CONTACT DETAILS - We need a PLAN B

**Hedeby** · 11-24-2017 14:06

What became very apparent during our recent outage was that in addition to everything else we lost the ability to contact the majority of people- setting up shows etc would be hard work if we couldn't communicate. I have spoken to a few chaps and we agree we need a back up system, there are a couple of options...

1. Whats App - for anyone happy to download the app and share their mobile number this is very useful and we could have a group with loads of folks on, alerts and messages would be easy to access and reply to.
2. Group E-mail - we could also do things via e-mail by setting up an e-mail database so we could reach out that way.

Any other suggestions accepted (pigeons are out though as I have cats...)

Let me know what you think and I can set something out, this way even if the sire falls over we are not in a communication desert and we can carry on...

**Teaticket** · 11-24-2017 16:11

It was a bit disturbing to be out of touch for so long. I think an email list would be good.

**fast.git** · 11-24-2017 16:19

I would be happy with either, though any email list might be easier.

**NewFlyBoy** · 11-24-2017 22:27

I second (third?) the email list idea.

**Guntruck** · 11-24-2017 23:45

Email, as it’s easier to delete people who do not necessarily need to receive particular emails than a What’s App group.

**Naharaht** · 11-25-2017 00:15

I agree with you too. We do need a secondary communication system.

**NeilCFord** · 11-25-2017 00:26

Google Group? People can remove themselves if they wish, can access via email or web and it can have multiple owners / managers so not dependent on one person to maintain. Don’t have to have a Google account to use (though do require one to setup / manage) and free.

- Neil.

**OldGuy59** · 11-25-2017 00:43

Not that this has anything to do with me all the way over on the other side of the world, but yeah. Whether I am part of the UK Wing or not, I lost contact with everyone here, and it is a comm link. If the site went down near an event on this side of the world, I would be looking at a back-up.

However, What's App would never be an option. This 'app' pillages your contact list, and connects you to any other What's App user, without permission, nor warning. Download the app, and you don't get to select who gets connected. For me, that was not what I wanted.

Just so you know, your contact list is looted and shared to whomever is on it.

**Hedeby** · 11-25-2017 02:40

E-mail list looks like the best idea then Mike - in addition its not just our OK friends we lost contact with so we would want to be able to reach as many people as possible with this

**Lt. S.Kafloc** · 11-25-2017 03:23

email list it is then and thanks for the info on whatsapp, didn't realise this.

neil

**Rebel** · 11-25-2017 03:30

I agree. When I couldn't contact people on the Drome site I was amazed to find I only had private email addresses for two other members; and one of them didn't work.
Email newsgroup is definitely my preferred option.

**matt56** · 11-25-2017 03:45

I agree with Peter and Chris and Mike - it was a real bummer when the site was down! This place has become an integral part of my day/computer time, and I was surprised how much I missed it and the folks on it

From an organizational standpoint, it's vital there is some backup plan for those putting on games at conventions; it sounds like the consensus of using email is a good one. I look forward to the backup plan, and if I can help at all (although my computer skills are rather meager), I'd be more than happy to do so. I'm planning on setting up an email group for Origins, as we're in the middle of our planning for that and even lost some info in the crash. Luckily it's been re-posted, and I had made a hand-written abbreviated copy of things beforehand.

Again, count me in, and I'm happy to help however I can

All the best,
Matt

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 11-25-2017 04:29

I think that we should go the E-mail route chaps.
I am quite happy to collate the E-mail addresses of anyone who wishes to partake worldwide, and then distribute a complete set to each member. Hopefully there will be some responsible person in each country who can hold a backup list as well. That should then give us enough contacts to get others through the central hub holders for each country.
if you like this idea just forward your E-Mail contact details to me.
Rob.

**Hedeby** · 11-25-2017 04:32

Wilco Wingco

**Guntruck** · 11-25-2017 04:35

You should have mine already Rob. I don’t mind doing it if you have enough on your plate already.

**flash** · 11-25-2017 07:31

You already have mine Wingco - it's a good idea to have a backup, I have a few e-mail addresses and was contacted by a couple of chaps during the down time as i know you were.

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 11-25-2017 11:52

Fine chaps.
I already have a mail from Harry Mattern offering to do the States for us.
Just got to look into the privacy restrictions on holding personal info and circulating it outside the Drome.
Consequently anyone whose address I already have will need to post up here to say that they don't mind the information being held by the various Wingcos and Squadron Leaders for dissimulation to third parties who are Drome or Sails members.
Rob.

**matt56** · 11-25-2017 12:03

That would be me, Rob

Harry is my given name, but almost all the folks who know me through gaming know me as Matt. But I will answer to either...

As I mentioned in my PM, I would be happy to serve as PLAN B coordinator here in the States if no one else steps forward. The hierarchy here in the States is a bit different than abroad, I think, and I'm happy to step aside for anyone more appropriate for the job. I am willing to help out however I can or the Forum needs me to help.

All the best,
Matt

**Flying Officer Kyte** · 11-25-2017 12:08

Thanks for the offer Matt.
Unless any senior bod comes along you are in pole position, or as we would sat on sails, "up the sharp end."
I will discuss the protocols to follow with Keith once we can see the outline of who will do what.
Rob.

**Stumptonian** · 11-25-2017 12:10

I am perfectly happy to let "Harry/Matt" handle the USA.
I will PM my email (not sure if he already has it from the custom Wings of War cigar box build)

**Nightbomber** · 11-25-2017 12:18

My humble 2 cents chaps.
No Whats app, no email list...
Please consider the Messenger app for mobile phones and download it. I use it daily to contact my mates and people in different groups we can easily create using this app.
Group is the option we should use for a daily contact! I strongly suggest that!
Download it please and we could stay online with ease...

Yours,
Andy.

**Baxter** · 11-25-2017 14:14

Plan B for me would be to use this

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/

Simple, just post what you want in the Games and Flight Sims sub forum. Easy to use and also an informative site.

**Rebel** · 11-25-2017 16:37

Originally Posted by Nightbomber

My humble 2 cents chaps.
No Whats app, no email list...
Please consider the Messenger app for mobile phones and download it. I use it daily to contact my mates and people in different groups we can easily create using this app.
Group is the option we should use for a daily contact! I strongly suggest that!
Download it please and we could stay online with ease...

Yours,
Andy.

Not everybody has, or indeed, wants a smart phone!

**Setarius** · 11-25-2017 19:27

Hi guys. I agree with what has been said about a second line of communications for the Aerodrome should a problem occur again.
I came to this site after being part of the Yahoo Groups Wings of War group. That group is still up and walking, very slowly, but it might be a possibility if all else fails. Plus Carl Brisgamer also had a group there as well.

**Naharaht** · 11-25-2017 20:02

There is also the Yahoo group at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/wow_nexus/info

Rob, I give you permission to share my e-mail address with the other Wing Commanders, Squadron Leaders and Fleet Commanders, who may disseminate it to other members of the Aerodrome or Anchorage websites on a 'need to know' basis.