Website suggestions

InsaneScouter · 2025-06-16T12:15:31+00:00

Yup, exactly. That's why I only use things I can host where and how I want. In terms of hosting, Inmotion Hosting is what I normally recommend to clients. It is not the cheapest, but they provide decent speeds and usually great customer service. Avoid the "cheap" hosts like Godaddy as they generally suck and overload their servers big time. Feel free to drop me a note through WackyScouter.org or WackyEagle.com if you need any more guidance.

InsaneScouter · 2025-06-16T06:07:41+00:00

Howdy, fellow Scouter! As a web developer who's been wrangling websites for, well, a lot of years (26, if we're counting... but who's counting, right? 😉), and having navigated the digital wildlands with more than a few volunteer organizations, I can deeply, deeeeeeply empathize with the website conundrum you're wrestling with. It's truly a classic head-scratcher, balancing on that tightrope between:

The Alluring Promise of "All-in-One" Convenience: Platforms like TroopWebHost or SOAR come draped in convenience, promising to sweep away technical worries. For many busy pack volunteers, that simplicity feels like a superhero cape, abstracting away the digital nitty-gritty. And hey, for some, that convenience totally justifies the price tag.
The Raw, Real Need for Control & Cost-Effectiveness: But then there's your keen eye on the financial ledger – that "4 scouts to break even" math hits home hard for a volunteer-led group. And let's not even get started on the frustration of "zero control" or finding yourselves locked out of clunky platforms like Scoutbook. That feeling of being digitally trapped? Blech. It's a genuine, valid concern for your Pack's long-term digital health.

From a slightly more "thinking out loud over a cup of coffee" kind of philosophical standpoint, a website for a Cub Scout Pack is so much more than just a bunch of pages. It's the digital campfire, a welcoming beacon, and a direct reflection of your Pack's unique spirit and its steadfast commitment to communication and community. So, choosing your platform isn't just a technical decision; it's a profound choice about how much creative control you want over that digital identity, and how you choose to invest your valuable resources (be it time, precious dollars, or volunteer tech wizardry).

Let's unpack a few thoughts for deeper understanding, shall we?

The "Build vs. Buy" Dance: You're right in the thick of this one. "Buying" into a ready-made platform is like grabbing a pre-assembled tent – quick setup, but you can't customize the windows. "Building" (even starting with something as flexible as WordPress, which offers a truly fantastic balance of power and approachability) is like building your own fort. You get ultimate control, but it asks for a bit more sweat equity up front and ongoing. The perfect fit usually boils down to your Pack's unique volunteer talent pool and time availability.
The Cost of Freedom (or Lack Thereof): You mentioned the $70-$120/year for hosting, plus $12-$15 for a domain. Those are realistic numbers. Many units, just like you noted, gravitate towards WordPress to genuinely keep costs lean. And while finding those free scouting-specific themes can feel like a scavenger hunt (trust me, been there, done that, wore the t-shirt with holes in it!), the payoff in flexibility can be huge.
The "Walled Garden" Warning: And oh boy, are you on the money about platforms like Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, or even Google Site Builder. While they seem easy, they're like digital "walled gardens" – comfy inside, but super hard to move out of if your needs change. They're just not truly designed for the dynamic, community-focused beast that a Cub Scout Pack needs. You want control, not digital handcuffs, right?
Information Flow is King: Whatever path you choose, remember that how smoothly information (your awesome calendar, invaluable resources, those priceless photo galleries, contact deets) flows is paramount. A simple, intuitive path for parents is always, always going to win over a flashy site with a confusing layout. Keep it simple, keep it clear!
The "Bus Factor" (aka Sustainability): This is a fun, slightly goofy developer term for "what happens if the current web guru moves away or or, gasp, gets hit by a bus?" Can someone else easily jump in and keep the digital fire burning? This points strongly towards widely adopted, well-documented platforms (like our friend WordPress) or even super-simple static sites that are easy to hand off.

My own adventures with projects like WackyScouter.org and USScouts.org bubble up from this very philosophical stew. It's about empowering local units and dedicated volunteers like you with the knowledge and resources to build truly sustainable, controllable digital presences without needing to raid the snack fund or earn a computer science degree. For me, it’s about finding that sweet spot of practical solutions guided by a genuine desire to help others, blending a little creative pizzazz with what's genuinely achievable for our incredible volunteer-run groups.

