SuSanA - Forum Kunena Site Syndication http://forum.susana.org/ Mon, 20 May 2013 01:04:08 +0000 Kunena 1.6 http://forum.susana.org/components/com_kunena/template/default/images/icons/rss.png SuSanA - Forum http://forum.susana.org/ en-gb Re: New feature to make sharing on social networks easier - by: Doreen http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/4230-new-feature-to-make-sharing-on-social-networks-easier#4243 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/4230-new-feature-to-make-sharing-on-social-networks-easier#4243
This is a great feature! Thanks a lot. It makes it really easy to share information from the forum to other networks like Twitter and Facebook.

Best regards,

Doreen]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:08:52 +0000 New feature to make sharing on social networks easier - by: susanaforum http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/4230-new-feature-to-make-sharing-on-social-networks-easier#4230 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/4230-new-feature-to-make-sharing-on-social-networks-easier#4230
we are happy to announce that we have a new feature on the forum which is designed to make it easier for you to share interesting discussions via facebook, Twitter and google+.

Some of you may already have noticed the little blue bubble at the bottom of a discussion thread and even used it.

Those of you, who have not discovered this feature yet, we encourage to make use of it and share discussions and ideas that you feel should be spread beyond this forum.

How does it work? It is actually very simple to use:

  1. Decide on a social network where you want to share the open discussion
  2. Click on the button
  3. You might be asked to log in
  4. Add your personal comment to the proposed post/tweet
  5. Share


This is how it looks:





For facebook:




For Twitter:




For google+:





Please let us know if you like this new feature. The SuSanA secretariat is looking forward to hearing your feedback!


[posted by Tilmann Vorhoff]]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:20:26 +0000 Re: Face lift of the SuSanA Forum to improve navigation, especially for first time users but for the veterans as well! - by: muench http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#4158 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#4158 Thank you very much for your feedback on the new look of the forum! It puzzles me that so few people commented on the new look & feel of the forum, but maybe that means everyone liked it immediately (?). Or people just want to discuss content and not layout questions.

To give some quick feedback on your suggestions:
I like the icons and the structure, but would prefer to have the titles of the icons written on top of the icons or somehow integrated into them.

We decided against that because we didn't want to overload the page with even more text. The icons should be quite self-explanatory and there is also the hover text. So together, one quickly gets used to them.

Furthermore I would like to link the big SuSanA forum icon on the left with the recent topics and also write the title there. I am usually most interested in the recent topics.

Good suggestion, this has now been incorporated, see above when you hover over the Forum Logo icon; clicking there takes you directly to "Recent Topics".

A link back to the SuSanA homepage would also be useful - maybe under the top left item of the black bar "Sustainable Sanitation Alliance".

That is already there - maybe you overlooked it? You have to put the mouse pointer there to see the options or simply click on the white on black text.

I also miss my profil picture as it quickly showed me that I am logged in and gives a homy feeling.

Yea, I understand that. But again, it was taking up too much (vertical) space which meant the user had to start scrolling before being able to read anything. We figured that you know what you look like. Your name still appears next to the Logout button at the top right e.g. "Welcome, muench", so that you know that you are logged in.

Who else has any comments or suggestions for further improvements of the forum pages?
(have you noticed that at the end of each thread you can now share the thread with your facebook, twitter or google+ account? There will be a separate posting about this new feature in the next few days)

Regards,
Elisabeth]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:20:08 +0000 Re: SuSanA Mission Statement - by: mango http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/2271-susana-mission-statement?limit=12&start=12#3995 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/2271-susana-mission-statement?limit=12&start=12#3995
"The overall goal of the SuSanA is to contribute to the achievement of the MDGs by promoting sanitation systems which are taking into consideration all aspects of sustainability."

and

"SuSanA is not a new organisation, but rather a loose network of organisations working along the same lines, and open to others who want to join and be active in the promotion of sustainable sanitation systems. The Sustainable Sanitation Alliance invites other international, regional and local organisations to join the network, contribute ideas, and to become active members in the thematic working groups. Feedback for the advancement of the joint road map is certainly appreciated, as it is work in progress that will be continuously updated, and will include all joint activities leading towards an increased implementation of sustainable sanitation systems."

Is this not enough to describe SuSanA's mission and roadmap for the next 5-years?

The thematic working groups need to be updated. Today, technology, policy, experience and knowledge is further developed than in 2007/2008. Policy makers (Governmental / State-owned organisations) are still underrepresented in SuSanA, same as the Southern American region.

I wish us further success and good luck, Heinz-Peter]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Tue, 26 Mar 2013 04:57:10 +0000 Re: Face lift of the SuSanA Forum to improve navigation, especially for first time users but for the veterans as well! - by: christian.rieck http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#3986 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#3986
really great work and I like the design very much. It is more clearly arranged now. I have a few remarks as a veteran user . I like the icons and the structure, but would prefer to have the titles of the icons written on top of the icons or somehow integrated into them. Then I could more quickly navigate to the category I want. Furthermore I would like to link the big SuSanA forum icon on the left with the recent topics and also write the title there. I am usually most interested in the recent topics.

