AIMS Member Directory: Public or Members Only?

Our new website has been up and running for a few months now. One of the biggest requests I've heard since we launched is for a member directory, a way for members to find and network with each other.

The chief apricot over at Wild Apricot just sent me an overview on how the directory will work and I'd like to get some input from AIMS members.

First a couple of important notes:

Everyone will have the choice whether they want to be included in the directory or not.

If you choose to be included in the directory you'll have the choice to 'display' or 'not display' telephone and/or email address.

The directory can be viewable by the general public or limited to being viewed by AIMS members only.

Do you have a preference whether the directory is displayed on our public website or just shown to AIMS members? Would it impact your choice of being included or not?

Please add your comments to this post or email me directly at klagden@aimscanada.com. Thanks for your input!

Comments

[Geri Rockstein]

I was just asking Kathryn about this very thing as I am looking to expand my client base and would like to research member companies that would be a good fit.
I think that company names and URLs should be made public. But e-mail addresses and direct phone lines should only be made available to members, if the company chooses to publish.

Geri

[Jason Clements]

I agree with Geri. Listing which companies members work shows prospective members what type of contacts they'll meet. However, to access a member's specific contact info should be the benefit to becoming a member.

Also, providing that info to members only will prevent any robots or other ill-intentioned people from accessing the personal contact info of members.