Based on questions I receive about what/when/where, etc, it appears there are many members (even some 'oldies') who are not familiar with how to find things from the home page of our website. That's not too surprising, since there is a lot there, and it's not easy to digest right away, esp for new members.

Like home pages of most websites, ours is intended as a PORTAL thru which you can find out what's happening, and find links to important info about the club.

This portal begins with the table of LINKS at the top of the home page to more detailed info about the club and its various activities. One such link is that to the Calendar of Events for the year. That page, although useful for long-range planning, has little information beyond the date/subject/location of events for the rest of the year. Sometimes it is even less current than the home page info. (!)

I encourage all members to become familiar with the main groups of items below the links section on the home page. I hope you have the time (either today or soon) to join me in a walk down our home page.

The first is the "BLUE BOX", which contains the events for the next month: competitions, program evening and field trips. When checking out special categories for competitions, make sure you know the definitions for each (the link at the top entitled "Competition Categories" will take you there. One of the main reasons why even good images are summarily dismissed by competition judges is their failure to adhere to the criteria for that category. If you have any questions about these categories, check with the respective competition chairs. They are listed on the Club Officers page, accessible from the link at the top of the home page.

Below the Blue Box is another box entitled SPECIAL EVENTS (to mark on your calendar). The content of this box varies over time.

Below that is a box denoted by a large QUESTION MARK, entitled FAQ, with a link to a FAQ page. You'll be surprised how many pearls of little-known info is there.

Next down is a long white box entitled "MEMBERS IN THE NEWS", listing members whose photographs have been recognized in various local and national competitions, or are on display at various galleries. Owing to the stellar work of our members, this list requires periodic truncating, but all entries (current & past) can be found in the link to ARCHIVES at the top of the box.

Then comes thumbnail image links to some of our affiliated photo organizations: N4C and PSA. I suspect most of you have never clicked these links. When time and curiosity permit, try them.

Finally, at the bottom of the page is the familiar GOOGLE SEARCH TOOL. Enter some search terms and there's about a 98% chance Ma Google will find the answer on our website. I guarantee it! (If you've ever received an award in a club competition, try entering your name.)

As always, questions, comments and suggestions are welcome. That's often how we fix problems and improve things.

Thanks for your patience.


Laurie Naiman
Webmaster, Palo Alto Camera Club
"The best little camera club in Palo Alto."