A link back to the SuSanA homepage would also be useful - maybe under the top left item of the black bar "Sustainable Sanitation Alliance".

I also miss my profil picture as it quickly showed me that I am logged in and gives a homy feeling.

This is my personal recommendation which might not be the opinion of other users. So no problem if it is not considered.

Cheers
Christian]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:40:27 +0000 Face lift of the SuSanA Forum to improve navigation, especially for first time users but for the veterans as well! - by: arno http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#3974 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3974-face-lift-of-the-susana-forum-to-improve-navigation-especially-for-first-time-users-but-for-the-veterans-as-well#3974
Please do let us know what you think. Further improvements will be made periodically. These current changes were inspired by the small SEI-Ostella-seecon team working closely with the SuSanA secretariat at GIZ to help bring the sanitation grantees from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and their research results, more into the SuSanA community than was the case previously. We are happy to see that the Forum has continually increased in popularity in recent months and we hope that the improved navigation will encourage even more users to share their experiences and thoughts about sustainable sanitation.

Best wishes on behalf of the team – Arno Rosemarin/Stockholm Environment Institute]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:48:42 +0000 Re: Add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA - by: dorothee.spuhler http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3970 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3970
Thank you for adding your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA!

The survey is now closed.
We had almost 300 replies (which was our aims). Your feedback will be analysed and the outcomes will be an important input for the SuSanA strategy process.
We will keep you updated on the ongoing process!

Best regards

Dorothee]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:23:11 +0000 Re: Add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA - by: dorothee.spuhler http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3935 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3935
This is the last chance to add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA.
We will close the survey in the night of Wednesday to Thursday 20/21 March.

dorothee.spuhler wrote:

***
Please take 10 minutes and go through this survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SuSanA-strategy-development
– or post your comments by replying to this post here on the forum
***

Since its foundation in 2007, SuSanA has produced many outcomes, achieved many milestones and actively contributed to the sector's awareness on sustainability criteria in the field of sanitation. See presentation on the status quo of SuSanA: www.susana.org/images/documents/09-about...short-version-hr.pdf.


Kind regards

Dorothee]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:50:54 +0000 Add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA and receive a SuSanA USB-card - by: tmsinnovation http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3903 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3903
Take this chance to add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA by completing the currently open survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SuSanA-strategy-development

The survey is only open until midnight on the 20th March 2013.

As a little incentive there are 100 SuSanA USB-cards on offer!



All you need to do is complete the survey and include your email address in the last page of the survey in the comments field, it is as easy as that!

We look forward to your valuable input.

Regards
Trevor]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:54:46 +0000 Re: SuSanA Mission Statement - by: dorothee.spuhler http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/2271-susana-mission-statement?limit=12&start=12#3877 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/2271-susana-mission-statement?limit=12&start=12#3877
I would like to draw your attention to the currently ongoing discussion on the future of SuSanA: forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-...xt-5-years-of-susana

Particularly, there is a survey to collect your inputs to the SuSanA roadmap for the next five years.
The mission statement and the future roles of SuSanA, as well as the topics to focus on are also part of the survey.
I invite you all to take 5 minutes and grab this chance to give your feedback here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SuSanA-strategy-development

Kind regards Dorothee]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:44 +0000 Re: Add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA - by: dorothee.spuhler http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3844 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3844
Don't forget to add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA!

Take 5-10 minutes and go through this survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SuSanA-strategy-development

The question is: How can we as a loose network, with almost 200 partner organisations and over 2200 individual members and forum users ensure in the future, that SuSanA fulfils all our networking needs, effectively defends our interests, and has the most sector impact possible?

Best regards
Dorothee]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:12:31 +0000 Add your voice to the next 5 years of SuSanA - by: dorothee.spuhler http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3671 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3671-add-your-voice-to-the-next-5-years-of-susana#3671
You are an individual member of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)?
You are regularly visiting the website, using its library or following discussions on this forum?
Or has your organisation agreed to the SuSanA vision statement as an official SuSanA partner organisation? Perhaps you have taken responsibilities in some organisational issues of SuSanA, like the coordination on the production of one of the SuSanA publications or co-hosted a meeting or side event? Or you might even be part of one of the founding members of SuSanA having contributed in 2007/08 to the formation of the network in preparation of the International Year of Sanitation in 2008?

Regardless, now is your chance to actively shape this network towards catering to your needs and to contribute to the SuSanA roadmap for the next five years!

***
Please take 10 minutes and go through this survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/SuSanA-strategy-development
– or post your comments by replying to this post here on the forum
***

Since its foundation in 2007, SuSanA has produced many outcomes, achieved many milestones and actively contributed to the sector's awareness on sustainability criteria in the field of sanitation. See presentation on the status quo of SuSanA: www.susana.org/images/documents/09-about...short-version-hr.pdf.