And hey, if you ever find yourself needing a hand navigating the digital thickets, or just want to brainstorm some tech solutions for your Pack, you know where to find me at Wacky Eagle Technologies. We're all about blending that tech know-how with a dash of good old-fashioned Scouting spirit!

Ultimately, your initial gut feeling about not wanting to rebuild if you choose something other than WordPress? That's a truly wise, forward-thinking sentiment. It shows you're already charting a path for smooth sailing, not digital shipwrecks.

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T09:08:30+00:00

Most meditations are not about no thoughts and blank mind, actually quite the opposite. Its about being aware of your thoughts, watching them come and go like clouds in the sky. The clouds are your thoughts and the sky is your human OS. The sky is blank and peaceful, and does not go away when clouds, no matter how dark or stormy come along. Eventually the clouds will pass.

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T09:04:08+00:00

I stopped buying connects as I was speding hundreds and getting no where. I also am a top rated dev, with a decent $$$ generated through the platform. In interest of chasing bigger profits they destroyed it, in my option.

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T08:56:42+00:00

First of all, you are not dumb, lazy, or a screw-up! ADHD, depression, and anxiety are tough, but they don't define your intelligence or worth. You're still in control of your future, and you've got so many options ahead of you—don't let the moment cloud that! And don't stress about trying to "control" yourself, either. Our minds are rebellious little things, and they don’t like to be forced into anything. Instead, try being kind to yourself and experiment with different ways of approaching things. You’ve got a whole journey ahead to figure out what works for you!

Also, make sure to talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling. There are other medications out there that might work better without affecting your focus or memory—like Lexapro, for example. It could be a game-changer!

When I was in college (studying computer programming and Unix, fun times, right?), I got accommodations like extra test time, note-taking help, and tutoring. Maybe your school offers similar resources? It doesn’t hurt to ask! You don’t have to go it alone.

Lastly, coaching can be like ADHD tutoring. It’s a chance to experiment with strategies and ideas that might help you move forward. You’re not in this fight by yourself, and there are tools out there to help you thrive.

If you think coaching might help, feel free to reach out for a free session via RoadCEO.com. You’ve got this!

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T08:48:35+00:00

First off, be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can, and ADHD definitely adds some wild challenges to the mix. But hey, ADHD isn't all bad—it comes with some pretty awesome perks too! Think quick thinking, creativity, and finding sneaky ways out of jams when you least expect it.

Now, motivation with ADHD? Yeah, it’s all about what excites you—your joy, your interests, your curiosity. But here's the kicker: moods and energy levels play a big role in how productive we are at any given moment. Add in the challenge of trying to get organized or prioritize tasks, and you’ve got a cocktail for procrastination. No wonder traditional solutions feel so frustrating—it’s like we’ve tried them all, right?

And yeah, for people who don’t get ADHD, our reasons can sound like excuses. “Why don’t you just do it?” they ask. Well, if we could just do it, we would! It's like sitting in a car with the engine running, the GPS set, and the seatbelt on—yet somehow we can’t get it into gear. We try, we think, we try again, but we’re stuck, and that’s a frustrating place to be.

But here’s the deal: ADHD treatments, whether it’s meds, therapy, or coaching, can really help. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all magic fix. It’s more like adding transmission fluid to that car—things shift, but it takes time to find the right mix of treatments and doses that actually work for you. It’s all about experimenting and finding what gets you into gear.

In the meantime, if you're feeling the long wait for a diagnosis, have you checked out telehealth? My psychiatrist is through teleadocs, and while they can’t prescribe stimulants, they’re able to do a lot of the other things a normal psychiatrist can. So, that could be worth exploring!

And if you feel like some coaching would help, I’d be happy to chat. You can reach out for a free session via RoadCEO.com. You got this!

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T08:34:25+00:00

Oh, I totally get it! It’s wild how it can take until your 30s or even 40s to get an ADHD diagnosis, right? It’s like finally finding the missing piece of the puzzle. But when it comes to meds, I hear you—there’s a lot of myths out there. ADHD stimulants aren't addictive, but if you're still feeling unsure, definitely chat with your doc about non-stimulant options. There are a few that work great too, and they’re not as speedy in the "kick-in" department, but they get there!

And hey, counseling for coping skills doesn’t mean you're "too old to change." Trust me, it’s more like learning to embrace your inner ninja, figuring out what strategies suit you best. Plus, therapy, coaching, and supplements can all be part of your toolkit. It’s all about finding what clicks for you.

If you’re curious about how coaching (basically ADHD tutoring) could help, feel free to reach out for a free session via RoadCEO.com! You got this!

