Monday, April 28, 2008

Extreme Makeover-ALD Communications Blog AND StaffNet

Okay, so EXTREME may be a stretch.

Thanks for all six of you who commented on my first blog posting! How exciting. I got great feedback about the Blogging Guidelines AND about the color of the ALD Communications Blog. Many of you stated that the colors made the blog too difficult to read. If people aren't able to read the COMMUNICATIONS blog, that is a problem. Therefore, I have updated the colors but have stuck with the dominant blue theme. No strategic reason for that...I just like blue.

Also, you may have read in StaffNet that beginning Monday, May 5th, StaffNet will have a fresh, new look! In the spirit of spring, I have decided to upgrade the software. One of the many benefits of this upgrade is the option to change the entire color scheme of StaffNet.

If you have a favorite color that you would like me to consider for StaffNet, let me know by posting your suggestion to this blog. Someone suggested changing the StaffNet colors every few months to reflect the seasons-that is a fun idea!

Although the colors will be different, the functionality will remain the same. Also, this upgrade should not have any impact on the majority of staff, including individuals who maintain and update department pages.

Monday, April 14, 2008

WANTED: Your Blogging Expertise!

If you are blogging, are interested in blogging or even if you are not quite sure what “blogging” means, then I need your help.

I have composed the first draft of the ALD Blogging Guidelines. Being a brand new blogger myself (actually, I admit it, this is my VERY FIRST blog post), I am desperate for your input and feedback. Before you actually delve into reading the draft guidelines, please keep in mind that the goal of the guidelines is not to hamper your blogging experiences or scare you away from blogging altogether. Instead the goal is to provide you with some direction when blogging.

So if anything, please take two seconds to review the Blog Guidelines and post something, just to humor me. Since this is indeed my first “blogging experience” I am a little nervous.

By the way be sure to check out the new ALD Communications Blog on a regular basis for up-to-date info on what is going on in the Communications Department!

Arapahoe Library District Blogging Guidelines-Draft

What is a blog?
A frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and Web links (http://www.marketingterms.com/).


A blog is a type of website that is usually arranged in chronological order from the most recent “post” (or entry) at the top of the main page to the older entries towards the bottom (http://www.blogger.com/www.problogger.com).

Who can start an ALD blog?
Anyone who has received permission from his/her director or manager can start an ALD blog.

Before starting a blog:
Get permission from your director or manager
Contact Digital Services

Keep in mind…
· Blogging is not a way to circumvent the communications/decision process.
· All blogs are external. This means, everything you post is visible to the world outside of ALD.

Blogging Guidelines:

  • All blogs and blog posts should reinforce Arapahoe Library District’s vision, values mission and objectives.
  • Update your blog often. No one is interested in an out-of-date blog. What keeps readers coming back to a blog is new content, updates and information.
  • Feel free to disagree with a blog post, but be respectful, friendly and kind. In other words, DO NOT post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise offensive information.
  • Whether a post is positive or negative, provide context. For example, don’t just post, “THIS IS A BAD IDEA,” without providing reasons for your thoughts, and maybe even possible solutions.
  • Attribute your blog to YOU! No anonymous (or pseudonym) postings please.
  • Understand that your blog and/or blog posts belong to YOU. They represent your ideas, thoughts and opinions and should never replace information disseminated from the Communications Department.
  • Make sure your posts are accurate.
  • Be aware of copyrighted and trademarked materials. This means, do not post any information or other material (including photos) protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner. Do not use any words, logos or other marks that would infringe upon the trademark, service mark, certification mark, or other intellectual property rights of the owners of such marks without the permission of such owners.
  • Blogs will be monitored by managers and directors, depending on area of responsibility.
  • Digital Services must have administrative rights to your blog.
  • If you blog outside of ALD, but identify yourself as an ALD employee and/or to discuss matters related to the organization, please keep in mind that, although you and we view your website or weblog as a way for personal expression, some readers may view you as a representative of ALD. Because of this, we ask that you incorporate the following disclaimer to your profile and/or posts, “The views expressed on this blog/in these posts are mine and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arapahoe Library District.” website/weblog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.”

Can work-related ALD Blogs be updated on work time? This is up to your director or manager.

When Blogging Guidelines are ignored, what happens?
ALD can remove information from any ALD blog without notice or contact with the author. Furthermore, ALD can deny authors posting rights. If you notice that a blog does not follow the guidelines, please contact your director or manager.