thinking that we are, has brought us to where we have already been. In order
to go somewhere else, we must think in a different way. --Albert Einstein
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------

Marie-Françoise,

Thankyou for conveying Jean-Marcel Humbert's thought on the future of ICOM's
websites.  Whilst appreciating that not every committee has been able to
establish a web presence or in some cases produce a 'sophisticated' site, I
believe that the proposal to "integrate the web sites of all the committees
on the ICOM web"  runs contrary to the dynamic nature and philosophy of the
Web as a medium.

There are two issues to be addressed and neither relates to a centralised
control ( which I suspect, based on recent ICOM initiatives, is what is
meant by the phrase "integrate the web sites") .

The first is assistance for those who have not got the facilities nor skills
to produce a web site.  The second is the issue of content management and
the ability to provide self-moderated sites so that designated web
communicators can regularly update material and ensure relevance.

The first could easily be achieved by making available publishing software
 sponsorship support opportunity here!) and providing online tutorials.
There are some VERY simple and effective packages available and our aim
should be to de-mystify the 'techno-babble' that surrounds IT enterprises!

The second could also be achieved by providing instruction on issues such as
content management, writing for the web etc.  Providing communicators and
not technicians provide this advice you should be on the right track.

The STRENGTH of ICOM can always been the individual identity of its
committee and interest group structures, supporting an overall presence.  I
actually LIKE visiting the various sites, both good and bad, as each impart
a different perspective.

As an ICOM member of long standing and a champion of web freedom I would be
absolutely opposed to any course of action that attempted to negate this
individuality through a centalised control mechanism,  for one thing the
history of ICOM has clearly shown that it is it satellite operations that
are nimble and able to capitalise on the immediacy of communication.  This
could not be said for the centre of the organisation (and this statement is
NOT an indictment of our hardworking staff in Paris)

As a professional web manager at a university and successful web publisher
in my own right, I remain concerned that the only strategy ICOM seems to be
able to come up with to share the communication abilities of the Web is to
talk about centralising!

If you truly want a DYNAMIC ( in all senses of the word) web then you
empower ICOM committee members by giving them the tools to do the job, at
their own workplace and in their own time.  If only 18% of national
committees and 54% of international committees have operative sites then
surely the answer is to provide instruction to nominated representatives and
maintain an online teaching presence for this purpose.  Provide them with
templates, images, logos by all means but DON'T attempt to stifle their
individualism or amalgamate everything into an amorphous mass

Roger Smith
Former Chair of ICOM MPR and ICOM New Zealand
Manager - Web Centre Auckland University of Technology
Founder and Publisher of Global Museum


----- Original Message -----
From: "DELVAL Marie-Françoise" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, 23 April 2001 3:59
Subject: ICOM Committees and Internet - Barcelona


> Jean-Marcel Humbert
> Président d'AVICOM
> e-mail : [log in to unmask]
>
> Letter directed to all the presidents of the national, international and
>
> local committees.
>
> Lettre destinée à tous les présidents des comités nationaux,
> internationaux et régionaux.
>
> ___________________________________
>
>
> Madam President, Mister President, dear Colleague,
>
> Web sites are currently on the increase within the ICOM. However, all
> the committees do not dispose of any yet : at the moment, only 19
> national committees out of 105, and 15 out of 28 international
> committees have their own web site. Also, a lack of financial and
> technical knowledge means are one of the reasons why part of them are
> not brought up to date.
>
> Following the remarks I was told about it, I met Manus brinkman who
> confirmed that he would think of the possibilities to realize and to
> integrate the web sites of all the committees on the ICOM web. He also
> agreed that AVICOM should organize a round table event on the subject
> during the meeting in Barcelona.
> The matter would particularly deal with the evaluation of your
> considerations, the definition of the contents regarding these web
> sites, and also the technical side of the production.
>
> In order to help us to prepare the round table, a date will be soon
> decided, I would be grateful if you let me know your wishes and
> suggestions regarding the web site of your committee. Besides, in case
> your cares and suggestions in this field should be particularly strong,
> you are kindly invited to participate in the round table as a speaker ;
> if so, thank you to let me know as soon as possible. On the contrary,
> you will of course have the opportunity to attend the meeting that will
> be opened to all the members of the congess.
>
> Looking forward to your reply and the pleasure to meet you in Barcelona.
>
> Sincerely yours,
>
> Jean-Marcel Humbert
> Président d'AVICOM
> e-mail : [log in to unmask]

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