[LTER-im-rep] Testing our readiness for the next google rankings

[Wade Sheldon]

We're in the same boat, but I agree that this subject deserves discussion. For example, a good use case for a revamped network web site would be to provide sites with a common infrastructure for developing a mobile optimized web presence. I don't see a phone UI as being useful for people looking for research data or other products, but things like general project info, personnel contact info, news, site maps, etc. would certainly be compelling things to provide on a smart phone for people visiting an LTER site. Either as an app, or just a suitably-styled and structured web page.

But like John said, the key point to consider is who our audience truly is and where we should be directing our effect. We don't have the resources to chase every shiny new technology, and I for one won't lose any sleep if our website fails to render on an Apple Watch ;)

Wade



On 6/19/2015 11:23 AM, Dan Bahauddin wrote:
> Mobile optimization is something we are working on at our site as well.  As John notes, there are circumstances when viewing data where such optimization is not terribly useful and is potentially counter productive.
>
> --
> Dan Bahauddin
> /Information Manager
>
> Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve
> 2660 Fawn Lake Dr. NE
> East Bethel, MN 55005
>
> Office:  612-301-2603
> Fax:  612-301-2626/
>
> On Fri, Jun 19, 2015 at 10:01 AM, John Porter <jhp7e at virginia.edu <mailto:jhp7e at virginia.edu>> wrote:
>
>     Interesting.... But I've got mixed feelings about optimizing for a
>     mobile (e.g. phone) because, although I will admit that phone-based
>     browsers are increasingly common, I just can't see the sort of serious
>     scientist who would be downloading and analyzing our data doing it on a
>     phone or tablet. There are just too many important analytical tools that
>     don't run in that environment.
>
>     That being said, in terms of the general public, phones may be the
>     dominant way of accessing the site. So the question may be more in terms
>     of who we see our target audience as being.
>
>     I did some looking and <7% of the users on our site were using a mobile
>     device.....  We passed your test - mainly because I'd installed a
>     partly-successful Drupal Theme aimed at mobile sites - but I've also had
>     some problems with it showing up on desktops as well (the Drupal module
>     for detecting the type of browser is only MOSTLY successful).
>
>     This is a discussion we should be having, however......
>
>       -JP
>
>     On 6/18/2015 5:04 PM, Inigo San Gil wrote:
>     >
>     > IMs,
>     >
>     > Have you ever wonder what would be the next thing Bob Robbins may do,
>     > should he be tasked with a new-review of LTER IMs?
>     >
>     > I have no idea.
>     >
>     > But I had fun looking at our /stellar /performance when it comes to
>     > modern technologies to deliver information.
>     >
>     > Results in the ppt linked down here - please do not share - this is for
>     > your eyes only
>     > (well, anybody can do what I did here, /let's hope nobody finds out,
>     > right?/)
>     >
>     > https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yxgcx9-DoyVTQ0Y0ZWTGRFdEk/view?usp=sharing
>     >
>     > inigo
>     >
>     >
>     >
>     >
>     > _______________________________________________
>     > Long Term Ecological Research Network
>     > im-rep mailing list
>     > im-rep at lternet.edu <mailto:im-rep at lternet.edu>
>     >
>
>     --
>     John H. Porter
>     Dept. of Environmental Sciences
>     University of Virginia
>     291 McCormick Road
>     PO Box 400123
>     Charlottesville, VA 22904-4123
>     _______________________________________________
>     Long Term Ecological Research Network
>     im-rep mailing list
>     im-rep at lternet.edu <mailto:im-rep at lternet.edu>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Long Term Ecological Research Network
> im-rep mailing list
> im-rep at lternet.edu

-- 
____________________________________

  Wade M. Sheldon
  GCE-LTER Information Manager
  School of Marine Programs
  University of Georgia
  Athens, GA 30602-3636
  Email: sheldon at uga.edu
  WWW: http://gce-lter.marsci.uga.edu/bios/wsheldon