Clark Internet Platform
System Tools and Features
This page contains a partial list and descriptions of features of our content management systems, SitemakerCMS℠ and Journalmaker™ (which is an extension intended for support of newspapers, newsletters and magazines). Because the system is under continuous development some recently added features or aspects of existing features may not be listed.

When considering alternatives, remember that all the listed standard features are available upon setup without development time, and the professional features are normally available with just a parameter setting by our technical staff. You can begin creating and publishing content almost immediately. We do not offer "hosting" services; we enable your knowledge workers to share their skills with colleagues and clients without the barrier effect of a "webmaster" who can often become a gatekeeper. With our systems all content is managed by the users subject to rules you define, while we and the systems keep it moving on the 'net.

Standard Features

The content of your site can be managed using standard tools or custom-designed pages. In our system vocabulary, pages are those you lay out yourself using standard components that contain text, graphics, etc., while tools are pre-configured templates for frequently used data; they save enormous amounts of data management time compared to local programming of comparable features or the embedding of external services via "mashups" that may not have consistent look and feel.

The main advantages of our approach lie in the ease of adding features to your site and the degree of control provided to the user regarding integrating them operationally and visually into the site and choosing options for usage.

Individualized Home Page

You can use the home page to present information of your choice, e.g., display summary views of content from within the site, or freely mix the two approaches. You can also set one of the tool-based sections below as your home page (e.g., to configure the site primarily as a web log).

Rock Solid Navigation

Standardized navigation is a key strength of the system. Your readers will not see "page not found" unless you make an error trying to hand-code a link outside the automatic navigation. Most users never need to compose an internal web address manually. You may choose from several layouts for your table(s) of contents, which can appear horizontally across the top of your pages, vertically along the side (left by default), or in the footer area beneath your content. You may combine the various TOCs as needed. Your TOCs will be presented consistently throughout your site. You can also suppress the TOCs if you want to use more space on the page.

Search Engine Compatibility

The system provides for automatic insertion of meta data that search engines use to index sites around the world. You must participate by filling in key fields that describe your site; we do the rest.

Availability and Pricing

The tables below show available tools and features available on Standard and Professional sites. A plus sign indicates the item is included in the package at no charge. Where a fee ($) is indicated the item is not included with the standard package but is available with setup and monthly fees. Sites that experience exceptional storage and bandwidth requirements may also incur surcharges.
 

Design: Fast, Flexible, Functional

Your site is initialized using one of several pre-configured templates ranging from simple to complex. The layout (as at right) and color/font selections together a "theme." You can gradually "relax" the template and the theme to individualize the look and feel of the site using nearly all the CSS and graphical devices available in a custom site.

General purpose pages are available to display data not managed by Tools. Pages are assembled from components that contain specific types of data. Each page has a user-selected page template that maintains the position of the component(s) on the page. In conventional page markup these components would be known as block-level elements. Of course, our team can quickly configure a unique look and feel to match your organization's other communication media.

