HCJ Project insider

More room for your tweets

2010-04-10T22:16:00.001+02:00

Your jewellery tweets tagged #HCJP now get much more room on the HCJ Project front page!

Note: The calendar, which was on the front page has become rather inactive because of time restraints. The calendar is still a great idea, but I need more help in order for it to work better for the events it advertises. There is a "public edit" calendar which I am keen to give artist edit access to. If you would like to help please just say so and i will give you edit access.

Google Buzz overview

2010-02-13T01:06:00.000+01:00

If you haven't heard of Google Buzz already (there might be a few of you) here's a quick overview of what it is and why it may be something you should check out.
DiannaBDesigns asked me if it was kind of "Facebook-y". I answered briefly, with my "tech soap box" nerdy twitter account: but it really deserves more that 140 characters.

Asymmetrical following - This means that like Twitter and unlike Facebook a person can "follow" another persons public buzz without a follow back.

Asymmetrical following is what makes Twitter a better "information machine". You can of course block someone from following you if you need to.

Public + Private - Like twitter you can private share (Duh email!), but unlike Twitter you can also private share with a specific group of people (the group needs to be set up through your contacts).

This is where Buzz takes bits from both FB and Twitter: although once people get used to it I suspect that Buzz will do "Public & Private" better than either FB or Twitter. The down side is that the total audience is only 170 million (but expect that number to grow).

Sharing - Sharing is in many ways better. On twitter you have to "hop over" for everything. On Facebook you get a glimpse. In Buzz you can read everything and see whopping big images (oh and video plays inline, at least from YouTube it does).

Because it's a Google product there is also very tight integration with Reader, which will be a big plus for some.

Open - Google have stated that it will be an open system. I've scanned the API's and it looks very promising.

Time will tell: but if it is open to developers that will make it a longer prospect, so it won't be something that mushrooms and dies in a flash.

All in all Buzz is something you should definitely check out if you use Gmail: and probably will do at some point in the near future if you don't.

Follow HCJ Project Buzz from here.

Twitter help for artists

2010-02-08T23:15:00.000+01:00

@HCJProject I, like many artist us twitter to gather information and connect with a wider audience.
Twitter can be rather confusing at first and I've been wanting to write a blog post to help twitter newbies get the most out of twitter quickly when they join. I hope it helps!

First what twitter is not!
Some people see twitter as a type of human RSS stream for their content: this produces what I call "shouters".
Shouters don't listen, they don't converse, they just SHOUT!

The twitter stream image is from WRD, who are a national broadcaster in Germany. Being a large well recognised brand means they have a number of followers: unless you're a large brand, don't expect to gain a large following by "shouting" unless you're very funny or obscure.
There are two easy ways to see quickly if someone is a shouter on twitter.

Not following anyone! If the person isn't following anyone it means they aren't listening to anyone. Big celebrities on Twitter often have a very large difference between the numbers of people that follow them and the numbers of people they follow. Here there's just no-one listening.
No @replies no re-tweets (RT). This twitter stream is unusual in that there are non at all. If a stream is full of tweets which start with @++++ then that person is chatty, if there are a few RTs you know you'll get stuff which they deem interesting passed back at you, which is another great aspect of twitter.

Here, unless you really want to "hear" the shouter you'd be better off subscribing to WDR's RSS feed as that's all you'll get. You can't ask them anything, you won't get anything re-tweeted, you can just "listen".
If you take a look at a non-shouter the stream looks very different.

So what is twitter for?
Twitter is for giving your content a wider audience: but it's also for giving your audience a means to converse with you. Add a human element which is what social media is all about.
Conversations on twitter are hard to follow at first because you follow them backwards.

This tweet is an @reply to TeamEtsyMetal. It might look like gobbledygook at first so here's how you break tweets down.

