FLAG WEBSITE FAQ/Q&A

For more info also consult the pages on Legal Matters/Disclaimer, Copyright, and/or the Privacy Policy.

  1. Care to divulge more info on the site?
  2. How do I navigate the site? What is it with these icons on the margin?
  3. Why are there two steps for online payments?
  4. Why don't you use more graphics, animations, java-gimmicks, and such on the site?
  5. Why don't all pages feature the same design?
  6. Why are the Journal and Fall Features not posted online?
  7. Why is page X not up-to-date, why is Y missing?

  1. Care to divulge more info on the site?

    This web site is owned and operated by FLAG, and managed by its Director of Electronic Media, commonly known as webmeister...

    Comments, criticism, corrections, contributions? Contact the Director of...

  2. How do I navigate the site? What is it with these icons on the margin?

    Easy! Getting around pretty much operates as it normally does. To the extent that they are available, the icons (and some other noteworthy links) work as follows. Clicking...

    • the house takes you to the home page (flag.htm).
    • the back arrow takes you back one click (typically to the previous page).
    • the logo button takes you to the main info page (welcome.htm).
    • the word "FLAG" in the page title takes you all the way to the site entrance (index.html). [Simply waiting a few seconds there will result in an auto-forward to the home page].
    • the word "FLAG"/the logo button after the © symbol (at the bottom of a page) takes you to copyright info.

    Please note that on old site/page versions this behaviour may be slightly different (and not all items may be present).

  3. Why are there two steps for online payments?

    Simple: because we do not control the payment form. Moreover, payments go to the treasurer, but the registration data etc. goes to the respective coordinators, hence two forms. Having one part only would make things easier for us, too, but is unfortunately not possible at this time.

  4. Why don't you use more graphics, animations, java, and such gimmicks on the site?

    FLAG's intent is to offer an open site that displays reasonably quickly, presents information without much ado on a wide range of hardware and software platforms, and is straightforward and easy to manoeuver. Design elements such as (flash) animations and the like typically add bandwidth, increase load times, and sometimes require the installation of (occasionally proprietary) additional software (plugins etc.). The only fancy aspects currently implemented are limited use of javascript and css. Some features use perl/cgi, and certain files are posted in PDF format (to distribute documents for which uniform printing is desirable). However, these are not design elements. We prefer to err on the side of plainness rather than accessibility.

  5. Why don't all pages feature the same design?

    There are several reasons. First, a number of pages are hold-overs from previous editions of the website and were mostly left in their (usually fully functional) original "archive" state as the development of updated versions looks forward rather than backward. Second, certain pages are left "bare" and without navigational features etc. to allow for these pages to result in a "clean" page when printing them (in which case most design elements would be useless). For the same reason, certain documents are offered in .PDF and/or .ODF format. (Note: links will open in new browser window/popup). Finally, certain pages are reproductions of external items and thus do not sport a FLAG appearance.

    Speaking of appearance: the current color scheme is based on what seemed to be the "official" scheme [which actually is teal (text) and peach (for background), as became clear only later].

    (Another reason: one premise during the previous remodeling of this web site [2004] was to continue development from its then-state rather than to a enact an unnecessary and impractical wholesale dismantling; this legacy may explain some possibly idiosyncratic aspects as this approach implied certain lock-ins).

  6. Why are the Journal and Fall Features not posted online?

    As a matter of fact, a good part of their content is available online--but not all. If you are a FLAG member you will receive a printed copy of these publications and thus have all the information. If you are not a member, consider this an incentive to join...

    UPDATE: Starting Fall 2006, Fall Features will be posted online (only, as a matter of fact).

  7. Why is page X not up-to-date, why is Y missing?

    While we strive to keep everything current and complete, it can occur that given information is not (yet) available. Also, the webmaster can only post information when received from the appropriate board members (or others). Let us know if you find old and/or incomplete info.

Please inform the Director of Electronic Media if you notice errors, broken links, etc. or if you have suggestions or contributions.

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