Standard Layout and Content Elements Standard Professional
APPEARANCE AND LAYOUT
Appearance: Select Standard Templates, Layouts, Themes
Appearance: Override Default Font, Color, Size... with CSS
Layout: Optional, Multiple Navigation Menus
Layout: Reposition Components with Click
Layout: Choose, Add Component with Click
Layout: Subtitle Components
Layout: Navigation Menus
Layout: Set width, padding, line breaks
Layout: Justify Block Elements (components)
Layout: Apply CSS Styles
Layout: Apply CSS Classes
Layout: Name for Jump Links
Layout: Container (Nested) Components
Layout: Automatic Storage of all Visual Components
No FTP or File/Folder Structuring Needed
AUTOMATED COMPONENTS
Text: Type/Paste
Text: Apply BBcode
Text: Apply HTML
Text: Auto Line Breaks On/Off
Text: Supports Spelling Check (OS/browser dependent)
Text: Align/Justify
Graphic: HTML Upload and Auto-position
Graphic: Easy Replace/Delete
Graphic: Caption
Graphic: Full Support for ALT Tags
Graphic: Optional Auto-Thumbnail by Height, Width, Auto
Graphic: Automatic Larger View when Thumbnailed
Video: Store and Upload Flash, Mpeg...
Video: Embed Flash, Mpeg..., Externally Sourced (YouTube, Hulu...)
Podcast: Automatically manage series and episodes
(see Podcasting below)
NAVIGATION
Navigation: Automatic Table(s) of Contentes
Navigation: Site Map - Enhanced Search Engine Integration, Setup $
Navigation: Link - Click to Create
Navigation: Link - Type/Paste URL
Navigation: Link - Type/Paste Title
Navigation: Link - Type/Paste Synopsis/Description
Navigation: Link - Use Relative Link
Navigation: Link - Set New/Same Window
Navigation: Link - Preview in Edit Form
Navigation: Link - Combine/Replace Text/Icon as Label
Navigation: Link - HTML Upload of Icon
Navigation: Link - Multiple Optional Layouts for Icon/Text Combos
Navigation: Jump Links - Auto-create from Component Info
Navigation: Jump Links - Multiple Sets on Page
Navigation: Jump Links - Multiple Format and Layout Options
Navigation: Contact Info - Standard, Flexible, Custom Content & Layout

 

Standard Tools

The Standard Tool Set includes everything you need to publish a personal or small business website. To add a tool, you will simply click a link in the Toolbox, add your content, and activate a link in your table of contents.

Our Standard Tools are included with all sites. Premium Tools typically require more support from our staff and are provided at an increase in price commensurate with storage and traffic.

Web Log

Your web log lets you inform your readers of changes to the website, or it can serve as your ongoing commentary or news feature. In combination with the optional Article Manager you can turn your site into a comprehensive online version of a community or corporate newsletter, magazine or newspaper.

Tool: Web Log Standard Professional
General: Automated Preview on Home Page
Bloggers: User-specified Title
Bloggers: Choose Category
Bloggers: Type or paste text
Bloggers: Activate BBcode or HTML
Bloggers: Use Format, Linking Buttons
Bloggers: Type/paste Custom Link & Title
Bloggers: Set Link to Open New/Same Window
Bloggers: Paste/type URL for external graphic
Bloggers: Choose, Upload Graphic
Bloggers: Specify Graphic Position RE Text
Bloggers: Auto-thumbnail Graphic to Custom Size
Bloggers: Specify Graphic Position RE Text
Members: Comment on Articles
Members: Create Articles by Permission
Members: Personal blogs, setup $
Members: Personal blogs, monthly $
Administration: Retitle, Repurpose (e.g., as newsletter)
Administration: Categorize Posts
Administration: Editor-specified Categories
Administration: Sort Categories for Listings
Administration: Restrict Bloggers by User Type
Administration: Restrict Commenting by User Type
Administration: Set Default Post Status (draft, active...)
Administration: Editor Preface, Instructions
Administration: Administer as User
Administration: List Posts, Select for Inspection, Edit
Administration: Sort Selection List (name, creation, author...)
Administration: CSS control of fonts, sizes, colors...
End User Blogging with Editor Option to Aggregate to Main Blog (2008)
Example (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

Forms Builder

Our standard forms builder is available to create forms (polls, questionnaires...) easily with all the data types supported in HTML forms. A standard contact form is available on all sites; additional forms may be added available on professional sites.

Tool: Contact Form (inquiry, poll, questionnaire...) Standard Professional
Spam Control
Question style flexibility
  • Short answers
  • Scrollable text block
  • Radio buttons
  • Single popup (select) menus
  • Multiple popup (select) menus
  • Checkbox
  • Optionally required questions
    Notice to editor on message
    User-specified form title
    Optional welcome message
    Option to number questions
    Contact info precede or follow
    Selectable contact data elements
    Form layout controls
    Multiple forms, unlimited questions
    Optional Results Database and Automated Replies
    (custom development required)
    Example

    Guestbook

    We implement the venerable guestbook with full control over who can post, visibility of posts and anti-spam features.

