I would agree with you re the messiness of FB. Websites may be less popularly used but are easier to use. ----- Original Message ----- From: "GERARD SHANAHAN" <gershan@xxxxxx>
To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 5:08 PM Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS Hi Cearbhall My sympathy with regard to the fishing problem. For some reason I was still under the impression that I needed my password to log in and I spent so much time looking for it and now realize that I didn't really need it that I'm confused. Esmond did point out to me that that was a feature of the old website. As regards tje attractiveness of websites, I know tha tthings have moved on and now it is all faceing and twitting but there is so much drivel!! ib some of the pages that I'd rather be associated with a website that produced useful and insiteful material. Besides, maybe it is me but when ever I try to use facebook, I find that I am surrounded with lots of headers that indicate the material that I want to read but have endless numbered links below them. Also I found it hard to use the edit boxes on facebook with jaws but that could be my jaws version 8 . I appreciate your support for my request for a debate on the issue within the list. In light of the number of replies I think it will be a short discussion as the number of contributors who regularily contribute seems to have dropped off but one has to make the effort. regards Gerry ----- Original------message -----
From: "Cearbhall O'Meadhra" <omeadhrac@xxxxxxx>
To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2014 9:31 AM Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS Kerie, Gerry et al, I agree with Kerie that our experience in VICS has been that only those who come to a physical meeting follow up and take action on proposals. With regard to the web site: This was a project taken on by a small working group within VICS to learn how to program in UNIX. The project ground to a halt because we could not get feedback from users as to what should be included in the site. We left it that there would be no need for members to register as there was no exclusive data on the site. Ever since, I have been plagued with fishing applications for membership from rogue emails that look like real people but on closer inspection are clearly false. I have been getting about ten of these per day over the last two years. I cannot remember ever getting a genuine application from a real VICS member wishing to register in the past two years. I believe the web site is something that we need to discuss at the EGM. MY 22 year old daughter points out that web sites are "old hat" now and Facebook and personal imaging sites are the medium of choice. Web sites have to be fascinating to attract any attention! Even blogs are passé! I believe a healthy discussion on the list here would help us to have a really productive meeting at the EGM so let's do it! All the best, Cearbhall M: 0833323487 t: (01) 2864623 em: omeadhrac@xxxxxxx -----Original Message-----
From: vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kerie Doyle Sent: 02 April 2014 23:21 To: vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS Hi Gerry, Esmond and all Esmond, firstly let me say thanks very much for your email on this topic, you were far more to the point than I have been on this subject recently Gerry, I am only seeing your mail now, so your earlier comment about not being bothered to reply to your email is completely wrong, just to let you know that. You ask a lot of questions, and put forward quite a few suggestions and some of your questions I do not have data on and so don't know the answers to. I think to be honest that the list is not an ideal place for the EGM, and I really would prefer to get everyone together, and this is the reason for the fixed date time and venue. some of your suggestions are good, but the thing is, in all reality no one will carry them through. I take you back to the mail I sent out announcing the EGM. In this mail, I refered to a mail which I sent out at the beginning of my stint as chairperson. In this mail, I asked for ideas on what we should train on, how, where, when etc. I got no response to that, and while your suggestions are good, my original point still stands and I did not take the decision to hold an EGM on the future of VICS lightly. Thanks Kerie Sent from my iPhone
On 1 Apr 2014, at 07:29 p.m., GERARD SHANAHAN <gershan@xxxxxx> wrote: 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 VICSHi 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 iPhoneOn 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 iPhoneOn 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 VICSGood 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 3:00PM 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 =========================================================== The vicsireland mailing list To unsubscribe at any time send a mail to: vicsireland-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe", without the quotes in the subject of the message. 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