Interactive Web Sites:

Localizing Online Community Services

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

45 min, plus 15 min for Q&A

North Country Technology Symposium

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY

Agenda: Concepts, Not How-To's

● Your Experience: your “communities”? online? Local?

● Your Organization: host or sponsor an Online Community for its customers/supporters?

● The Technology: Intranets v. Extranets v. Online Communities

● Benefits: Why for you, your organization, your interest group?

What is an interactive website?● Click and things happen● Often dynamic content generated by Users● Often requires that users create a Profile – login and tracking of interactivity

● Possible Interactions● Publisher:User (Amazon)● User:User (Facebook)● What interactive websites do you use?

What is an online community?

Same as interactive website but also:● Members who share a common interest● Logged in members can share ratings, tips, and

often expertise on forums or threaded emails● Often moderated● Examples: (Extranet) alumni ass'n; (Intranet)

Penski Staff; (OC) tractorsbynet.com; OGRE● Your online communities?

What is a LOCAL Online Community?

● Local = Members know or trust each other based on a connection to a specific geographic community

● Examples = residents of a Town or School District, customers of a local restaurant, patients of local providers; job seekers or employers using the services of Penski Staffing

● Future => Networks of Local Online Communities - one user Profile for many LOC's

Why LOCAL Online Communities?

● Improve communication among us

● Share ideas locally● Share comments and

ratings locally● Make our community

organizations more responsive and accountable

● Keep dollars local● Help local

organizations compete with global “communities” that draw dollars and interest away

● Create advertising, web design, and development jobs here

Potential Local OIC's?

● Organizations that we support with local taxes - School districts, Towns, local government, NCPR

● Organizations that serve us – hospitals, social agencies

● Interest clubs

● Businesses we patronize: stores, restaurants, banks, newspaper, websites

● Possible multi-organization Networks: training, health care, volunteering

How can your organization benefit from LOC's?

● Communicate better – info out and feedback with your customers (CRM)...with each other?

● Provide goods and services more efficiently● Compete on service with national and global

competitors; make “Google” ads truly local● Empower your users to drive your

organization's future