[vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS
- From: "Damien O'Connor" <damienmoconnor@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2014 21:17:05 +0100
Hi Kerie.
It seems like there's a few things coming up from members that they feel
important to discuss at the egm. So, should we put together an agenda based
on what members have come back with? We could then circulate it. I'm happy
to help with that.
All the best
Damien.
-----Original Message-----
From: vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:vicsireland-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kerie Doyle
Sent: 04 April 2014 15:31
To: vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [vicsireland] Re: EGM of VICS
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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>>>>>>
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>>>>>>
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>>>>>
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