Who's it to? the @TeamEtsyMetal shows that it's "directed at TeamEtsyMetal. The tweet reads like a "reply" meaning I clicked the "reply" link to generate the tweet. If you are replying to someone remember to reply and not just message back @ them, as they may have forgotten what it was they said that you're replying to!
The time / date of the tweet.
The application used to tweet. There are lots of different applications: web is twitter.com, txt is SMS from a phone, but there are lots of applications which run either on your desktop, the web or smartphones. Find one that best suits you and the way you work.
What the message was in response to! This only works if people do a real "reply" if someone just types a reply to the last tweet they see the tweet isn't tied to anything.

.... so basically following the "in reply to xxx" link lets people hook up tweets and "join the conversation".

People don't tend to have very lengthy conversations tweeted backwards and forwards but it is an easy (and open) way of communicating.
Here's a conversation I had with TeamEtsyMetal recently. I did of course ask before posting this and would like to thank TeamEtsyMetal for letting me use this to show how conversations can take place.

I've included links as well as the screen shots, so you can explore how you can use the "in reply to ..." part to follow tweets "upstream".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tweet #1

Tweet #2

I've was curious, so I just asked. Twitter is a different medium than email: you won't always get a reply!

When I showed my girlfriend this tweet she told me it sounded brash. I'd hope that I think didn't get a reply because I'd deviated too much off topic.

Tweet #9

I tried again ......
Here because I was making a second guess I also included the second person I was guessing [@ninadinof], and, as she may have picked this up referring to her I included a link to my first guess. If I hadn't it couldn't have made any sense to her as this is a tweet directed @TeamEzsyMetal but not a true "@reply".

Tweet #10

Tweet #11

So there you have it.
Twitter is a great tool once it "clicks". I hope that was helpful, now I really must go home.
If you have comments that would be cool: either here or on twitter: I'm all ears! (lots of them).

HCJ Tweets

2009-12-17T11:08:00.017+01:00

Add the HCJ tweets gadget to your blogger blog!
Why?? ...

Tag your jewelry tweets with #HCJP
They show up on the HCJ home page
They show in the gadget on your blog

Other jewellery blogs add the gadget. More jewelry artists tag jewelry tweets #HCJP - the gadget shows art jewelry tweets from the twitterverse.

There are two versions of the gadget: one for light coloured blog layouts, one for dark coloured layouts.

about / get this gadget

For light coloured blog layouts

For dark coloured blog layouts

Joined HCJ? Ask questions here.

What are these "Sidewiki" comments?

2009-12-12T19:29:00.009+01:00

Comments in Sidewiki are "browser comments" made about a page (or part thereof), which are displayed alongside the page for subsequent visitors.

They are outside the control of the site/page owner.

Anyone (with a Google account) can leave a comment on any web page using Sidewiki.

For more information visit this HCJ insider blog post.
in reference to: Handmade contemporary jewellery - Home (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sidewiki as a recruiting tool.

HCJ plans to use Sidewiki as a tool: to broaden exposure of the project and as a recruting tool to "ping" artists and galleries we hope would be interested in what the project is about.

This information hopefully makes the intent of any sidewiki comments clear and gives people a chance to ask questions and a place to reply.
Replying is not something that is built into Sidewiki (you cannot reply to a comment left in Sidewiki).

If you have any questions or comments we'd be very happy to hear from you, whichever way you connect.

Facebook | Twitter | Friend Connect

...or follow the insider blog and leave a comment below :-)

Getting help with the HCJ Project

2009-11-24T11:55:00.005+01:00

The best way to get help with HCJ is to register and introduce yourself in the forums.
The forums are for discussion / help / and information exchange. HCJ "backstage".

We (and you) only want real people in the forums: not spammers, so people are asked to introduce themselves when registering so we can keep the spam out.

It's a shame that "real people" have to jump this hoop. I thought I would share some of the spam "introductions" so you see how our "gated system" works.

Here are some SPAM introductions .....

EXAMPLE 1: "brute force spam"

[url=http://www. MYSPAMSITE .com][color=#1f3730][font=宋体]MY SPAM TEXT[/font][/color][/url]

etc etc etc... Even my Granny would see that as spam. We get allot of these. There is no BBcode in the introductions forum even for admins.

EXAMPLE 2: "wordy spam"

What should you look for when looking at wedding engagement rings? An engagement ring is a big investment that requires deliberation of a few factors. Follow these steps, and you're sure to find the wonderful engagement ring. ....

