----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2003 6:47 PM
Subject: Software discussion board - a new venue
Hello All,
As many of you know, discussing MDS software on the
AANAC listserver is not allowed. As a result, I have received a number of
requests to establish a new listserver for that purpose. At the same time, I
realize you don't need another listserver filling your inbox with email. So, I
have come up with a compromise...a web discussion board. A discussion board is
a web site that allows you to discuss topics as you would on an email list
server, but without all the email.
Before I get to the details, let me make a small
disclaimer. As many of you may know, I have recently taken a position with
Compudata Health - a software vendor. Compudata Health is sponsoring this
discussion board. Back before the AANAC listserver, I ran the MDS list server
for CARE Computer Systems (now Keane). I will run this discussion board in
much the same fashion. I will not be censoring or blocking discussions or
individuals unless they get completely out of control. I expect the
users to manage themselves and their peers. I invite all other vendors to join
this discussion group, but this is not a sales forum. These nurses don't want
to receive a sales call every time they have a complaint about their
software.
The discussion board can be accessed at http://compudatahealth.board.dk3.com
You don't need to register to read the discussions, but in
order to take part in the discussions you will need to register. You do this
by clicking the REGISTER link at the top of the web page, accepting the terms,
and filling out the form. A user name and password are required, but other
information is optional. I would suggest you do three other things when you
register. One, provide only as much information as you are comfortable
divulging. Two, fill out the signature block with your name and possibly the
name of your software vendor. Three, change the "Always notify me of replies"
option to YES. Please remember your username. If you forget this you will have
to register again.
Using the discussion board is simple, but a bit
different than a list server. There are four "forums" for discussion: General
Discussion, I Hate My Software, I Love My Software, and Hey Vendor...I have a
suggestion. Think of these forums as conference rooms. Click on the name of
any room to view the messages posted inside or to post a message of your own.
You can either post a new topic or respond to an existing topic.
There are usergroups set up for many vendors. You
can join a usergroup by clicking on the Usergroup link at the top of the web
page. You can then view the names of the others in the usergroup and send them
messages. If your vendor is not listed in the usergroup list, please let me
know and I will add it.
In addition to posting messages to the board, you
can send private messages directly to another user via the board or regular
email. This is especially useful for members of a usergroup wanting to ask
another member a question.
There are other features of the board I have not
explained here. Feel free to look around and let me know if you have any
questions.
http://compudatahealth.board.dk3.com
Nathan Lake, RN, BSN, MSHA
Director of Clinical Product Management
Compudata Health
