The Accidental Webmaster
By Julie M. Still; 205 pages; published by Information Today Inc.
Reviewed by Peggy Jubien
This book is for the nonprofit webmaster, whether a paid staff member or a volunteer, and his or her supervisor. Designing web pages, fundraising online, and negotiating better hosting rates from an Internet service provider are among the topics that Still discusses in her new book.
Consider for a moment these scenarios: Did your volunteer webmaster leave your organization last month without sharing the website's password? Did someone in your office miss paying the domain name fee and now another group has your old name? Do your board members and staff waste valuable time debating what is and isn't suitable content for your website? This book can steer your organization clear of these problems, leaving your webmaster to do his or her job and the remaining staff, volunteers and board members focused on your organization's objectives.
Designing the website and regularly updating it are often only a small portion of an accidental webmaster's responsibilities. He or she may also maintain and manage multiple email lists, be the primary email contact for the organization, and act as a technical consultant to staff and board members. Defining the scope of an accidental webmaster's role is an important process for managers if they wish to attract and keep a satisfied team member.
What makes this book effective is Still's direct experience as an accidental
webmaster. She describes in concise, non-technical language how she built
and enhanced the website of a small hiking group in her community. She knows
first hand the unique challenges that nonprofits face, and as a result, her
book stands out from the crowd.
Buy the book:
Peggy Jubien was a volunteer webmaster for a Calgary environmental group. She
currently works in the nonprofit sector.
Canada: buy through Amazon.ca: CDN$40.45
International: buy through Amazon.com: US$29.50
