Township News Network Uploaded

Jeremy Gilbey and I have finally loaded the reconstructed Township News Network to the internet. We're in the final stage of tweeking and testing. I expect we'll be sending out the first official press release by the weekend.

The site originated in my mind a couple years ago when I was covering the township beat for the Messenger. I realized that many townships have no web presence or have lousy web presence.

The first attempt at building the Township News Network was an incomplete effort. When I first took up the task my skills at web design were limited, and I knew nothing of server-side scripting and database usage.

Things have changed mightily. While I've learned a lot since then, it wasn't entirely up to me to develop the Township News Network. At first I enlisted Andrew Penry to help develop the new site. Andrew is more an expert in programming and web technology; unfortunately, Andrew had too many priorities such as teaching to devote the required time to the Township News Network project. Andrew has become more my personal mentor and consultant on the project these last two months.

Next I enlisted Jeremy Gilbey. While I primarily set the goals and required features and looks of the site, Jeremy did all the programming. Jeremy and I are now co-owners of the Township News Network.

The Township News Network provides an all-around web presence solution to townships across the entire United States. Features of the site include email newsletters, media and press connections, article submissions, meeting minute archives, and a visual township calendar. Other features include a virtual Town Hall and township form downloads. Townships subscribe to the service annually at rates depending on their service level.

I see some future developments and features, but the site is ready to go. I'm looking forward to seeing this project prosper. View the site at www.townshipnews.net