Forums and Scrapbook

Although the SUSU forums are practically useless, now and again someone does post on them. And one post really caught my attention regarding the elections, and communicating to students in general. See it here http://forum.susu.org/susuforum-thread-70771.html

There’s been very little publication of the elections in the last week, with the main banner on the SUSU website replaced by an advert for housing week.  Now, housing week is very important, but why can't that advert alternate with one about the elections.  Or even put an entirely separate link?  It would be nice to think that our representatives were elected on their pledges, but when there is no obvious way of accessing manifestos, how is that supposed to happen?

It really frustrates me at the lack of publication for various departments and events on the main portal for the students.  Next year, this WILL change.  The forums will be a fantastic resource, and communication of the important issues will be paramount to me.  The university doesn't communicate with OUR representatives very well (logo anyone), and yet the people who represent us don't communicate with YOU, the students...

The last comment on Scrapbook also hits the nail on the head - Scrapbook is trying to reinvent the wheel.  Compete with Facebook.  And it won't work.  There have been concerns that Facebook would close due to various legal issues, when that is not the case.  It won't be closed down - just the people who run it will change.  And as things stand at the moment, Facebook is THE way to communicate with friends.  Do you know many people who aren’t on it?  The fact that a group was set up regarding the decision to revoke the Union President’s voting rights shows how important it is.

AND, I'm not going to upload photos to Scrapbook for about 5 friends to look at, when I can upload them to Facebook and have everyone look at them, no matter who they are.  I’m not going to force my own agenda onto you, because that’s not what you will vote me in for.  I’m there to represent you and your needs.  Facebook is a fantastic tool, and could easily be used to help bring people back to the relevant parts of the SUSU.org website. 

Anyhoo, that’s my two pennies worth.  If you’ve got any feelings on Scrapbook, or Facebook, please let me know.  I would love to hear what you think!! acg104@soton.ac.uk.  Andy