To get back on track,(away from chatrooms) the IIS homepage needs to be more interactive and have up to date content to attract people there.
The list Mike provided at the start of the thread is exactly what is needed.
My opinion........A 'what's to view' section would be at the top of the list,maybe monthly, with a special events for the week. Add a new forum for people to discuss that section. How many people checked out trapezium after Vin666 made that post. Or jupiter after Aus' post. You can have a nights viewing then discuss with others the same. Consideration would be needed for all sizes of equipment. (eyes, binos or big eyed newts).
There's a lot of knowledgeable people on this site surely someone could address this.
There's a lot of buried information in the threads that could be condensed for howto's and reviews. Example.. EP case. Good thread for making your own ep case and storage of ep's. Full of tips. Everyone with a scope has ep's that need maintaining.
Ving made a good point of having more material available onsite.
Having that information 1 click away would be easier than scrounging through folders for a link or going hunting offsite.
As for reviews.
An unbiassed 'shootout' would give more credence to an equipments worth.
There's a lot of friendly banter over eps, so come on guys , line them up
We've been deprived of a online resource centre for Australasian amateur astronomers for so long. A few people have laid the foundations for something long needed here. Mike & Mojo are looking for some direction to improve this site for our benefit.
Have your say and throw some ideas/thoughts/opinions at them.
Help the site advance.
Slice