Blah blah blah .... Great thanks for the advice. Are you about to suggest a site you are spamming for? :-P (Note: the above is an excerpt, spammers always include their spam links of course).

EXAMPLE 3: "two pronged spam"

hello. I am getting engaged next month. My fiancee is into jewelery business.. .. so I am excited as to what would he gift me on our engagement party

First spammer writes a short post.
Second spammer replies with a *helpful* answer including their SPAM links.
NOTE: The two pronged attack fails as new registered users *can't* reply unless they have got through as a "real person", so spammer #2 can't actually reply.

We DO have a forum which is dedicated for self promotion: but the forums are not *for* self promotion. They are for discussion and where we provide help for artists who want to PROMOTE themselves through the main HCJ site.

It's not hard to write just a short introduction.
If you are a jewellery artist you are welcome to join the discussions in the public HCJ forums.
If you are a "full HCJ Project member" you have access to the member forums and can also vote on new member applications etc.
:-)

Subscribe to the HCJ newsletter

2009-11-08T14:05:00.006+01:00

Another new feature for the HCJ Project rolled out over the last few days.

The image is a rough example of what you can expect to arrive in your inbox.
There are two HCJ newsletters to subscribe to:

The HCJ newsletter: which you can subscribe to on the main HCJ site.
The Insider newsletter: which covers topics for artists and galleries to help them get the most out of their involvement with HCJ. Which can be subscribed to here on the "insider blog" (click the "Subscribe" button on the left).

Private messaging on HCJ

2009-11-07T21:16:00.006+01:00

Allowing HCJ Project site friends to send you private messages on the site (without exposing your email address) is easy.

When signed in click the "Settings" link.
In the pop-up window choose the "Messaging" tab.
Check the "Allow site members to send messages to your email address" (you can also change the email you use here).
Optionally check the "Receive newsletters" check box.
Click the "Done" button.

HCJ friends can now private message you from the "Send a message" link in your profile. When someone does that an email is sent to you by the site: containing the message plus a link to the sender's profile.

If you do not want to receive mail through the HCJ Project you can change that at any time by going through the same steps and un-checking the relevant box.

If you have sent mail to someone and they do not respond ...

May be that they are using an email which they don't check? (make sure you use an email address you check in your site settings!).
Does your profile contains enough information? Show you as a real person? e.g. an image of you is best as an icon image.
Interact more with people on the site first: write and reply on the site wall reply to other comments on the wall or article pages. Arrange a time to chat.

Note: If you are SPAMMED by a member, let us know spammers are not welcome, we will ban people who send spam.
Banned users cannot sign in, do not show as members and have their comments removed.

Global or cross-site conversations

2009-10-22T19:49:00.009+02:00

The comments in the "global art jewelry conversation" gadget do not relate to the page where the gadget is embedded.
The comments are part of a "cross site conversation" related to art jewelry.

Comments made in the gadget are reflected everywhere the gadget has been embedded.

Can I delete my posts?. You can delete any post you have created at any site that hosts the conversation. The deletion will be reflected everywhere.
Objectionable posts (Spam). Next to each post is a flag icon: clicking the flag marks that post as objectionable. If enough people click the flag, the post will be automatically removed.

Add the gadget to your site or blog

Question : email address at the HCJ project domain?

2009-09-09T10:52:00.006+02:00

I often get questions by email* about the HCJ Project.
I'll post questions I recieve by email here (edited for brevity) and respond, so that any answers can help other people who may have simillar questions about the project.

This question was asked by Laura Berrutti, who's a site member.
Her question was.....

"There is a link in the presentation - (project
aggregation page : page 12 ) that when I click on it, seems that I have an email address like: ?????@handmadecontemporaryjewellery.com, but I did not know that I had an email address ending with @handmadecontemporaryjewelry, so I do not know what this email address, and also the password to have access to it.
I will appreciate your help to understand this."