Today, after six years of existence, the present level of on-going and new sectorial challenges (i.e. recognition of sanitation as a human right, definition of the SDGs, post-2015 JMP process, relevance of climate change adaptation measures in ODA, etc.), SuSanA has reached a point where reflection is required on the current status of the alliance’s activities and the effective outreach of the network in order to prepare for the next 5 years of existence.

The question is: How can we as a loose network, with almost 200 partner organisations and over 2200 individual members and forum users ensure in the future, that SuSanA fulfils all our networking needs, effectively defends our interests, and has the most sector impact possible?

We hope that through analysing the responses to the survey to be able to offer some answers to this question.

Thank you for your support and commitment!

Dorothee Spuhler seecon gmbh, WG01 Co-lead, on behalf of the SuSanA secretariat


Some background information:
After six years of existence, the present level of on-going and new sectorial challenges (i.e. recognition of sanitation as a human right, definition of the SDGs, post-2015 JMP process, relevance of climate change adaptation measures in ODA, etc.), SuSanA has reached a point where reflection is required on the current status of the alliance’s activities, the effective outreach of the network, in order to put the vision into practice. It appears reasonable to conduct a strategy study to define the key activity lines and a roadmap for the next 5 years. A process of strategy development and consensus building is required.
Therefore, the GIZ sector program “Sustainable Sanitation” which manages the SuSanA secretariat has commissioned a team of specialists to support SuSanA in the process of developing a strategy / Roadmap, in a collaborative manner with input from the core group and SuSanA key stakeholders.
The team of specialists under the direction of seecon, consists of
- Johannes Heeb (seecon gmbh, expert in WASH)
- Jay Baghwan (WRC, expert in WASH)
- Roland Schertenleib (W+S Consult, expert in WASH)
- Astrid Frischknecht (seecon gmbh, expert in organisational development)
- Wolfgang Pfefferkorn (Rosinak & Partner, network specialist)
- Dorothee Spuhler (seecon gmbh, project manager)

The study “SuSanA 2008 to 2013 – a status quo analysis” as well as this network consultation are part of the preparation of the process of assisting the network and the secretariat in clarifying the future direction of SuSanA in terms of a roadmap and organisational structures in a participatory process with the SuSanA secretariat, the SuSanA core group and key stakeholders of the network. It will provide a basis for a strategy process in a later step.]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:22:05 +0000 Re: We are now mobile! - by: jkeichholz http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3536 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3536 muench wrote:
how did you create that QR code?


The service I have used is goqr.me/en/ - but there are also alternatives like qrcode.kaywa.com/ . All of these services are free of charge.

muench wrote:
would you prefer it if the automated switch was enabled?


Nope, too complicated and with too many different mobile browsers that each require different strategies. I prefer this clear "m" for mobile solution. It's simple, it works, it wins! ]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:33:38 +0000 Re: We are now mobile! - by: muench http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3535 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3535

And how did you create that QR code? I think it is very cool that SuSanA will have a QR code like this.

You wrote:
instead of an automated switch that picks a mobile-first, responsive theme based on the browser, the mobile template is only used with m.forum.susana.org


What is your advice, would you prefer it if the automated switch was enabled?

And to the other users: have you tried out the mobile-friendly version of the forum yet with your Smart Phones? Please give us some feedback - praise is also welcome.

Cheers,
Elisabeth]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:58:38 +0000 Re: We are now mobile! - by: jkeichholz http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3533 http://forum.susana.org/forum/categories/10-by-susana-secretariat-or-core-group/3514-we-are-now-mobile#3533
These QR-Codes basically are nothing but a visual shortlinks that help users entering a longer URL into their mobile devices. There is various information that can be coded into a QR-code, but often it is only limited to plain text or a URL (like m.forum.susana.org). In many Asian countries, these visual codes are very popular (e.g. Japan).

Given that the "m." subdomain (without the "www.") may be unusual to the average user and/or is prone to typos, it makes imo sense to also advertise the mobile version via a qr-code for quick access.

(for the techies among you: instead of a an automated switch that picks a mobile-first, responsive theme based on the browser, the mobile template is only used with m.forum.susana.org - h/t to dotwerkstatt.de, who implemented this on behalf of the SuSanA).

Many mobile camera phones already come with pre-installed qr-code readers, such as the Nokia S60 Smybian phones that used to be popular some years ago. Other, more recent mobile devices will probably require an app that can snapshot and decode such a qr-code. The one I like best is "i-nigma":

"i-nigma Barcode Scanner" for Android

"i-nigma Barcode Scanner" for iOS

"i-nigma" from BlackBerry App World

"i-nigma" for Windows Phone

i-nigma is just one example - there are a lot of other barcode/qr-code scanner apps out there.

We could use the qr-code to advertise the mobile site during conferences (~ "you read, you forget - you play, you remember").]]> By SuSanA secretariat or core group Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:24:10 +0000