Traders,

For all the singers on the list, I wanted to let you know that a rough
draft of my traditional singing web site is now up and functioning.
Constructive criticism is welcome. The URL is:

http://www.irishrochester.org/singers.html

Some noticeable weaknesses in the page that I am already aware of:

1) It is very text-heavy. I know that and for now that is deliberate:

A. Because I wanted to concentrate on the main thrust of the page, which
is an explanation of the tradition, and where people can learn more
about it

B. Because I didn't want a search for copyright-free photo and other
features to delay release of the page (which has time-sensitive
information in it), AND

C. Because text loads easier than non-print formats.

If people know of useful sound files, photographs, and other non-print
formats (particularly small,easily-loaded resources), I would be very
interested in hearing.

2) Some links in the initial table at the top don't work as effectively
as I would like to take you elsewhere in the page. I am working on
correcting that.

3) Some links to other web pages don't work as effectively as I would
like. I am working on that as well.

4) Finally, one major subsection of the page, devoted to biographies of
famous singers, is "under construction." As noted above, given the
time-sensitive nature of some information on the page, I did not want to
delay release of the page until that was done (which could easily take
another 6 months or more).

So, even if the page is not perfect, I hope this will give folks an idea
of my general plans for the page. If people have other constructive
suggestions for improving it, I would be most anxious to hear.

As to my request for further help, I would like to solicit ideas for
famous singers to profile. I have some ideas already, but I would like
to hear yours. Along with the name, if you could provide an idea of
where I could go to get the biographical information needed for that
singer (e.g., appropriate books, web sites, the singer's own recordings,
etc.). As you review the existing web page, intelligent readers will
note that I borrow from Fintan's Companion as well as the Rough Guide to
Irish Music. So, for example, if you are going to suggest Paddy Tunney,
it might be helpful to note that Paddy is profiled in the two books
above, but also that Paddy has a two-part autobiography (The Stone
Fiddle, and Where Songs Do Thunder) from which information can be
derived.

Even though this page has my name on it, if it has any value at all it
will be because of what you all have taught me. If it has any errors,
they are entirely my own.

Many thanks for all your help.

Chris Brennan
cristoir@...