CHL Website Resource

[loneaggie]

As a web developer by trade, I'm always looking for something interesting when I learn a new framework to test it out on. I have been the occasional user of the existing website that archives 30.06 locations. I tip my hat to the gentleman and people who created that site, and it inspired me to do something similar. Mainly I wanted to do something with a framework called Rails, and I figured another repository of information for chlers couldn't be a bad thing. I'll be creating a mobile optimized version of the site for easier access on the go and am working on a native iPhone application that would allow mapping based on proximity to known sign locations. Ideally I'd like to make this a national database, and I've already been contacted by two people out of state who maintain similar lists for their states.

http://www.CarrySpots.com

I invite anyone with a minute to enter any 30.06/51%/Misc locations they are aware of. Feature requests and bug reports are welcome. Now back to wishing I didn't have the flu.

[sugar land dave]

Good luck with the website and get feeling better!

[Excaliber]

This looks like a good thing in the making.

Just a thought:

How about allowing submissions on posted places to include a recommendation for the next nearest non posted similar business that CHL holders could support with their patronage when choosing not to spend money with those who don't support us?

[loneaggie]

Exaclibur, I'm actually thinking of implementing that. Businesses would be able list themselves as "good" spot and optionally offer coupons/discounts for CHLers, similar to the model used by foursquare. The new posting are also mirrored on a facebook page, and a twitter feed.

[Excaliber]

Exaclibur, I'm actually thinking of implementing that. Businesses would be able list themselves as "good" spot and optionally offer coupons/discounts for CHLers, similar to the model used by foursquare. The new posting are also mirrored on a facebook page, and a twitter feed.

This feature would be compelling for businesses on both sides of the issue, because it would drive patronage to CHL friendly businesses and away from unfriendly ones.

In other words, it would make it easy for folks to vote with their wallets. If it caught on it would have a measurable impact on business metrics (year to year same store sales, etc.). That's what businesses respond to when making decisions. If the campaign was sustained, in time I think you'd see 30-06 signs coming down.

[cougartex]

Good luck with the website.

[loneaggie]

This feature would be compelling for businesses on both sides of the issue, because it would drive patronage to CHL friendly businesses and away from unfriendly ones.

This would be the ultimate goal. Voting with one's wallet is always the best attention getter. I think many non-gun people don't understand what the fuss is about, and probably don't realize that they actually do lose customers due to 30.06 signs.

[BrianSW99]

While a national site might be helpful, it seems like it's an awful lot of duplication of effort when there's already a texas site that has a fairly extensive list of 30.06 locations. How about just a directory of all the state specific sites? I know 99.99% of the time, I'm only going to be interested in Texas locations, but when I am in another state a directory linking to a site specific to the other state would be nice.

[loneaggie]

While a national site might be helpful, it seems like it's an awful lot of duplication of effort when there's already a texas site that has a fairly extensive list of 30.06 locations.

Having a backup is always good. I wasn't looking to replace that site, was just inspired to make something that was interesting, and also provide an alternative. I also wanted to take the whole idea for a Web 2.0 spin to try and get more people aware of the benefits of chl in general.

How about just a directory of all the state specific sites? I know 99.99% of the time, I'm only going to be interested in Texas locations, but when I am in another state a directory linking to a site specific to the other state would be nice.

Some of the states don't have an established directory really available. Some are just spreadsheets linked to Google Maps and such.

Overall it was just an idea to try and practice with a new web development style concerning something I had an interest in.

[RHenriksen]

I love Excaliber's idea about giving people pro-gun alternatives as well as alerts about posted (no-go) spots.

What if you offered your development time/effort as a collaboration with the founder of the existing Texas3006 website? That way we don't wind up with multiple silos of overlapping data.

[loneaggie]

What if you offered your development time/effort as a collaboration with the founder of the existing Texas3006 website? That way we don't wind up with multiple silos of overlapping data.

We actually started emailing about possibilities today.

[RHenriksen]

[KFP]

I would like to see pictures of signs posted for each location - this would allow each individual to make their own decision based on the legality of the signs.

Good luck!

[loneaggie]

I would like to see pictures of signs posted for each location - this would allow each individual to make their own decision based on the legality of the signs.

Good luck!

That's definitely a feature worth looking at.

[RoyGBiv]

How about adding some contact information (an email link or phone number and a form letter) so we can politely tell the proprietors that we found their 30.06 sign listed on your web site and have decided to do business elsewhere.... Combined with some local information about alternatives, that would make a nice statement..

Dear Grapevine Mills Mall...
According to the information I found at http://www.carryspots.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I understand that your location is posted with a TX 30.06 sign prohibiting licensed concealed carry on your premises. Since I prefer to spend my money with businesses that respect my 2nd Amendment rights and my right to self defense, I plan to make my clothing purchases today at Kohls in Southlake instead. I hope you will reconsider your prohibition of licensed concealed carry soon. I believe the signs you post are equivalent to a "defenseless patrons shopping here" sign, an invitation for criminals to take advantage of customers who are unarmed. The only people that respect your signs are those of us that obey the law. I can't imagine why you would want to discourage law abiding people from shopping with you, but we respect your right to make this choice. We hope by letting you know how we feel, you might eventually reconsider your position on this important issue.

Best Regards,
Us.

Of course you would want to add a tag line about how to contact http://www.carryspots.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; if they decide to stop posting 30.06.