The presentation she's referring to is sent to applicants who've been successful with their application for full membership.
The project aggregation page is the "start page" for Google Apps for the handmadecontemporaryjewellery.com domain.
We use the start page to show everyone a "snap-shot" of all project activity plus some other jewellery activity from around the web: e.g. new posts from blogs being "followed" by the project.
The "sign in" link towards the top right of the start page is for people who have a Google Apps account on the handmadecontemporaryjewellery.com domain. They are members of the board only.

*I try to discourage questions by email and to encourage questions through the forums, Facebook and Twitter.
Comments are enabled here - If my answer isn't satifactory, please ask for clarification.

Site friend profiles

2009-08-30T22:04:00.002+02:00

Awful errr audio. I hope it is useful though.

HCJ Facebook Applications

2009-08-29T14:29:00.007+02:00

If you think that Facebook applications are only about irritating notifications which appear letting you know some un-fact about a friend in your facebook stream, then think again.

The two application we endorse do not post to your stream (apart from when you "fan" them: please do!).
They are built to serve a purpose: which is to pass on and present information relating to contemporary / art jewelry.

Please do use, promote and interact with either or both of them (Click either image to visit the application page).

They can be added (as a tab) to your profile page and or your business "fan" page. Here's a walk through of how to add them to your profile.

If you need have any questions do ask through the usual channels: Our Facebook page, Twitter, the main site wall or the forums.

Our efforts building these applications are not to promote the project, but to promote contemporary art jewellery!

Give an artist a leg-up

2009-08-19T13:59:00.005+02:00

We have a build up of artists who have been accepted as full site members, but haven't, for whatever reason, added an artist profile to the main site.

We thought it might be helpful to give three of them a "leg-up" and do the work for them ..... ...but which ones??

Who decides? - You decide!

Vote for three artists who's details you would like to see added to the artist section of the site.
There are no rules: the artists listed can vote for themselves, or even drum up support from their fans.

The 15 names listed alphabetically are...

Anthony Tammaro, Amy Tamblyn, Camilla Luihn, Chris Irick, Claire Johnston, Cynthia Eid, Eily O' Connell, Harriete Estel Berman, Heather Palleiko, Janine Berben, Jill Baker Gower, Laura Berrutti, Margaux Lange, Marion Pannekoek, Peter Coombs

How to vote:
Easy: just sign in here (with your Google account), click "View suggestions" and vote for the three artists of your choice.

Big fat jewellery book

2009-08-18T10:05:00.005+02:00

The Compendium Finale of Contemporary Jewellers 2008

It is seldom that a weight is quoted in the specifications for a book, but with a portly 13.5Kg (27.9Lbs) the weight is exceptional, needing a sturdy coffee table.
It will leave a considerable dent in your bank balance too: €588.50 (within the EU) or €550 ($777 + Postage for outside the EU), the pricing seems a little topsy turvy (as the publisher is Germany based) maybe it a tax thing...

When I first heard about the book is was pitched as the definitive "bible" of contemporary jewellery makers, which I thought odd in a field which changes over time. So it's interesting (for me) to note that it now has "2008" as part of the title.
I was also very interested in how the project (to create the book), was managed.
Each artist who wanted to be in the book (as well as paying) had to nominate other artists who they thought should be in represented. A promotional model that has proven to work very well: maybe one the HCJ Project should employ?....

If you are interested in owning a copy head over to Darling Publications where you can place an order.

They love me ... they love me not ...

2009-07-22T01:29:00.010+02:00

Information for you regarding your recent application to join the HCJ Project as a full site member.
You will have been informed that either you were or were not accepted by a member vote.

Note: Both presentations are included here for transparency

Information within the presentations may be fine tuned over time to provide a better user experience.
If you have a suggestions, please leave them as a comment below.

Art jewellery calendar

2009-07-16T12:40:00.011+02:00

The art jewellery calendar shows dates and information for exhibitions and art jewellery events.

Like all things HCJ it is a collaborative effort filled with information either submitted through the HCJ project, or added by trusted partners, artist and galleries who have asked and been given editor access.

The calendar can be embedded on blogs, jewellery related sites, iGoogle and Facebook.

