Hi Kerie,
Whereas most organisations do require meetings to be held on a certain
date
at a certain venue, I am of the opinion that with regard to the medium we
are using "vics mailing list". Which is in itself is a medium of
communication for ideas, questions and answers, and teasing out the
vagaries
of software new to certain users. This list is a conjuet for new and
veteran computer users to assist in developing skillfulness in
progressing
technology to expound on their merits or disadvantages. The activity on
the
list depends on topics and members. The list has been a learning point
for
many new computer users and capable users who need the expertise of more
experienced users to
upgrade to the changing environment of the changing face of computing or
technology generally.
Secondly, As a paid up member, as many others who may not be able to
attendon the day, I think the least that all paid up members deserve is a
chance to debate the issue which in itself may defuse the motion of the
society's
demise. Yes, more up to date technologies such as the iphone, apps etc
are
changing the topics under which questions are asked but the forum is
providing a place to come for assistance and information. So the real
question isn't the society's relevance but its evolution into the future.
Demise automatically denotes the taking down of the website and
discontinuation of the mailing list denoting of the loss of a central
point
for vip information technology users within Ireland and contributions
from
friends outside the country who provide useful tips and information.
Thirdly, In relation to the previous point, you point to the fact that
the
society is somewhat irrelevant in that National agencies often provide
services and information which the society is presently duplicating. I
don't agree. The National agencies portfolio encompasses, provision of
equipment, training and software which can be purchased with some
subsidised
grant aid which is
important for vips in this country due to the fact that there is a
larger
percentage of the vip population unemployed and the cost of same can be
prohiberative.
The National agencies provide demonstration days but the one big
advantage
of the society is that you have vips explaining: instructing vips on the
use
of goods and software. Unless a fully sighted person is totally in the
"zone"
they will not have the awareness and expertise to understand another vips
question or needs in regard to certain queries. This is where the
society's
members come to the forefront.
Fourthly: I have a number of questions/suggestions to which I would
appreciate a response.
1. Would you agree that being a voluntary body that a certain amount of
laxness can create inertia. Yes, I know you will say that it is up to
the
members to make something happen so we have to find innovative ideas to
inspire action.
2. I tried to log into the website today just to update myself on its
content but my password was not accepted. This in itself is off putting
for
any
member and I have seen others previously having the same problem. Why
hasn't this been fixed? Is there really a need for logging in?
Admittedly,
I haven't visited the website on many occasions over the past year and
the
log in problem was there even then, maybe this is the reason I didn't
return, seeing the problems others had and awaited the problem fix. I'm
not
critising- just pointing out. I do understand the basics of website
building alas, I don't know how accessible servicing websites is, so I'm
going soft on this issue.
3. The website's last update was in 2012 so its relevance is somewhat
dated. There are no items under certain headings or within certain links
i.e. podcasts, tutorials. Besides the pages devoted to the 2012 A.G.M.
and
the useful links page and the documents page which is mainly to do with
the
internal workings of the committee i.e. constitution. The overall content
has nothing to draw people to it. If a website is to be relevant, it
must
have content which is useful for visitors that will bring them back again
and again. This begs the question what kind of content can be put on the
website, is it so easy to locate all the information we need by doing a
simple google search that going to the bother of making out tutorials or
creating podcasts is not worth it. Such negative thinking would be
defeatist
and there is plenty of content that could be useful to users of
accessible
technology. You may ask where do we get such content? examining the
mailing list for the past twelve months, if a question is asked once it
will
surely be repeated thus the repeat query can be directed to the tutorial
on
the website or a search on google should bring up the website reference.
4. We are back to the problem of contributors. individuals showing an
interest in a particular topic should be nurchered and encouraged to
produce
tutorials or podcasts. For instance as an example, there was a certain
ms
word procedure which was quite simple in office '97 but due to the use of
2003 involved using wizards caused me some disquiet until after a great
deal
of searching found the answer through the experience of others. I'm
sure
that the new word ribbon will create such problems for people and this
alone
is a topic for tutorial or podcasts. Depending on people's preferences,
individuals retain and learn procedures better by reading or listening
depending on personal preference.