    Tool: Guestbook Standard Professional
    Spam Control
    Activate, deactivate, delete
    Email notice on receipt
    Require activation
    Editor's message
    New Posts On/Off
    Allow/disallow URLs
    Example

    Calendar

    We employ iCalendar standards to let you publish and subscribe to multiple calendars. Create and edit events with our unique online form. Manage your calendar(s) on line or from your desktop.

    Tool: Calendar Standard Professional
    iCalendar Publish/Subscribe Compatible
    Display: User May Add Events
    Display: User-selectable View (coming, month)
    Display: Convenience Calendar, Current Month
    Display: Multiple Selectable (uploaded) Calendars
    Display: Jump to Month, Year
    Display: Subscribe/Download
    Display: Add Event (per settings)
    Display:CSS control of fonts, sizes, colors...
    Administration: Select Language of Calendar (in OS)
    Administration: Retitle
    Administration: Allow, deny, approve public/user event entry
    Administration: Notice to Editor of New Event
    Administration: Notification to Alternate Email
    Administration: Default Cal. View, Month or Next 20
    Administration: User Specifiable Categories y/n, or None
    Administration: Set Default Category
    Administration: Set Calendar as Home Page
    Administration: Synoptic View Component for other Pages
    Administration: Configurable Welcome Message
    Administration: Configurable Empty Selection Message
    Administration: Upload iCalendar from Desktop
    Administration: Remove iCalendar Subscription
    Administration: List/Sort Events
    Administration: Edit/Delete from Edit Suite
    Administration: Collect/Edit Submitter Data
    Administration: Set Time with Popups, 1-min. increments
    Administration: Set Date with Popups
    Administration: Times, Dates
    Administration: Show/Hide Time of Day in Event
    Administration: Auto-set End Date
    Administration: Manage Recurrent Events (D,W,M,Y)
    Administration: Skip Intervals (e.g., bi-weekly)
    Administration: Set Distant End Date
    Administration: Collect Location, Sponsor, Email, URL
    Administration: Auto-link URL if present
    Example (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Tool: FAQ Standard Professional
    Display: Question with Short Answer, Link in Index
    Display: Answer Rating (2007)
    Display: Link to Feedback/More Help Form (2007)
    Display: CSS control of fonts, sizes...
    Display: "Suggestion box" coming in 2007
    Administration: User-specified Title
    Administration: Welcome (description/instructions) Text
    Administration: Section Subtitling
    Administration: Flexible Item Labeling
    Administration: Optional Numbered Q&A Pairs
    Administration: Optional Sections with Roman/Arabic Numbering
    Administration: Optional Index Section
    Administration: Optional Jump-link Label to Expanded Answers
    Administration: Show/Hide Questions in Index
    Administration: Index Layout Options
    Administration: Section Label and Description
    Administration: Question Label and Description
    Administration: Short and Long Answers
    Administration: Format Qs with HTML and/or BBcode
    Administration: External Links from Questions
    Administration: Sort Questions by Title, Section...
    Example

    Gallery

    Our image gallery is divisible into nestable albums. The number of albums and images is limited only by storage and bandwidth within package ranges.

    The Gallery can also be configured as a simple catalog and automatically enabled for sales using PayPal (PayPal account and manager access is required).

    Tool: Image Gallery Standard Professional
    Images: HTTP Upload
    Images: Title
    Images: Caption
    Images: Status: Hide/Show
    Images: Extended Description
    Images: HTML/BBcode in Description (2007)
    Images: Standard Descriptors (date, source...)
    Images: Automatic paging with Prev/Next
    Display: Searchable Contents (per setting)
    Display: Clickable Index, Title or Icon
    Administration: List/Sort Albums
    Administration: User-specified Gallery Title
    Administration: Welcome/Description Text
    Administration: Footer/Instructions
    Administration: Professional Photographer Options, Setup $
    Administration: User-specified Fields (req. Pro)
    Administration: Vertical or Grid T/Contents
    Administration: Show Image Titles in Index
    Administration: Show Image Captions in Index
    Administration: Search Box On/Off
    Administration: New Pix First/Last
    Administration: Number/images per Index Page
    Administration: Number/columns on Index Page(s)
    Administration: Thumbnail View Options
    Administration: Index Thumbnail Size, Default
    Administration:Album: List/Sort Images
    Administration:Album: Status Show/Hide
    Administration:Album: Title
    Administration:Album: Description
    Administration:Album: Theme Image
    Administration:Album: Header Text
    Administration:Album: Footer Text
    Administration:Album: Override/Accept Gallery Layout Defaults
    Administration: CSS control of fonts, sizes, colors...
    Administration:Album: Bulk Upload Images (req. Pro)
    Catalog: Setup, PayPal interface $
    Catalog: Monthly per 100 items $
    Example (Content not provided by Clark IP.)
     

