----- 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
