com. Have used them in the past successfully. This time was a learning lesson. Have chosen a new coder (someone we’ve worked with in the past), but have not received a quote yet.
As of October 18, 2007 New site design is looking good so far. Overall it will have a WWII era look (or at least that’s where we’re headed). I am also ready to promote the “How to Re-create an Authentic 1621 Thanksgiving” at-home guide. Press release is in review today, and will go out next week. I am also working on the 2nd edition of the sewing and costuming guide, which I also am aiming to finalize next week.
As of October 6, 2007 At long last we’re making progress on the new website! We had two contracted coders back out of the project (before starting, but dragged their feet in telling us), which burned a lot of time. Finally, we have a coder who has been at it now for a week. As I explained to my newsletter subscribers, I’m done trying to force a launch date. It has been insanity to try. All I can give at this point is an estimate of sometime in November. The good news is, the site will be highly functional, and will include a community builder, the proposed calendar system, classifieds and forums. We are very excited! Thanks for staying tuned!
As of August 1, 2007 We have found a web consultant, and are in the process of troubleshooting site technical issues, and preparing for the addition of a Calendar system.
As of July 17, 2007 I am doing research on organization structure options. I am currently in the process of refinancing my home, and plan to use some of the cash out to hire legal and business counsel.
As of June 28, 2007, My husband and I are working on the calendar system, which I am super excited about. They will be the everything-fun-about-history “glue” of LPH! I am also making headway on setting up affiliate sponsors, which will provide an easy, mutually beneficial way to raise funds. I have also added Puzlet Gems to the Gallery offerings. They are so much fun! It’s nice to bring them back into the limelight, after all that has transpired (my personal family history, which I share briefly in the first Art & Spirit Chat). OH! And I sold my first art trio, which gave me a little bit of working capital for the Calendars; I have contacted several horse associations here in the US regarding the first American coast to coast Pony Express ride, and have set up a Yahoo group. Also, my local newspaper has done a write up. It may have gone out yesterday (I haven’t picked up a paper yet), but if not, it should go out next Wednesday.
As of June 2, 2007, I am working on promotions the next two weeks. Two projects: The first is a new squidoo lens on creating history-based events for fun or profit, and the second is a tutorial for greenhorn costuming and sewing with authentic touches. I elaborated a bit on History Fun Chat.
As of early 2007 I have created a loose business plan (copious notes with basic organization). I continue to solidify the business plan as I have windows of time.
I have created a complete website mock-up on paper
I have also purchased both domains: LetsPlayHistory.com and LetsPlayHistory.org
And created a seed-money generating plan (this art blog)
I have written and sent out press release(s)
My next big step is to set up the non-profit entity (approximately $3,000). In the meantime I am looking into the formation of an advisory committee.
