Hi all,
We recently appointed a Web Editor and are beginning to think more
strategically about how to manage content. In fact, I've just finished
reading "Content Strategy for the Web" by Kristina Halvorson (New Riders,
August 2009, ISBN 0321620062) which is very good and thorough (but obviously
not as lovely and shiny as Paul!).
1. Do you deal with content centrally?
We currently manage some content centrally, while other content is left to
individual support units and schools to audit, create, edit and manage.
Until now we have tended to manage the IA and design centrally and rely on
units to provide content. We're in the process of reviewing this as we draw
together Web policies, procedures and best practices for the first time.
2. If you have distributed content providers how do you ensure quality and
accuracy?
We often work closely with units as they plan their content, but not always.
We occasionally check content that is awaiting approval in the content
management system, but not always. We provide training on good writing for
the Web practices which sometimes helps, but not always.
3. What training do you give content providers?
As part of the content management software training we also give basic
training on good writing for the Web guidelines. We also give them paper
copies of our style guide. Our training could be improved; we're making
plans ...
4. Do you set a 'corporate tone' for written content?
Not formally, apart from those pieces of content that are either provided by
or checked by Corporate Communications.
I've certainly found the book by Kristina Halvorson has raised a number of
useful issues and pointers for us to explore further.
Gareth
--
The Revd Gareth J M Saunders
Assistant Information Architect/Web Manager
Business Improvements
University of St Andrews
Room 6 (Ground Floor)
Butts Wynd Building
St Andrews
Fife KY16 9AL
Scotland, United Kingdom
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+44 (0)1334 462783
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