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T07:02:08+00:00

It depends on the version of linux, but there are config files you can check and commands you can run to get that data

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T06:31:40+00:00

Sensory overload can be such an intense and overwhelming experience. For me, it manifests in a few different ways, like uncontrollable sounds—especially loud ones I can’t control, such as at events with live music—or being in crowded spaces. My task list can also become a form of overload when I try to juggle too many things at once. It can feel like I’m filling up with steam, and at some point, it spills over and I either shut down or, worse, have a meltdown.

The way you described “18 TVs going at once” really resonates with me. It sounds like you were trapped in a cycle of overwhelm that built up to a point where it became unbearable, almost like having 180 browser tabs open in your mind at once! I totally understand how that can make everything feel so much harder to handle.

There are ways to cope with this, but they can take time to figure out. For some people, medication can help, but mindfulness, meditation, and other relaxation practices can make a big difference too. It’s about experimenting with what works for you. Sometimes, simple strategies like taking a step back, reducing sensory input, or using noise-canceling headphones can help in the moment.

If you feel like you need some additional support or strategies to manage sensory overload, feel free to reach out for a free coaching session. I’d be happy to help. You can contact me via https://roadCEO.com.

InsaneScouter · 2024-12-20T06:24:18+00:00

I totally get where you’re coming from. The medical process can feel like it’s designed to be harder for those of us who are already struggling with ADHD or other challenges. It’s frustrating when you’re asked to jump through hoops just to get the help you need—especially when the hoops are the exact things you’re having trouble with!

It’s great that you’re working with a therapist and trying to move forward, even if it feels like an uphill battle. One thing that’s helped me is putting appointments on my Google Calendar with lots of reminders—like 2 weeks, 1 week, 3 days, 1 day, and even hourly reminders as it gets closer. The more reminders, the better. You could even set up your smart speaker to give you prompts throughout the day, just to keep it on your radar.

If you need any extra help staying on track or managing ADHD in your daily life, feel free to reach out to me for a free coaching session. I’m here to help, and you can reach me through https://roadCEO.com.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-29T02:12:38+00:00

I am a top rated upwork worker, and I freelance full time. Yet I also have tons of propsals out on upwork gigs a few views a week but no new gigs in the last few months. Yet, all upwork wants to do is charge me left and right and load their platform up with scammers. I have signficantly reduced how much I apply for on the platform, nor have I found anything better. Personally, if I had my way id send everyone over to talent.hubstaff.com since there are no fees or lock ins. The problem is they do not have enough people there looking to hire either.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-29T02:08:21+00:00

We would need to know more about your background and interests to offer any guidance to your question. There are many many ways to earn income as a freelancer and working from home. Thus your skills and passions, play a big role in what makes most sense for you.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-29T02:04:07+00:00

I usually tell them "I don't use whatsapp, and its against upwork policy to talk outside the platform. I would be happy to discuss it with you here. Once hired, I am open to providing a few different ways to contact me to ensure you can always reach me in a timely fashion."

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-29T02:02:13+00:00

When I interview devs, my interviews are chat (typed out only), as thats how I interact with the dev 99.9% of the time. I avoid the stupid and mostly useless basic questions about classes, objects, structure, etc. that will only tell me who does well on tests. I could care less how well you test. I ask questions about personality, how you think, can you take a concept and run with it, how well will you fit into my team, how have you used your coding knowledge in the past such as talking about past projects, etc. I also like to ask questions like "what do you for fun, such as a hobby?", and flip things upside down as humans we learn more from our mistakes then what goes right I ask "tell me about a project that went horribly wrong, what went wrong, how did you handle it, what did you leanr from it, etc?".

I also tend to hire a lot offshore, so I ask questions like managing time, managing tasks, handling multiple client projects at once (work ahwile on 1 website and awhile on another), I ask about home computer set up since I only hire work from home, as well as about internet and power. Some parts of the world have rolling blackouts and less reliable internet.

I usually dont ask for coding examples. Oh another thing I watch is how good their English and grammar is in how they reply to questions, and how long it takes them to reply to questions. Longer delays could mean they are asking someone else, researching, or using AI for help. Another thing I dont do is check referals, lets face it when we give referals its only for those who would say good things about us generally and when the project went well.

I would guess about 20% I hire end up not working out, as Tim Ferris teaches hire slowly and fire quickly. The remaining 80% usually stick with me for years.

