#MTL Tips

You can subscribe to whatever emails you’d like, by accessing the “My Account” area of MTL and selecting “Notifications.” On that page you’ll be able to choose any and all communications you’d like to receive or not receive, by simply checking/unchecking boxes next to the publications. To get to the "My Account" area on a phone or a tablet held vertically (portrait orientation), tap the menu at the top right, then into "My Account." On a laptop/computer or tablet held horizontally (landscape orientation), click on your name at the top of the screen, then into "My Account."

The best answer to this is, "sometimes." MTL is a huge platform with a tremendous amount of inter-linked information and constantly changing content. So, much in the same way that you can’t print CNN.com or ESPN.com or FoxNews.com in their entirety, you can’t print out all of MTL. That said, there are features which can be printed, including the Events Calendar, though keep in mind that events change all the time, so the only way to know the most accurate information is to view the calendar online or subscribe to the Daily Digest. MTL emails can also be printed, however note that the emails are only a small snapshot of the events taking place at the Clubs. The Daily Digest includes a complete list of the events, with the details a single click away. The longer format weekly newsletters highlight some events with details, and some as just listings. Emails are designed to be highlight reels, not exhaustive, since they would be pages upon pages long each time if they included all information.

Yes, though due to the sheer volume of events that happen in each community, it may not be the prettiest calendar you’ve ever seen. We recommend using the online version for that reason, and also because events listings change frequently, rendering a printed calendar outdated pretty quickly. All of that said, the events can be printed from a laptop/desktop computer or a tablet held in landscape (horizontal) view, in either list or box calendar formats by clicking the “Print” button on the top right of the Events listing. The box calendar cannot be printed from a mobile phone. Please keep in mind that events change all the time, so the only way to know the most accurate information is to view the calendar online or subscribe to the Daily Digest.

MTL is designed to be of, for, and by the Members. But yes, there is a support staff in place to keep the site running. The team is as follows:

• Editor-in-Chief Kelci Cooper, a BlueStar Resort & Golf team member who works to make sure the sites have accurate and up-to-date information and is also the final approval for all email communications.
• The local Lifestyle Directors and MTL admins in each community, whose job it is to make sure that MTL – as the “operating system” of the community – is meeting all the needs of Members.
• Our long-time Web Development Team, who ensure the site is always up and running, support our Member users, and add enhancements to the site ongoing as needed.

This team works together every day to make the best MTL experience we can.

There are two components to be considered when thinking about the funding for MTL. The first is the development costs involved in actually building the platform. The second is the ongoing costs of maintaining the system.

The development costs were funded by Shea Homes. Since the launch of the first version of the site in the early 2000’s, there have been four major overhauls, including the current version, which debuted in August 2017. These projects are, generally speaking, in the six-figure range, the most recent being the most significant in cost and scope.

The ongoing costs – hosting, email systems, editor-in-chief, webmaster, enhancements and new features, etc. – are measured in the tens of thousands and funded by the participating communities at a rate of $1.50/home/month, with a minimum “floor” for smaller communities and a maximum “ceiling” for larger ones. At this point, the system essentially breaks even, but in future years as communities grow, the intention is to reinvest any surplus into enhancements to the site.

Currently MTL accepts no advertising, and the goal is to maintain that standard. Experiences within the community utilize the platform to promote events (the restaurants, for example), but as those are an integrated part of the overall community experience, we don’t view that as advertising. It’s the same perspective we take for Member-led clubs and events, which are promoted regularly but would also not be viewed as advertising.

In the world of community and HOA websites, there are other “off-the-shelf” options available, with quality and capabilities varying broadly. We feel Trilogy Members benefit from the fully custom MTL system in a way no “standard” solution could provide. That said, we are always cognizant to ensure the service we provide via MTL is competitive in the market and commensurate with the fees paid by owners.

Admittedly, MTL walks a delicate line. The site is intended to be of, for, and by the Members. The BlueStar team – which leads the development and administers the site – is charged with playing the role of, ostensibly, ombudsman, and we take that role seriously. The team does its best, but if Members ever have questions, feedback@bluestarresorts.com is always available.

If you’ve already checked your Notification settings and all appears to be right, send us an email with your name, which Trilogy community you live in, and which emails you are not receiving.

Full access to MTL is reserved for Members and Residents who have closed on their home, and long-term renters. If you are a buyer under contract (not yet closed), or someone considering Trilogy, you have more limited “read only” access to MTL, for the privacy of our Members.