Welcome to the information age! The 21st century beckons with numerous technological media to explore and make use of. If you're looking for family-type activities that all of you can share, why not build a family Web site? It's fun, easy, and relatively inexpensive.
First you'll need to select a domain name. Come up with one that everyone will be likely to remember and enjoy using. For example, if your family's name is "Smith," you might like to try something like "Smithtown" or "Smithville," although these probably are already in use. The point is to try and stake a unique name that tells the world a little bit about your site without giving away (in the title at least) personal information like first names or birth dates. There may be a fee to register and secure your use of the Web site's name.
Then you should find a Web host for your site. There are many reputable companies to choose from, and some not so reputable ones, too, so be careful. Find out how much you will pay, how this fee will be paid (monthly versus annually, for example), and whether there are maintenance fees or other expenses. Start a file with all printable records associated with the Web site.
Now the fun part begins. Have family members make suggestions for the kinds of information they'd like to post. Here are some ideas:
-group, individual, or pet photographs
-a family or individual blog (online journal)
-biographies for each person
-narrative accounts of family life
-personal fiction or poetry
-puzzles, jokes, quizzes
-contests, favorite facts
-sound bytes, video clips
-discussion board
-chat room
-ezine (online magazine or newsletter)
As you can see, there are many things that can be posted to tell visitors something about your family life. Avoid posting information that is too personal, such as your address, ages, school name, workplace, etc., to avoid stalkers, scammers, or anyone who might try to take advantage. Instruct the kids not to communicate with those they don’t know or to give out personal information.
Why would visitors come to your Web site? Probably out of curiosity at first. They may want to see what your family is like or what makes all of you different from other families. Perhaps your special features will attract interest or frequent readers who will return for periodic updates.
What's in it for your family?
1. They'll enjoy quality time together in a shared, relevant activity. Ideally, the site should be updated every month, so the family can schedule regular family time to maintain their new hobby.
2. They can share creative endeavors that will likely reveal new traits or characteristics to each other and to themselves.
3. They may value the opportunity to model a positive family experience to visitors who come to your Web site.
4. They will become more technologically literate, which can provide benefits to other areas of life, like school and jobs.
5. They will enjoy increased contact with the rest of the world via visitors.
Do some online browsing to find out more about this valuable activity that can bring families closer together.
