Calendar FAQs
Q: Should my dances be listed on "Where's the Dance" or on the MI Council site?
A: If you only list them in one place, list them on "Where's the Dance" as it has far greater reach than the MI Council site. But, of course, it's perfectly fine to have them listed in both places.
Q: Does the webmaster update the online calendar?
A: No. The webmaster has created a website structure utilizing google calendars that allows the presentation of member club dance events. The webmaster does not have the time, the event knowledge, nor the commitment to maintain the hundreds of dance events sponsored by the dozens of clubs that comprise the MI Council of square and round dance clubs.
Q: Who does update the online calendar?
A: People like you. For example, one of the dance leaders maintains events that he's a part of. Individuals in both SW and SE Michigan have volunteered to maintain events of their clubs.
Q: Can I maintain a calendar for dances promoted in my area?
A: Sure. You'll need to "follow some rules" (see below) and you'll want to become knowledgeable about google calendars. (do a google search for "google calendar" or take this link).
Q: So, what "rules" do I need to follow when listing dance events?
A: The sponsoring club should be a member of the MI Council of Square & Round Dance Clubs. Each dance event should provide contact information (either directly or via a webpage link), so that calendar viewers can verify that the dance is occurring and get answers to questions they might have. Also, understand that events in your calendar need to be unique events so that when your calendar gets merged on the webpage with other google calendars, that a given event (e.g., the state convention) isn't listed many times.
Q: OK, I understand all of the above. I've created a google calendar with unique events and contact information. What next?
A: You need to make this calendar public and share it with the webmaster. Use this process:
Open Google Calendar on a computer.
On the left, find My Calendars. You may need to click to expand it. (Make sure your calendar has a meaningful name).
Find the calendar you want to share and click the arrow next to it.
Select Share this Calendar.
Check the box to make this calendar public.
Under Share with specific people, add webmaster@squaredance-michigan.com
Press Save.
Send an email to the webmaster. Tell him you've setup a google calendar named xxxxxx and ask him to include your calendar on the website.
Q: But, I don't want to do all that. Is there another option?
A: Look at clubs that are already listed. Ask them who listed their club. Ask the person who listed their club to list yours. Perhaps they might be willing to help you out.