Using Paciviced.net online
This "post" (article) is to introduce you to the different features of our network's online presence and how it can be used. What's here will grow in response to comments or questions and as the site evolves.
How do I get back here, or tell others where to find us?
You can simply use the address paciviced.net in the address bar of your web browser. That address will take you to the front page, which you can then add to your "Favourites" list.
What type of website is this?
Paciviced is a "blog" which is short for "web log". Blogs are online diaries where the writer - who could be an individual or organisation - expresses their opinions for the world to read and react to. We're using a blog hosting service called Blogger because it's free and easy to set-up and use, and control of the site can be changed between people and countries without technical hassles. The downside is that files such as documents, spreadsheets or .pdfs (digital copies of papers or books) cannot sit directly on the blog for "downloading" (where you open or save a copy of the file for use when you are offline, or not connected to the Internet). But, plenty of us have websites that can host downloads, so we'll simply link to them off this site.
How do I find content I'm looking for?
- The latest posts will be at the top and visible on the "homepage" (front) of the site which always displays the latest five postings.
- If you remember the title or approximate date of an earlier post, then the Archive (in the right margin) shows you the titles of all posts from the current month and allows you to drill by year and month to find the content you want.
- Every post has one or more of the Content categories assigned to it at the bottom. You can click on a category at the bottom of any post or in the right margin to display all the posts that belong to that category from newest at the top to oldest at the bottom. Try clicking Website help category on the right and it should show you a list of posts including this one. Click Show all posts at the top of the list to return to the normal view. The Content categories used will evolve with the site. For instance Resources is currently used for anything from strategy guides, to case studies, to training opportunities. In time it might be appropriate to break Resources down into these or similar categories.
- You can also search the entire blog by entering a word or phrase from the post in the search box on the top left of the website in the blue bar and clicking "Search Blog" button next to it. Try searching "UNDP". Click Show all posts at the top of the list to return to the normal view.
How do I get back to the homepage?
You can click the banner Paciviced.net anywhere in the site and you'll return to the front.
What are the other features in the right margin?
- About Paciviced.net gives an overview of what the network is about. "Links" (underlined words which you can click on to take you elsewhere in the site) in these paragraphs take you through to a description of the founding workshop, a current list of members, and the Code of Conduct.
- Resource banks and best practice are links to key sites which members find valuable in their civic education work. Feel free to nominate others by email.
- Events which are coming up of direct relevance to civic educators will be listed and linked here either to the event website or a post on this website. Please suggest events which should be listed by email to the Paciviced.net address.
- Members' organisations and network partners lists websites that relate to the individual members of the network or our partners. Members should feel to free to ask that a website destination relating to them be changed, particularly as websites change.
What are the other features in the blue bar at the top?
- Flag blog is something you shouldn't need to use with Paciviced.net. This reports offensive material to Blogger (bearing in mind anyone can set up a blog using their technology). If you have concerns about any content on the site you should e-mail facilitator@paciviced.net
- Next blog will see you leave Paciviced.net and start a journey through what's called the "blogosphere". Who knows what you'll find and when you'll get back?!
- Create blog and Sign in are there for you if you want to create, post to, or manage your own blog. It's pretty easy to do!
How do I leave a comment on a post?
Click on Comments at the bottom of the post, see what others have said, add your remark, and then click the anonymous option before submit (This means you don't need to enter a username or password). On the same page the system will have asked you to prove you're not a "spambot" (a computer program that crawls through websites looking for opportunities to post advertising) by repeating a codeword it displays. You should check your comments carefully, as they go live immediately. Remember, comments must be consistent with the spirit of our Code of Conduct. Comments will be removed from a post if the person commenting asks, or if the comment is addressed by a new or amended article, or if there is a clear Code of Conduct issue. The facilitator is emailed everytime a comment is made.
What is the little envelope for at the bottom of posts?
This allows you to email a link to the post to anyone else. Just click on the envelope and fill in the form provided.
I want to have something discussed, or tell everyone about a new resource or event, etc. How do I publish a post to Paciviced.net?
Email your post to facilitator@paciviced.net and it will be put live.
Who's the current facilitator?
Peter Northcote and Helena Catt from the NZ Electoral Commission are sharing this role. The Suva meeting agreed that this role should shift around the network over time.
I have another question...
Great, leave a comment on this post or e-mail facilitator@paciviced.net and we'll get back as soon as we can.