The Ontario Genealogical Society’s website has a new look, and it displays properly on all access devices – desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and cell phones.
With the re-design, the society has taken on a new website address, ontarioancestors.org. The old address, on.ogs.ca, will almost immediately re-direct you to the new site.
I like the new website address, but would have preferred they kept the .ca extension to indicate it is a Canadian organization, instead of the somewhat generic .org.
On the new site, the technical support team has made it easier to find information quickly and drill down for additional details. The indexes are available for all to see, and they are working on building better information delivery options for members and non-members.
Still more photos needed on home page
OGS has added two photos on the home page to highlight two sections, Branches/SIGs and Resources. These photos add warmth to the page and raise the profile of what OGS offers. The society would do well to add even more photos to the home page. Right now, to see any photos, you must scroll down to the middle section.
With time, the tech team should consider adding more photos to the top section of the home page to replace the graphics. More photos, or even just one large photo, would make the website more appealing to explore and help brand the organization, and would create a better first impression when someone clicks on the website address to see the home page.
More images like these on the home page of the Ontario Genealogical Society’s new website would help feature membership benefits and make the site more appealing to explore. Source: Screen capture of middle section of home page, ontarioancestors.org.
Login deadline for OGS members
Before the end of October, OGS members are asked to log in to the Members’ Only section of the site. When doing so, if you have forgotten your password, just click on “Lost your password?” to reset it. Notify the tech team of any problems at OGSwebreport@ogs.on.ca so they can fix them before membership renewal begins November 1.
Kudos
Overall, the website is an improvement. Anyone who has been involved in the re-design of a website, whether it be for a non-profit or for-profit, knows it is a huge undertaking that requires a tremendous amount of knowledge, work, and patience. Kudos to all involved.
I agree with everything Gail said, particularly the need for photos. The site as it stands now is visually “cold” & uninviting & far too modern looking for a site devoted to Ontario’s ancestors. I, too, wish they’d kept the .ca designation, particularly in 2017 the year of our 150th Birthday! All that aside, thanks to OGS for their devotion to family history. Much appreciated.