ZeeMaps Powered by Google

Today, I learned to upload thousands of YMCA locations into a map thanks to ZeeMaps at ZeeSource, an open source company. I knew how to add one location at a time on Google Maps, but needed to learn how to add hundreds or thousands of locations. In order to do that, you need geocoded information in one of two forms:

• a database with longitude and latitude information or
• an excel spreadsheet in CSV format.

I learned about comma-separated values or CSV format. Using an excel spreadsheet of YMCA locations, I "saved as" in CSV format. CSV format does not allow for the following puctuation marks: " . , [ ] ( ) so I did a "find and replace" to eliminate unwanted marks. Early on, I sent an e-mail question and got an immediate response from the founder of ZeeSource, Pankaj Garg.

Next, I created my map! There is a menu bar to explore:

• Map - create, name, describe
• View
• Additions - Upload CSV file
• Edit Grids
• Deletions
• Customizations
• Print or Share
• Settings

Now to identify databases to pull information that would make an impact when visually displayed. Ideas that come to mind include: school equity issues such as schools that have no teacher librarians or subscription databases. Any other good ideas?

CafePress - setting up shop

For years, I've hunted for fun t-shirts on CafePress.com. Who hasn't ordered at least one shirt from the site? I've wondered how easy it really would be to set up a web shop, and even more important, what would I sell?

I took the plunge by offering to set up an online store for my local Y. Check out the YMCA Pro Shop for Y-babies and Y-kids. :) Hopefully, the online shop will bring in a small revenue for an excellent non-profit that provides so many community services.

The business proposition for CafePress and its shop keepers is a good one. Products (T-Shirts and stuff) are "created" or "customized" online by a shop keeper, who provides the artwork graphics and picks which products to sell, prices each product, and launches an online shop. No products are created, stored, or shipped until an item is selected and ordered by a customer. Basic shops are free. No upfront costs. No investment in inventory. Ideal for a small business, non-profit or individual.

CafePress provides the following:

1. Free online shop (URL) to promote your products.
2. Produces each item when ordered (print-on-demand).
3. Handles payment transactions.
4. Ships products worldwide.
5. Manages all returns/exchanges.
6. Offers customer service - toll-free and e-mail.
7. Sends you/your organization a monthly check for your earnings on sales.
8. More? Guess I'll learn more as I add more items to the store or add more stores!