As has been mentioned elsewhere, I’m currently planning to build a community website for the ISTC and thought it time to get you all a heads up and ask for some help.
The idea for the website was borne from the members panel that Rachel Potts ran last year, which cited “reducing the feeling of isolation” as an important benefit of being a member of the ISTC. It will also help to promote and publicise the ISTC and hopefully become a valued resource for technical communicators in the UK.
As such the new website will compliment the current ISTC website, and has two main aims:
– to encourage a sense of community amongst members, enabling all members to contribute and discuss related topics
– become the ‘online home’ for technical communicators in the UK
Initial thoughts and ideas include:
– sections for the local area groups
– a directory of ISTC member blogs (and other blogs of note)
– online forums
– regular updates (ISTC news or articles of interest)
The sky is the limit to be honest, but to better refine the list of requirements, and come up with a set of features I’m looking for some volunteers. I’m looking for your ideas and suggestions.
This website is for everyone to use, and it’s up to us to decide what features it will and won’t have, so please get in touch if you are interested.
Community websites are a huge undertaking but very rewarding. I love the spirit of collaboration that is found within this digital hives that connect people from across the globe on topics. How often will you update the community website, or will it have an organic life of its own?
@Digitalgodess on Twitter
Stephenie Rodriguez
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Stephenie,
As yet, I’m not sure. Still planning! I’m hoping that, after some initial seeding and with a bit of prompting, it will take on a life of its own. That’s the aim, at least. The more people that contribute, the more value it will hold.
“The idea for the website was borne from the members panel that Rachel Potts ran last year, which cited “reducing the feeling of isolation” as an important benefit of being a member of the ISTC.”
So, even before a community website exists, members join to reduce the feeling of isolation, yes? Do they still feel isolated after joining, and the community site is intended to address that issue?
The website will help further reduce the feeling of isolation. We have a quarterly publication and a monthly newsletter, not to mention a mailing list. The website will add to that support.
Best of luck on this Gordon.
Seems like a good idea.
Ivan