Faq
This is where your questions will be answered when we get them.
Why do we need to network?
I'm no good with it, Why should i use the internet?
What can I do as an individual?
I'm to busy already - I don't have any time for this?
Independence?
Are there Bridge Workshops?
Open source-building the site
Heres an example of how the Bridge could work for a group
Why do we need to network
There is nothing done in this world without communication - closed systems die on the vine, without the light of communion. Most of our communication networks are designed to create isolation, rather than solidarity. We need to use our technology to free our time for the outside world - and reduce our workload. Networking is done by human beings. Technology is useful in helping to organise this happening. [Top]
I'm no good with it - Why should I use the internet?
People can and do live happy lives without the internet and computers. Unfortunately our world has become so dependent on them that without them would lead to all manner of major disasters. This technology is not going to disappear and is used by powerful people to shape how we think - for that reason alone we should be very interested. [Top]
What can I do as an individual?
The biggest threat to our well-being is created by what we don't do ourselves. If folk are not involved they are left to the fate of what others who "are" involved decide. How deeply people get involved is up to the individual - The question is. What do we gain by not being involved? [Top]
I'm to busy already - I don't have any time for this
A proper run network system should not create more work for people, it should help to distribute, share and make better use of the work already done. So much of what we do is reinventing the wheel. Well-used networks can facilitate and encourage cooperation, collaboration and task starring. [Top]
Independence
Networking does not infringe on peoples independence. Networking is about organising what we can do together. [Top]
Are there Bridge Workshops?
Bridge workshops can teach you the basics of IT (information Technology) skills to help you use the technology more efficiently. [Top]
Open Source - building the site (This is not Facebook)
This network is run on open-source technology - no big companies are making money off this site - there are no adverts to sell you anything. The site was built by a few folk at the Electron Club and receives no funding. [Top]
Heres an example of how the Bridge could work for a group
Q. I have a website why do I want to join this one.
Mainly a website is for storing information - a network is on the other hand for using information.
Ok you set up an event and you need someplace to organise it -get people interested, attract volunteers.
OK you Join the Bridge-network.
Take a look at the handy instruction films - by then you should start to see the possibilities of how to organise things.
You will discover, once you join, you can Invite as many friends as you want, or (or helpers) for your project.
Each one who joins will get there own blog and tools on the blog to distribute and receive information.
You then, (or can anybody else who has joined the network) create a group, or as many groups as you want.
Say the topic is a film festival - Create a group called "Film Festival".
Once you have created your group - you can then invite the friends on your network to join the group. (Tip: Make sure you invite them to your network first)
If you are working with volunteers for instance each member can create a profile of themselves, their skills, their interests, ideas and anything else that is relevant. (You will also be able to connect with other members of other groups and interests throughout the Bridge network thus increasing a pool of potential volunteers, collaborators, events organisers and new avenues of discovery.) And you will also be able to email directly to each of your friends (members) without leaving the network.
Another feature is to make up different groups of friends - for different interests from your friends list.
You can also decide who is allowed to read the content - private, your group, Logged in users or the public.
Another feature is RSS feeds allowing folk to feed into your information without even looking at the network - just a link on their browser to tell them information on specific content.
You can also make links to your own website and live links to the internet.
One of the strongest tools on the network is "tags" Tags are used to bring content together from a search. Such as: films,documentary,America, (comma between each tag) and so on.The tag system will help to send your information far and wide.
This is only some of what Bridge has to offer - Well worth the effort if communication is your business folks.