5. Cearbhall's suggestion: What about VICS taking up the challenge of
presenting open source tools such as NVDA, Firefox, JAVA, a selection of
the
best accessible, free apps for iPhone and Android and so on? * There is
plenty to work with there for all the more competant members and even
maybe
a learning curve for the less competant like myself. Actually, I
have another project suggestion (Although not being a programmer and
ignorant of how to build an app makes me an aspiring student). Many
visually impaired people are diabetics whether acquired through life or
as
part of their sight loss. Developing an accessible app
with the necessary criteria to give the optimum results is needed.
Membership: How many members are there in vics? is the apathy or lack of
interest you seem to imply due to the fact that the membership is not
sufficient to make it worthwile to continue. I would have thought that
it
would have been part of the committee's plan to find new ways to source
streams for new members. There are many avenues which can be tried.
What
is the present financial standing(what's in the bank account)? What
expenses does the organisation incounter annualy. Is there a treasurers
report annually. You are going to say that I should go to the meeting to
find out, but I think it would be interesting to release such information
after the annual general meeting to members in previous years Besides
the
agenda the goals for the coming year might be included in documentation
on
the website.
***Why not think outside the box and conduct a meeting via the list or
invite members to join a separately created group for the sole purpose of
discussing the matter if many members are not interested in taking
part,although I think it would be good to put the meeting out there on
the
mailing list so that people can voice an opinion or hear what is being
said
. If you think that the list is too public a place to air the
conversation,
it would be at least worthwhile creating a list ass can be created in
most
emailing programs to make the conversation as inclusive as possible and
it
would be a First to a point: a computer society having a members meeting
in
cibre space not being restrictted by location.
apoligies for the extended length of the email, I thought it would be the
least I could do to present the case for the preservation of the society,
even though I wouldn't be the greatest teckie on the list.
Gerry Shanahan
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kerie Doyle" <kerie.doyle1987@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 4:07 PM
Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS
Hi Pat
Is there a specific reason you cannot attend?
unfortunately we do not have the facilities to provide a live stream
that is private and could be open to non VICS members coming in which
we don't want.
I would ask everyone please if you are thinking of not attending
simply due to lack of interest to please think carefully.
If it is unavoidable then of course this is understandable but bear in
mind that some of the reason we are where we are is because of some
apathy from members so it's really important that as many as possible
are there.
I have said it once, and I'll say it again, this really is a very
important time in the existence of the society, and bearing in mind it
could be our last ever meeting, I would find not attending because of
lack of interest a bit off putting to be honest and certainly would
not, even if I could, facilitate a stream for this reason.
Thanks
Kerie
Sent from my iPhone
On 22 Mar 2014, at 10:44 a.m., pat mccarthy <patmk1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Will there be away for people like me who cannot get there to view what
is happening.
Pat
Sent from my iPhone
On 22 Mar 2014, at 12:27 a.m., "Owen Kyne" <kyneowen@xxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
I will be present.
Owen Kyne
-----Original Message-----
From: vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
roslynallman@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: 21 March 2014 18:53
To: vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS
Hi Kerie,
Won't be attending. Apologies.
Roslyn
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kerie Doyle" <kerie.doyle1987@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2014 10:43 AM
Subject: [vicsireland] EGM of VICS
Good morning to all members
I am writing this message to announce an extraordinary general
meeting
of
VICS
This will take place on Saturday 26th april
time: 12:00 PM
Location: NCBI training centre, NCBI head office, Drumcondra Dublin 9
Agenda for this meeting consists of only 1 item:
What is the future of VICS?
In recent years, it is clear to you all I am sure, with the
development of smart phone technology, and technology in general, as
well as most people's by now, fluent use of the internet to access
information and training, as well as training now being provided by
organisations apart from VICS that our role has changed significantly
over the past number of years.
I am of the opinion, along with the other members of the committee,
that now the only way to go forward is to get members together and
discuss, where, if anywhere, VICS should proceed from here and what
is
the right way forward.
I would ask people to RSVP please no later than Friday, April 18th at
3:00
PM
Lunch will be provided on the day so it will be necessary to give
numbers for this, also I would just like an opportunity to gauge
general interest.
I really do hope to see as many of you there as possible, to discuss
what is, no doubt a pivotal point in the existance of VICS
Many thanks
Kerie Doyle
Sent from my iPhone
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