If you have added the art jewelry calendar to your site or blog please let us know on the Facebook art jewelry application wall and by leaving a comment below, so we can map the growth of the art jewelry calendar.
Thanks!

You can add the art jewellery global conversation too!

Art jewelry conversation Facebook application

2009-07-07T23:25:00.006+02:00

The global art jewelry conversation is now a Facebook application which you can add to your Facebook profile or page.

Here's a quick "walk through" of how to do it:

First go to the application page, then click the "Go to application" button (marked in the screen-shot with the green arrow).

You will be promoted to allow the application access to your profile. This sounds like a big deal but isn't. Facebook uses this to do things like keep a count of people who are using the application, but the application itself doesn't access your profile at all. Authorizing just gives you access to it.

After authorizing you'll go straight to the application page.

There are actually two elements for the Facebook application.

The art jewelry seach (top green arrow)
The conversation gadget (other green arrow)

To make coments you will need to sign into the gadget.
You can do that with a Google, Yahoo, Aim, OpenId account etc, so no need to invent another user-name or password.

"I'm already signed into Facebook, why do I need to sign into the gadget?"

The gadget runs a global conversation which happens on many sites and pages on-line. Signing in lets the gadget know who is making the comment: you are just viewing it somewhere convienient to you e.g. on Facebook.

Comments are text only. If people want to know more about the commenter, they click on your name or icon: this opens up a pop-up which displays the profile you have chosen to use.
Your profile can contain your text, links to your sites and an image icon.
Your chosen name links to the full profile page used, (can be a Google, Blogger, Twitter profile etc).

In order to get back to the art jewelry conversation on Facebook more easily, you might want to add a tab to your Facebook profile page.

Do this by clicking: the Facebook settings link then application settings and edit the settings for the art jewelry conversation application.

The other aspect of the application (tied on Facebook only) is the art jewelry search. Searches can be refined by Designers, Galleries, Resourses and Blogs. To clear the results click the small X near the search button.

The search engine searches jewelry sites submitted and selected on the HCJ Project main site.
Important: Please check if your site is already included before submitting your URL. The search engine indexes many hundereds of jewelry and jewelry related sites. To maintain quality results submitted URLs are screened. Not all submitted URLs are added to the index.

That's it.
Please do "fan" the application profile too!
If you need any help, or have any comments about the application please write on the application wall or ask from the discussions tab.

Thanks!
p.s. Don't forget you can also add the art jewelry conversation to Blogger, iGoogle, or any jewelry related web page.

The Ning thing

2009-06-29T19:48:00.008+02:00

Ning is a service where you can build your own social network. It's free and easy to use, so is very popular.
There are a number of jewellery related networks on Ning: the most notible todate are Crafthaus, which also covers a number of other disciplines, and Kitandcaboodle, which focuses more exclusively on Jewellery.

On any Ning network you can add applications to your profile page. I thought I'd run through how to add the Global Art Jewellery Conversation to a Ning profile page.

Here's a snapshot of my (Robert Wallis') profile page on kitandcaboodle.

Edit 30.06.09: The administrator on kitandcaboodle disabled all profile applications after I wrote to her, so members of kitandcaboodle can no longer add this or any other application to their profile pages. It can still be added to profile pages on Crafthaus.

Click the "Add profile Apps" link (red arrow)

On the next page click the "Add by URL" link.

Then copy & paste this ....
http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/108188339507579036526/art-jewelry-global-conversation.xml
.... into the profile app URL box and click the "Add profile App" button.

It'll show a dialogue saying the app was developed by a third party etc ...

Click Ok....
The Art Jewellery Conversation box is added to your profile page!
You can grab the edit bar and move it to where you want in the column.

Here I've moved it down a little.

To leave a global comment you need to sign into the gadget, which you can do with a Google, Yahoo, AIM, OpenID account etc.

I'll sign in with my Google account .....