    Professional Tools

    These advanced tools and components typically require more setup time, training and technical support. They are therefore either not available with standard sites or bear an extra cost. Those marked as Journalmaker only are used primarily by news sites.

    Member Management

    Social Networking; Professional Networking: The Member Management tool helps you build a network of users (participants, members...). This lets you require that a user sign in before accessing certain selected content. You can set permissions governing who may read, comment on, and modify information on the site without having access to the Editing Suite. Standard permission sets are predefined; custom sets can be quickly and inexpensivly built to order by our support team. Some of the features described below that list member options require that the Member Management tool be active, which requires upgrade to a premium site. Items labeled Members apply only if the main site supports the Member Management tool. Member service is a potential revenue generator for your site.

    Tool: Member Management Standard Professional
    Members: Profile Page with Graphic
    Members: Personal Web Log
    Members: Member to Member Messaging
    Members: Personal Image Gallery
    Members: Links and Favorites
    Members: Create/Manage Friends
    Members: Blog Public/private/friends
    Members: Manage Profile
    Members: Manage Password
    Members: Preview Blog in Profile
    Members: View Member List
    Members: Set Access Group Permissions
    Administration: Access Control (H,M,L by group)
    Administration: Initial Settings Control
    e.g., public can join y/n; new member security level
    Administration: List Members (sort by name, status...)
    Administration: Edit Member Record
    Administration: Edit Member's Access Group, Password
    Administration: Create Staff (Special Member) Record
    Administration: Edit Staff (Special Member) Record
    Administration: Create/Edit Member Biography)
    Administration: Link Member to Roster
    Administration: Link Member to Directory
    Setup & Training $
    Monthly Support $
    User activity counts against general storage and bandwidth allocation.
    Example (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

    Directory

    Publish your own "yellow pages" featuring your sponsors, your clients, etc. Optionally allow outside users to create and edit their own content. The full featured business directory has an optional "brochure" page for each listing that can serve as a small personal web site for sponsors or advertisers. The Directory is a potential revenue generator for your site. (Requires Member Management.)

    Tool: Directory Standard Professional
    Directory: Owner-specified Categories
    Directory: Automatic Indexing
    Directory: Search: Name, place, category, keywords
    Directory: Coupon display in index (option)
    Directory: "Breadcrumb" navigation
    Directory: Expanded editing options
    Listings: Appearance upgrade option
    Listings: Sponsor/patron badge option
    Listings: Link to brochure page and contact form
    Brochure: One-page web presence
    Brochure: Privacy settings
    Brochure: Link to external site
    Brochure: Spam-fighting contact form
    Brochure: Extended text and graphic (upgrade)
    Brochure: Display a coupon (upgrade)
    Brochure: Display an ad from external media (upgrade)
    Listee: Editing access with password
    Setup and Training $
    Monthly Support $
    Directory content and usage counts against general storage and bandwidth allocation.
    Example 1 Example 2 (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

    Forums

    Make it easy for your readers to comment on issues affecting your site's purpose and content. The Directory is a potential revenue generator for your site. (Requires Member Management.)

