Alpha Phi Website

[TechAPhi]

I am curious to know what you Alpha Phi ladies think about our fraternity's website (http://www.alphaphi.org).

As a web designer I am bothered by how infrequently it is updated. I think we could be doing so much more. So I guess my question to you is three-fold:
[list=1][*]What do you like/dislike about the site?[*]What features would you like to see that are not currently there?[*]What other fraternity/sorority sites have you seen that you really like (include URLs if possible).[/list=1]
Just curious to see what you all think (non-Alpha Phis with constructive critique are more than welcome to reply as well).

AOE,
Jen

[TechAPhi]

As you all know by know, I am a web designer, so I am fascinated by the way sororities and fraternities use the web to market their organizations.

LIKES/DISLIKES

As far as design goes, I like the "feeling" our site (http://www.alphaphi.org) evokes. I like the image with the Alpha Phi women. I like the whimsical ivy leaf design for navigation.

While I like the concept of the navigation, I don't think it is as "intuitive" as it could be. The navigation scheme basically only goes one level then it leaves you to find your own way in the sub-levels, which tends to be confusing. There is more available than is readily apparent to the user. I'd like to see a well-planned, "intuitive" navigation scheme.

From a technical standpoint, I am bothered by the sporadic use of ALT tags and the heavy-duty graphical interface. Much of what they use for navigation could be accomplished using a combination of simple text and graphics, instead of massive images.

FEATURES I'D LIKE TO SEE

I'd like to see more images, photos, and graphics.

I'd also like to see more frequent updates, and, perhaps a message board or chat function--like many other sorority sites have.

FRATERNITY/SORORITY SITES I LIKE

I have seen many that I like--however, I am particularly partial to Kappa Alpha Theta's (http://www.kappaalphatheta.org). I think they're doing a great job--they update regularly, have tons of fascinating history pieces, and it looks extremely clean and professional.

I have seen a number of great fraternity sites. I think many of the men's fraternity sites are light years ahead of us sorority women's sites (but we're catching up--albeit slowly!).

I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Looking forward to hearing from you...

AOE,
Jen

[MsPhiGirl]

I agree. It should be updated way more often. I wish there was a chat feature or message board kinda like this one.

Overall I think it's cute though.

[bruinaphi]

Jen,

One thing I'd really like to see improved is the database of members available to other members. When we first went online the database was fairly large but since the new page was debuted (boy do I feel old -- I guess that was a couple of years ago now) it is difficult to access, update or input information into the database (not to mention the fact that they canned the old database). I think this is a severe handicap to communication, dues paying and keeping information updated.

aoe,
Laura

[TechAPhi]

Laura,

Oh! I couldn't agree with you more. I got the big alum directory this year and a CD came with it. Obviously this could be put in a database that would be easily accessible to Alpha Phi members in a password-protected area.

There is so much we could be doing. I hate seeing the site so static!

Jen