Once Signed in you can leave a global comment. (red arrow).
Note: Don't make comments specific to the page you are viewing. .... Think of it more like an Art Jewellery Twitter.
Comments you make appear EVERYWHERE the gadget appears on the web.
Try to avoid the temptation to type in links: they do not link (it's text only). No-one likes it, and it's bad karma.
Instead, say something interesting: people click on your image icon to view any info about you and links which you have added to the profile you've used.

If you make a mistake with a comment you can delete it.
Reply to comments by clicking "reply", new replies and comments appear at the top.

To link to or set up your profile, click the "Settings" link within the gadget.

You can edit what is shown in your profile from here.
Tip: If you already have a profile on-line, save time and use that one instead!

You can choose from a number of different profiles or networks.
Not Facebook currently, as they pulled out, but who knows that may change!

I'd recomend linking to your Google profile if you have one set up, as it's clean looking and easy to show images, info and pleanty of links.

If you have any questions ask in the comments.
:-)

New Facebook Username

2009-06-29T09:25:00.006+02:00

Just grabbed a Facebook Username for the HCJ Project Facebook page.
.... So what did I choose? ...... ... After much deliberation I picked HCJ.Art.Jewelry.Project

Eh? Why that?....
Well, my thinking, as always, was to try and hit an area where the project doesn't do so well yet.
If I had chosen handmade contemporary jewellery, it probably would have just pitched the main HCJ Project against Facebook in searches, and seeing as we're already doing quite well for that result it was more useful to find an area where we don't perform so well, and use Facebook's size and high rank.
After some consideration HCJ.Art.Jewelry.Project seemed the most sensible choice. It targets the art jewelry field, and helps cover any holes caused by English and American English spelling.

Internet overdose? Maybe. Still working hard to help people who hook up and invest some time in the HCJ Project!

Get the art jewellery conversation gadget

2009-06-12T10:31:00.019+02:00

Add the global art jewelry conversation to your Blogger powered blog by clicking the button below.

You can move it to where you would like: e.g. further down in the side bar, above or below your posts, or into your blog footer by dragging and dropping it from the admin "Layout" tab.

How does it work?

Add this gadget to iGoogle
Or any web page from here

Add an "AJ talk" tab to your Facebook profile or page.

If you have added the global art jewelry conversation to your site or blog please let us know by writing on the Facebook art jewelry conversation application wall, and by leaving a comment below, so we can map the spread of this cross site conversation.
Thanks!

You can add the art jewellery calendar too!

Global conversation?

2009-06-06T23:29:00.011+02:00

A day or so ago I posted about the "global conversation"...
I thought I'd cover what that means.

The conversation is "hosted" on Google, and embedded in other sites (e.g. your site, someone elses site).

When a comment is made on any of the "nodes" e.g. "your site", "my site", the "HCJ Project", that comment appears in all other nodes running the conversation on "Art Jewellery / jewellery"

Each comment is linked to a profile where you can display text and links. Already have a profile? Save time and use that one! You can use either your Google, Blogger, Titter profile, or fill out a new one.
Comments you make with "value" lead to people checking out your profile, meaning more traffic.

The conversation is not "controlled" by any individual node (the HCJ Project is a node like any other site).

Exciting stuff! Or it could be ....
Who's game to try it out on their site? You can always remove it at any time. Any comments already appear on this blog in the side bar, the main HCJ Project site, here and here.

If you add the gadget to your blog, web page or iGoogle, do let us know here in the comments!

Update: you can now add to your Facebook profile.

Recommend it!

2009-05-19T12:54:00.005+02:00

As you browse the main HCJ Project site you may notice a new "recommend it!" button (like the image) showing on some pages.
This button let's site friends help people discover contemt on the site which you feel they should be seeing.
When you "recommend" a page the link appears on the home page and people can also see who has recommended it.

Why isn't it everywhere?
Well each article that is written by a site member has a unique number, but the article can appear in several different places around the site.
For example you can browse "Artists" (where the recommend button doesn't appear) but you can also sort artists and only view jewellery designers (a category within artists where the button does appear).
It may be confusing to people if one person recommends Artists X when browsing "All artists" and another person recommends Artist X when browsing "jewellery designers, as there would then be two different links recommending the same artist.

