Here it is February 1st, and we have 54 members who have provided their information. That information has been compiled as reflected in the database which can be found by accessing the Member Database Link on the Index Page.

You'll note the information shown is simply a re-organization of data already available through the website. That way, we have maintained the privacy already afforded members.

Obviously, this is a first attempt at building what we hope will become a valuable resource to members. It is our intent to keep the information as current as possible but updates can only occur when members submit their information. The more members who participate, the more valuable the resource will become. Suggestions with regard to improving this resource can be sent to me, Vic or Marty via e-mail or PM.

I assume an XLS file is Excell????

Ain't got it...........................

if you can find a copy of OpenOffice it will allow you to open xls files,doc,pps or other MS Office type file

Yes OpenOffice works and as the name suggests it's free.
Get it at http://www.openoffice.org/

I am not sure if OpenOffice will open the new version of Microsoft Office which has file extensions that end with X, i.e. xlsx, docx ...

So if you want everyone to be able to read this file, you will have to maintain the Office 2003 format of .xls.

Ian, I'm not sure what I expected but what you published isn't it.

When I gave you the information you asked for I expected it to be published or I wouldn't have submitted it.
As it stands now the information is useless.
Using the phone book or Canada411 I can see

Keen Ian G
xxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Far more information than what your letting us see in the database.
At least include the real name and phone number.

Hopefully, Vic will jump in with the explanation. He has a reason for not publishing all of your information. For what it's worth, I tend to agree with him.

Ken, the spreadsheet shown is an old one. I have sent a new version to Marty and I expect he will be attaching it shortly. It does show the member's actual name as well as user name. As for the member's addresses and telephone numbers, the decision was made not to post them as too many members had expressed privacy issues, regardless of the ability to find the information using various sources on the 'Net. Once a member in a specific area has been identified, inter-member contact can be accomplished by e-mail or PM through the website. Any exchange of addresses, 'phone numbers and the like after that can then be made by consenting adults, as it were.

Please understand we are trying to provide a resource here within some fairly narrow confines - quite a few members have advised they will not participate, others have advised that even though they have submitted their information, they don't want it posted, others want their information removed after thinking about it for awhile, others are telling us similar sources already exist so why do we need to duplicate information readily available on other sites, some will allow their address to be shown but not their 'phone numbers and vice versa...the list goes on.

What started as a simple project to simply organize information already available on the website has certainly lost its shine. It can easily be removed and the records shredded. Or, we can all chip in and make it work.

The web site has both versions of the excel file... though the .xlxs file will self convert to the old file.

If you rather download the .xlx file just take off the "s" on the link and you will be transported to the other file.

I also prevented bots from finding the file and passing out our cell phones and it is invisible to any non member.

At this time the "public" database is filtered so that every tom dick and hairy doesn't call glhonda at home for advice at 7 am eastern time.

We will provide the additional info to those members that request it for another particular member on a per member basis.

That's the way we see it now after 30 days.....

Let's see what evolves as time goes on.

Ian, I just checked the new version and that I can live with as it does contain some contact information.
I'm sorry for the noise, I should have waited for things to evolve.

No worries, Ken. This thing is a wee bit more complex than we first thought but it will work itself out. Basic idea is solid. Now we just need to work out the bugs.

I just checked out the info available on the Member Database Link and I like it! Simple, and more info is available either by e-mailing the member in question or pm'ing one of the apropriate admin's/moderator....

Good job to all!


Now.. If we could just get ahold of yiterp......

Great job guys, its too bad things have to get so complex but you have come up with a good concept and I think the list is beneficial and easy for everyone to use.

Ian,
I guess I didn't give you my email address, since it's not in the database. I will pm you with my address.
Bryce