    Tool: Forum (Bulletin Board) Standard Professional
    General: Automated Preview on Home Page
    General: Optional Login Requirement
    Members: Post Topics
    Members: Comment on Posts
    Member: Write to Author, Commentator
    Members: Link Posts to URLs
    Members: Rate Comments
    Moderator: Monitor Activity
    Moderator: Censor Post or Comment
    Moderator: Flag User
    Administrator: Create, Manage, Delete Forums
    Setup and Training $
    Example (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

    Podcasting

    A podcast is a series of audio-video programs that can be downloaded to a computer or MP3 player, allowing the reader-listener to take your publication along for the ride. Our Podcast tool maintains all the AV files and descriptive materials and produces the necessary XHTML files for RSS feeds and indexing sites. To build a podcast or an episode, simple prepare your AV content and fill out a simple form. (Requires Member Management.)

    Tool: Podcasting Standard Professional
    Podcasts: Multiple Series Manager
    Presentation: Home Page Preview Option
    Presentation: User-configurable Podcast Page
    Presentation: Series List
    Presentation: Episode Lists
    Presentation: Listen Live
    Presentation: RSS Subscription Link
    Presentation: iTunes™ Compatible
    Administration:Series: Sort, Select from Series List by Title, Date...
    Administration:Series: User-Specified Title
    Administration:Series: User-specified Filename
    Administration:Series: Standard (iTunes™) Categories (3)
    Administration:Series: Descriptive Text
    Administration:Series: Keywords
    Administration:Series: Explicit Content Flag
    Administration:Series: Language Code
    Administration:Series: External Information Link
    Administration:Series: Copyright Notice
    Administration:Series: Author/Owner Name
    Administration:Series: iTunes™ Ready
    Administration:Series: Title and Keyword Search
    Administration:Series: Theme Graphic with auto-Thumbnail
    Administration:Episodes: User-specified Title
    Administration:Episodes: Descriptive Text
    Administration:Episodes: Author Name
    Administration:Episodes: Status Active/Inactive (draft)
    Administration:Episodes: Staff Owner/Editor (2007)
    Administration:Episodes: Date Published
    Administration:Episodes: Link to External Info
    Administration:Setup and Training $
    Podcast audio-video transmission counts against general storage and bandwidth allocation. $
    Example (Content not provided or previewed by Clark IP.)

    Roster

    The Roster provides additional services to both members and visitors and functions in lieu of or in combination with a desktop contact manager for your organization. Useful for churches, schools, social organizations and other personnel management purposes. Example: Your baseball team has a roster of players and coaches, and the Members system communicates to and among fans. (May require Member Management.)

    Tool: Roster Standard Professional
    Person: Personal Data, many status variables and preferences
    Person: Multiple Roles
    Person: Individual and Group Security Settings
    Person: Credentials
    Person: History, Activity Tracking
    Person: Relationships - Interconnect work roles, family, next/kin, groups...
    Person: User-manageable Profile
    Person: Individual and Group Security Settings
    Contacts: Multiple Addresses per Person
    Contacts: Multiple Telephones per Person
    Contacts: Multiple Emails Addresses per Person
    Contacts: Multiple Instant Message Addresses per Person
    Contacts: Set Preferred Address, Phone, Email, IM
    Badges: Custom Group/Activity Icons
    Administration: Setup & Training $
    Administration: Monthly Service $
    Customization: Add Relationships to Jobs, Functions... $
    Roster content and usage counts against general storage and bandwidth allocation.
     

    The News Package

    The News Management package - also known as Journalmaker™ - requires special setup and training for management of a comprehensive news or magazine site. It typically includes the full complement of tools and components plus our Article Manager. (Requires Professional Package.)

    News Package Standard News
    Layout: All features of the page composition system above.
    Tools: Complements other tools above.
    Article Manager (Organizes articles by edition, author, section, type, rankings...)
    Article Lists (Displays categorized articles by edition, section, type, rankings...)
    Editions: Organize articles by date, theme, more - user configurable
    Topics: Organize articles by topic - user configurable
    Types: Organize articles by type - user definable
    Ranks: Organize articles by ranks 1-10, 10-1 - user definable
    Author Manager: Profile and Article Collections, By-lines...
    Administration: Setup & Training $
    Administration: Monthly Service $
     

    The Enterprise Package

    The Enterprise Option allows creation of subordinate client-member-constituent sites under the same domain. Suitable for organizations with constituent chapters. Available with Professional or News (Journalmaker) service.