This website is a CMS or content management system. It is a dynamic website running from a mySQL database which means you can interact with it and make the site a living thing. Why is this important? I am sure you remember the old Mals website; enough said. When I have finished coding this new website you will be able to become a user and publish your own material. The Mals website will become a truly collaborative project that will accurately reflect what is going on.

As you can see Mals has it’s own Blog which is part of the website. Content and comments will appear on several pages on the website as well as automatically being uploaded the Mals Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. To begin with all new users once authorised by Clare will have to wait whilst any content is moderated. This website is a “G” rated website; which in website terms means, it is suitable to all. The reason for this is that young people and children will be accessing the Mals website, so this safeguard is put into place for that reason.

You will see posts by me, Leslie Fletcher the designer and developer, as “webmaster.” One of these is called “Netiquette” or etiquette for websites and social media. Basically good manners, politeness and empathy. I will also be writing guides on how to keep safe online and other useful information.

I sincerely hope you will all get involved in the website. It is backed up every day and it is encrypted with a SSL 128 bit certificate. I am personally hosting the website and have full root access so whatever you want to add to the website, (within reason), is possible.

Any suggestions or content you want to include; leslie@lesliejfletcher.com and I’ll get on it. One final thing. You will have your own user profile on the website and I would like you to complete the profile so that I can build a “meet the team” section on the about page of the website. I think it is important for people to see the human face of Mals. Oh dear, that’s me in trouble!