So the recommend buttons only appear when viewing the artists "end point" which means that the Artist X entry would then be recommended by 2 people instead of one different person twice (two links).

Confused? well don't be.
I'm looking at improving things if the technology allows. In the meantime if you see something that you feel is worth "bumping" to the front page go ahead and Recommend it!

1350 inactive forum users!

2009-05-07T19:24:00.003+02:00

The way the forums are set up means that the administrators (and forum users) aren't bothered by at all by spam registrations.
Spammers don't bother introducing themselves and therefore do not get through the "gated" system.

When helping a new member set themselves up in the forums today however I was surprised to see the number of "inactive" registrations (people or bots, who have registered but not activated their account).
There were 53 pages, each showing 25 inactive users... that's 1350 inactive users!

Glad that we're not "bothered".

Fie von Krogh

2009-05-06T13:15:00.002+02:00

Latest artist member Fie von Krogh.
Welcome to the HCJ Propject Fie!

Understanding the "web project"

2009-05-05T12:33:00.003+02:00

The HCJ project is a "web project" rather than a single site and has a number of independent ways of interacting:

Site Friends (powered by Google Friend Connect: sign / join with the "site friend sign in" button). Anyone can be a site friend, interact with the site and edit their site friend profile.
The Forums (the forums are open to public registration but you need to introduce yourself after registration, this helps us filter out spam registrations). The forums are the best place to ask questions about the project, they are where support is provided for site members and where application voting is carried out by site members, within the site member only areas.
Full site members (full site members can add content and control how the HCJ Project grows) There are two membership types: standard and assisted.

If you are wanting to apply to become a full site member, please make sure you have completed setting-up your site friend profile, have joined and introduced yourself in the project forums before filling in the site member application form.

HCJ Project Friends map

2009-04-29T14:27:00.006+02:00

HCJ friends map: you are invited to add jewellery information to our HCJ friends map.

Want YOUR information on the map?
Ask, leaving your email address as a comment under the map on the main site in a human readable form (e.g. mynam AT mydomain DOT com) and I will add you as a collaborator.
Please add your information and any other relevant jewellery information.
Let's map the jewellery making world!

p.s. As a collaborator you will also be able to invite other people to contribute: please only invite people you trust.
Edits are tracked/named, so inaccuracies can be traced and action taken, but it is better to only invite trusted parties in first place. Everyone can edit everything!

How voting works

2009-04-26T13:07:00.004+02:00

Full site members have the right to vote on EACH application that is posted in the voting forum.

Voting is "blind" (no-one (not even admin) can see which way you voted).
Each application is open for a week, so site members can login and vote when it suits them!

How do I know when there is an application to vote on?

"Subscribe" to the voting forum!!

Doing so means that site members will be automatically notified when an application is posted.

To vote you simply:

Click the link in the notification email (when it suits you!)
Login
Read the applicants details
Vote YES or NO
Check the voting forum for any other new applications.
Log out.

How notifications work:
A notification email is not sent out for EACH application added: but rather to tell you there is something new in the voting forum.
e.g. Last week I added seven new applications. Members would have been notified of the first one: but will NOT have been bombarded with a further six emails.

In fact you will receive NO NEW NOTIFICATIONS until you re-visit the forum.
This is great because it cuts down on the amount of "noise" to you inbox: but means that you should also check the forum itself to see any other "new / open" applications.

Are you sure you want to join?

2009-04-24T10:33:00.008+02:00

The numbers of people applying to join are going up: Great!

The people applying to join often have little or no real understanding of what they are applying to join: Not so great :-(

It is frustrating for the applicant and the project, if the applicant doesn't have a rounded understanding of what the project is and how it functions.

Today I (admin) made changes to the notification that is shown after people submit their application (click the image for a screen shot).

I'll also make some changes to the "Terms, conditions & information" page which people need to indicate they have read before submitting their application.

Hopefully that will help!

What would you like more of?

2009-04-23T16:36:00.003+02:00

Just added a poll to the about page on the main project site.

It's a new (out yesterday) friend connect gadget, so you can tell us what you want more of.

Ditto!