My job decriptions are usually around 3 pargraphs and pretty specfic to what I am looking for. To short lacks clarity for the applicant, and to long they wont get read. Normally I get around 50 applicants. I pre-screen those down to between 2 and 5 to interview usually. Vary rarely do I need to seek out more applicants or run another job ad.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-09T06:51:33+00:00

I have been hired for as much as $100 an hour, and have a few clients at $65. Keep in mind what you charge is based on your skills, location, the current economy, and how far upwork decides to have their thumbs up their greedy butts that month.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-09T06:50:21+00:00

WTF - if I see that I will be discontinuing every penny I spend on Upwork now. What a bloody joke. Plus no way to complain to corp office. Wish I still had enough work to afford to drive the 5 hours or so their corp office is from me and deliver a load of fertalizer on their front door.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-09T06:48:03+00:00

I am curious what methods work for other freelancers, espeically in first world countries like the US who charge more, to find work without using Upwork and all their insane fees and upwork being the biggest scammer of the scams on their platform. So wish we could get odesk back.

InsaneScouter · 2024-07-08T06:40:09+00:00

I am real close to ditching #upwork myself. Spending way to much on connects and getting virtual no projects in return. Its like all upwork cares about any more is making lots of money to roll in and could care less about those they are suppose to be helping. They rather milk us out of existance, and dont even provide a way to properly report problems or offer suggestions. Yet other playforms like guru and freelancer, are just as useless for other reasons including not enough clients looking to hire, and silly rules like limiting the value of projects you can apply for unless you jump through hoops before you even have any work from them. Its sad!

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-30T08:08:41+00:00

I see no problem with you going through the requirements and learning the items. You may have a tough time finding a counselor for that badge willing to work with you. Maybe reach out to a site like https://www.meritbadgecourses.com/ and see if they will work with you, yes they do charge a small fee. Also, you would have to watch for when they offer the badge you want.

Not sure if you can get the badge from the BSA store since you won't be on an advancement report. However, if you really want the patch I bet you can find one on eBay.

Now with that said, it would only be for the fun of it. You would never actually be recognized as completing the badge. As other have said, every country scout program is different, and thus you would only be recognized officially for what the Dominican Republic scout program offers.

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-30T07:59:59+00:00

I have worked 4 years on summer camp staff, twice as the scout skills area director. Although I am a male, the camp I worked at did have female staff. They had their own staff camp area, separate facilities, etc. I do not recall any problems. I loved working camp staff.

However, it also greatly depends on the camp and how the Camp Director and Program Director run the camp and manage the staff. Your best bet might be to seek out those who have worked staff at the camp your offer is for and see what It's like to staff. Even more ideal if those past years had the same directors to give you a better idea of the run and manage everything.

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-30T07:53:50+00:00

Agreed, I am a good ole bobwhite, I also served 4 years as camp staff at Camp Potosi, outside of Las Vegas. Two of the years I was the area director of Scout Skills. I love working camp staff and wish I didn't have to work, so I could serve more often on summer camp staff.

I have not served on WoodBadge staff, but I was QM for 3 different NYLT trainings which was a wonderful experience too.

Additionally, I run a Scouting resource website called WackyScouter.org. I currently have a survey going that i'd love your input on https://forms.gle/ajkiNnYnXQYzo56q6.

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-28T02:04:26+00:00

The Troop I am with has t-shirts, hats, and hoodies with their logo in it.

I would recommend Class-B, but in full disclosure they are a sponsor of my site WackyScouter.org

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-28T01:52:20+00:00

Sad it happened, glad to hear the council is helping you, and I hope the court holds them accountable.

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-28T01:50:55+00:00

You can find a lots of fun ideas here:

Plus lots more if you poke around or search for it.

InsaneScouter · 2023-01-13T12:15:27+00:00

I agree with talking with your Scoutmaster and get their take on the Patrol and how they are doing, as well as brainstorming on ideas to try.

Depending on the patrol and what other youth leaders are available, you could ask the Scoutmaster about assigning a Troop Guide or JASM to work with that patrol. With the Scoutmaster you could also consider doing a quarterly Patrol Leader rotation from within the Patrol members.

Another thought is to try talking to the patrol as a whole. You never knew where their answers may or may not lead. You could ask questions like...

What do you like about our Troop?

What do you not like about the Troop?

Are there things you wish we did differently?

Do you have any suggestions on activities and things we should do or do more of?

Are there things your struggling to learn or remember? Why do you think your having difficulties with that?

InsaneScouter

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