Hi everyone!

I have some some fairly large updates here security wise as well as a few database updates. We had some issues with our maps and those issues have been resolved.

Next on my list is some search engine optimization to start drawing some visitors. I have also been working on a powerpoint presentation that I hope to get in video format and have out here for people to view. We'll post it here, youtube, google video, and metacafe. I would ask that if you know of other video sites, to please post it as well.

I am working on our first newsletter issue... once I make a little more progress with the PPP and the SEO, I'll get that sent out.

That's all for now... more updates to come. :)

Thanks everyone for your support!

Will R.

Best wishes to all for a happy and safe holiday.

Nil Sine Labore
Conrad

Hi everyone!

A couple updates with regards to the development of ridersunited.org!

I have installed the means to allow sending newsletters to our members. This is an opt-in option. You may notice the Riders United Newletter block located on the left sidebar towards the bottom of every page. Click subscribe here to subscribe to the newsletter.

New users signing up have the ability during signup to subscribe to this newsletter as well.

I have also added some functionality that will allow us to configure what blocks we see on the left sidebar. When I refer to a block, I am referring to a section like events, latest image, or the who's new section. To add or remove these blocks from your display, click My Account in the menu bar above, then click the Edit Tab. Under the Block Configuration section you will see the blocks that you may enable/disable from your display.

That's all for now... be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, then customize your display!

Ride safe everyone!

Will R.

First up, I am humbled to have been invited to be member of the board, and even though we’re still in the genesis, I’ll get the ball rolling.

Honestly, I am skeptical of many charities, particularly those that are able to purchase prime-time television advertising. I’m talking about those that are heavy at the top with highly paid executives working in “ivory towers” and living a lifestyle on contributor’s dollars that I can only dream of. I’ve experienced the refusal of some charities to provide me a financial statement of executive salaries and I’ll avoid any and all of those without reservation.

I won’t belabour the point, however, I’d like to see our members consider getting behind things like community food backs; homeless shelters; disaster responders; volunteer groups like small community fire squads, to name a few.

I may be out of line here, but these are my thoughts and I invite any discussion or debate.

Nil Sine Labore
Conrad

Some more progress to report -

I have the online store installed and I am currently testing with Associate and Single memberships. By purchasing a membership, the system will automatically upgrade the user's role. The membership automatically expires after 1 year and will remind the member of expiration 2 weeks prior to the expiration.

I've added a donation incentive that will allow members to make donations to the charity of their choice. This module will also allow us some fund raising capabilities by offering items in the online store with a certain percentage or dollar amount to a charity that the user chooses during checkout.

I added some neat effects for viewing images. By clicking any thumbnail, a popup window will appear within the browser... give it a try.

For those of you who have signed up for a free account, I am still in the process of creating everyone's ridersunited.org email address.

Have a great night everyone!

The Shriners are sponsering a Fun Run at the local Harley Davidson Stealership tommorow. Me and the wife are looking forward to a nice day out on the bike. I'll be sure to mention Riders United to as many folks as I can! Ride safe Ya'll!
Peace,
Chuck

Hi Everyone,

I figure this may be a good place to keep everyone updated.

I have changed the Members Map at the top of the screen to automatically populate when someone signs up. This means in order for folks to join, they will have to enter at least their city, state, and zip. Our system here will then build them a place marker on the map. This automation process helps me out quite a bit! Members are indicated with a blue marker, and the board of directors is indicated by red markers.

For those of you who have signed up in the past day or two, I will be creating you ridersunited.org email addresses. Things have been pretty hectic here and I just haven't gotten to it yet.... but I haven't forgot.

That's about as far as I have gotten today... hopefully more progress tomorrow!

Have a good night everyone!

Will R.

Still learning to navigate this website. Some changes from the 1330 Tourer site so I'm on a new learning curve.

I hope to see some other members populating the various areas. And just so you know, I've already suggested to our webmaster that a biography be a requirement to join. It won't deter my presence here if he rejects the suggestion, however, If we are to be a community then let's be a community.

Nil Sine Labore
Conrad

Heh... not a lot of people here reading this. Oh well... that will change soon enough. :)

Still waiting on the IRS to make a non-profit determination on Riders United, LLC. While waiting I have invited 5 highly skilled individuals to join us on the board of directors. Three of the five have accepted the position and I am waiting on a decision from the other two.

I have a database of 80,000 hotels, bed & breakfasts, and condo/vacation rentals that I plan to have out here within the next month after the migration of ridersunited.org to a high end server and more stable platform. We have partnered with hotels.com and this will allow us to offer deeply discounted lodging through ridersunited.org!

Also in the works is a new software package. This software was designed for government and non-profit organizations to help them in their efforts. A lot more details will be released once we have a chance to try out the software, but I am thoroughly excited about what it can bring to the table. My hope is that it will set ridersunited.org a step above the rest.

We are not building a community here... we are giving the already existing community a place to meet and collaborate with other citizens in the motorcycle world while focusing on helping those in need.

Ride safe!

Will R.

Had this idea a while back. The idea kinda hit me upside the head like a brick. Time to see what I can do to make a difference. I've always enjoyed helping people and I have a talent for technology. Hopefully my planning skills will shine through and we can get Riders United off the ground and on it's way to being a successful non-profit organization.

I look forward to meeting new people and making a difference in people's lives. I hope you share the same enthusiasm.

Our organization becomes official on 3/31 and I will be sending off the 501(c)3 papers tomorrow to the IRS in an attempt to obtain non-profit status. This should be instrumental in moving us forward.

The Officers have been named in the board of directors, and we still have to appoint some board members. I have lots of folks in mind, but need to start small in order to make this thing work. I may end up having to skype out in order to hold or quarterly board meetings!

That's all for now... back to work!