The Blog Page

News, commentary and humor about bicycling and other topics of the day

 

Technology: friend or foe?

Generally, I'm a big fan of computer technology, but there are times when it makes me want to pull my hair out. (And fortunately, despite turning 46 yesterday, I still have plenty of it to pull out!)

The case in point: Trying to get the word out about the change of location for the Belleville Area Bicycling and Eating Society's Meet 'n' Eat.

When we made arrangements several months ago, we were not aware of Old Spaghetti Factory's plans to close its restaurant at Laclede's Landing in St. Louis for remodeling. One of our members, Paul Skeans, let us know the he heard about the plans just days before the Meet 'n' Eat, and we moved quickly to find an alternative.

We made an effort to get the word out by updating the group's Web site and sending updated information to the Gateway Council of Hostelling International's online calendar. I also posted a notice on this blog because I know many of our group's members regularly read this site.

We also tried to get the word out via e-mail, and that's where the problems took place. Glitches still remain with our new newsletter program, so many people did not get our recent newsletters. When we tried to get the word out with our old system, the Web site's server would not allow two of our three batches to go out.

I understand why Internet providers and companies that host Web site put restrictions on how many e-mails can be sent at a time, and it's because of the spam that clogs our inboxes. Unfortunately, it makes it more difficult for people or organizations that don't have the resources for elaborate e-mail programs to get the word out.

If anyone didn't get the message and showed up at the Old Spaghetti Factory, I apologize for the problem in getting the word out. I hope to have the problem fixed before we send out our next newsletter.

Labels: Belleville Area Bicycling Eating Society, computers, technology

Roger 1 comments links to this post 9:36 PM