Port Ludlow Digital Village

Issues Identified

As with any new endeavor, there is a natural "fear of the unknown"  and we believe it only fair to identify concerns raised by some individuals in the community to let them know we have heard them.  We also offer our thoughts.

1.This new web based application will put the Port Ludlow Voice out of business.

       Comment: We believe that there could be great collaboration between the two organizations creating a win-win for both the Voice and the Digital Village, but more importantly the community at large. If we thought this would put the Voice out of business, we wouldn't be proposing it.

2.  The online phone directory would make the print version obsolete and not wanted.  This would result in loss of revenue to the Port Ludlow Village Council.

Comment: We believe most, if not all residents, will still want to have that handy printed phone directory right next to the phone.  The digital village would just provide an easy way to have the information available for print when needed.  How many people have thrown away their regular phone books since "Google" became a household name?

3.  What about those who don't have a computer and  never will?

Comment: There will always be some that are not ready to embrace the digital world and that is okay.  However, they should not hold back others who do want to take advantage of technology.  This web-based application allows each individual to make his or her own choice.  You don't have to use it if you don't want to.  However, it is worth pointing out that 77% of American homes now have computers, and "seniors" are becoming more and more engaged and "tech" savvy.

4.  With the size and scope of this project, won't it be difficult to keep the information current and fresh?  That's a problem with existing websites in the community.

Comment: This web-based application is a very decentralized modular-based system that is very easy to learn and update.  Rather than relying on a very few to keep sites current and fresh, this model relies on everyone to keep their portion updated.  We believe that there will be enough incentive and momentum for everyone to keep their portion updated. If they don't, we won't succeed.  It is that simple.

5.  This new system will require a lot of people to become "webmasters" and they won't be able to do what is needed to keep the site up.

Comment:  While it is true that this new system will require each organization using it to keep it populated, it is relatively easy to do so.  The vendor has a number of online presentations to walk you through each phase and they are well-documented.  In addition, there are online  video presentations available and the computer club has agreed to assist in the training of these "webmasters."  We also are looking at a mentoring system in which administrators train themselves by mentoring each other among similar groups.

6.  I'm concerned about the privacy of my personal information and the security and reliability of the host site being so far away from us.

Comment: When you complete your personal profile, you have the choice of opting out and not making your personal information available to other residents and the common address directory.  In addition, each site administrator will be able to restrict access to only those acceptable to him or her.  The data will reside on a secure Oracle database protected by our contractual agreement that will prohibit selling of any of our data.

7.  Having all the information reside on one computer thousands of miles away seems to make us completely dependent on one vendor. Doesn't this put all our eggs in one basket?

Comment:  Good observation!  We are also concerned about this and will want some contractual assurances from the vendor as to their reliability and service.  They have been providing this service to a large number of similarly situated communities and our reference checks have suggested that this is not a problem.  They do backup the data daily and every week have a backup copy made that is kept off site.  We also have the option of hosting the information on our own server here in Port Ludlow but this option is not economically feasible, as licensing costs would make this an extremely expensive proposition. 

8.  Nothing is free! How much will this cost us?

Comment:  see our separate section on cost models.

9.  Aren't there other cheaper applications out there that achieve the same thing?

Comment:  Well, if there are we have not found them.  We have spent a fair amount of time searching the internet for community intranet applications.  We have not found any that have the breath of applications at a price anywhere near what this vendor provides.  We would be more than happy to explore other applications if brought to our attention.

10.  Is the community large enough to support this product?

        Comment:  Our research of other clients' use of this program tells us that we are large enough to support this initiative.  However, the proof will be in the pudding.  We are a unique community and only time will tell.

11.  How can only one position to administer the program be adequate? What kind of skill sets would be needed to seek advertising dollars.

        Comment:  There will be many volunteer hours dedicated to this initiative in addition to a paid position.  This community runs on volunteerism!  Experience will be the best teacher and we will adjust accordingly. As to skill sets, we are aware of the skills necessary and the challenges of this project.  We believe the potential community benefit is worth expending significant volunteer time to make it happen.

12.  Will the Voice will loose advertising revenue?

        Comment:  We have heard this fear expressed many times by many people.  We have also asked many in the vendor community if they would stop advertising in the Voice should this new initiative happen.  They have all stated that they would continue to support the Voice and keep their ads running.  Some have even said they would put it in writing. Our discussions with communities using this model also suggest that this is an unfounded fear.

13.  Are you sure this new entity would be eligible for nonprofit status?

        Comment:  Our research tells us that we would be eligible.  If it turns out that we are not, and the community still wants to see this happen, we will regroup and reorganize to meet the requirements.  

14.  Will you seek funding from the Port Ludlow Village Council, Ludlow Maintenance Commission, or the South Bay Community Association?

        Comment:  It is not our intent to seek funding in this manner.  However, if any of these groups would like to contribute resources toward the initiative, they will not be turned down.  See our funding model tab for more specific information on funding.

15.  Will the printed phone directory provided by the PLVC will go away and the advertising revenue for that purpose  jeopardized.

        Comment:  First, experience would tell everyone that we all like to have our hard copy of the phonebook near the phone.  How many have thrown out their yellow pages phonebook, even though they can get the same information online?  As to the potential loss of advertising revenue, perhaps there can be collaboration between organizations to mitigate any loss.  We are open to ideas and suggestions to make this a win-win for everyone.

16.  Will community members actually use this website?

        Comment:  Experience would suggest they will; but if people don't use the application, it will essentially fail.  We believe this web application offers so many possibilities to the community, that it is worth the risk. We believe that others will feel the same way once exposed to the product.