[vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS
- From: Kerie Doyle <kerie.doyle1987@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2014 15:31:18 +0100
Hi Martin and all
I have no issue with anything that people feel important prior to
meeting being discussed here.
Thanks
Kerie
Sent from my iPhone
> On 4 Apr 2014, at 09:46 a.m., Martin Fleming <martinfleming01@xxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> Hi, I would agree on some kind of web site presence even if there is a FB
> profile and Twitter feed. It will just depend on how much content is to be
> put on the site as it might be better to just have a basic site, especially
> in view of the issue with limited content and contributions of content. I
> would agree also that there is no harm in raising proposals, and perhaps the
> debate of them, which could further be discussed and decided on at the
> meeting on the 26 April. The idea of people voting on these proposals via
> Email so that their vote can be added to on the actual day could work but
> there needs to be enough time for this to be done and the votes would have
> to go to a separate Email address for confidentiality.
>
> Regards
>
> Martin
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of GERARD SHANAHAN
> Sent: 03 April 2014 17:08
> To: vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> 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 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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