We are excited to announce a major new benefit for all NOMMA members, called "NOMMA Online Community." The new system will consolidate all of our existing online services into one area, and members will be able to access all of the benefits using a single user name and password. PLUS, we are rolling out many new services. In effect, we are greatly expanding and improving the Member's Only area, which will have an entirely new look. The following is a summary of the new features:- Integrated Forums and ListServs - The ListServs and Forums will now become one. You can use the ListServ just like you always have, or you can access it through the forums. In addition to the two ListServs we already have — General and Technical Affairs — we will also be adding Special Interest Groups (SIGS), with the first one focusing on AutoCAD.
- Knowledge Repository - Formerly known as "Knowledgebase," this area will become the heart of the new system. Forum and ListServ discussions will immediately become part of the repository.
- File Library will hold dozens of technical document, including all past issues of TechNotes and Fab Journal, old Fabricator articles, and many other technical documents.
- Media Library will provide videos and pictures. In addition to getting ALL past Top Job entries online, we'd also like to include webinars and education videos.
- A powerful search engine will provide instant acess to everything in the repository.
- Online Communities - Each NOMMA chapter, committee, and task force will its own sub-area. Each specialized community can bundle the services it needs and display them in its own private "room." For instance, a chapter could set up its own blog, survey, and file sharing area.
- Member Profiles - Get to know your NOMMA brothers and sisters around the country. Each member will be able to create his or her own profile, complete with picture and bio. You'll even get your own, personal blog -- use this blog for telling about a job experience or for sharing a technique you learned. In effect, all the information you share becomes a part of the greater Knowledge Repository. Also in your profile, you'll be able to post pictures and link to your online Flickr or Picassa account.
- Calendar - At a glance, you'll see all upcoming NOMMA events, chapter meetings, and conference dates for related organizations.
- Surveys & Polls - A built-in system for surveys and polls will allow NOMMA, the board, and magazine staff to have regular feedback from members, in regards to interests, trends, requested benefits, etc... We'll also some fun polls on various fabrication topics.
- Issue Tracker - This is where NOMMA members will discuss issues related to building codes, and federal regulatory and legislative issues. If you'd like to see a building code change or have a comment on an existing NOMMA position or code proposal, post it on this module.
- Wiki - Each chapter, committee, and task force will get its own wiki, which can be used for collaborative planning. Use the wiki for an action plan, upcoming meeting outline, etc... The wiki stores all past versions, and access and privacy can be controlled.
Work on the system has already begun, and plans are to have the formal unveiling in mid-September.
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