2009-04-22T14:11:00.002+02:00

It's always nice to get good news. With a few helper posts I'm hoping to show how else good news can be spread a little further.

How to cross post from Blogger

2009-04-17T19:42:00.006+02:00

The HCJ isn't about new content, it's about pooling (submitting) relevant content so it can be presented together.

Here is how to cross-post from Blogger:

Click "Edit Post" (the one you want to cross-post from YOUR Blogger blog).
Click the "Edit HTML" tab.
Select and copy the post code.
In a plain text editor (like notepad) divide the code into two parts. A snippet fro the "Intro" the rest.
Head over to the HCJ Project site and login (site member).
Pick where the content should go in the "Add NEW content" menu ( e.g. for example Member blog / new work ).
Click the HTML icon in the editor. Paste the first "snippet" of the code in the pop up for the "intro text" box. Click apply.
Do the same in the "main text" box for the rest of the code.
In the editor window add line breaks / and make any changes to the text. e.g. for a line break click the cursor where you want the new line to be and hit return.
Give the article a title.
Pick the category. In this example it would be either "New work" or "General blog posts".
Click the save icon.

A notification is sent to the administrator that new content has been added by a site member.
It's screened and published.

Free artist competition winner: Emily Watson

2009-04-16T23:25:00.007+02:00

Congratulations Emily Watson on being voted the winner of the free artist entry competition.

The competition dragged on a little longer than planned, mainly due to the limited numbers of site members who took part in the voting. That meant that we had to split the voting up into several one-on-one rounds.

Thank you all for you patience!

As soon as Emily has sent some text and images to use for her artist entry it will be added and go live on the main HCJ Project site.

Emily, like all site members there are a number of different ways to be involved in the project. To take full advantage as the project grows please:

Register on the main site (the login / register link). Your artist entry will be allocated to your site member login.
Join the forums! The forums are where site members govern the development of the project (if they want to) and where support is provided. If you have questions, please ask there!
Join as a site friend! It may seem strange, but being a site friend is a different way to promote yourself on the site, and the site now uses Friend Connect as it's commenting system.
Join our Flickr groups! There is an HCJ Friends group which you can add items to (and also help moderate), there is also the HCJ Members group, which is for any HCJ site members active on Flickr. Both pools also show on the main project site.
Follow the project. This "insider blog" is worth following for member centric updates, and you can follow the project and communicate with us on twitter too!

Margaux Lange

2009-04-16T22:19:00.003+02:00

Margaux Lange is the latest HCJ Project member.

Nominations / invitations

2009-04-14T00:17:00.005+02:00

Nominate your favourite artist to be invited!
(and vote on nominations already made)

The top nominations will be considered by site members for formal invatation to join the HCJ project.

New work from Anthony Tammaro

2009-04-12T13:47:00.003+02:00

Anthony applied to join, was then voted in by site members, but hasn't added an artists profile to the main project site yet.
We're hoping that Anthony finds the time to get that sorted out soon, as it would be nice to see more of his work represented on the HCJ Project.

Short lived

2009-04-08T15:04:00.004+02:00

I joined Crafthaus!
I wondered if I'd get a frosty response but....
I joined because Ning is a great way to network with people (that's what it's for) and the project needs to reach allot more people before we get anywhere near critical mass.

I wanted to do things like let Tricia Lachowiec Harding know that she's on the short-list which is now being voted on by HCJ site members, etc.

My existence on Crafthaus lasted approximately seven minutes before I was banned.

I was writing a response to the welcome comment while being banned, so couldn't post it.
I sent it to the administrator from the "you've been banned" screen (the p.s. was added afterwards).

Hi Brigitte, do you really originate from Cologne? That's a funny coincidence!

I'm not really in a position to pay a fee, for joining sorry, so I guess I'll be cleaned out after the due date. :-(

I am a maker but also heavily involved in the HCJ Project.
It's a project which serves a similar function to Crafthaus, but doesn't run on Ning. I expect that raises a few heckles. I'm not a "spammer" the project is often misunderstood, which is why I thought a presence on Crafthaus logical.

If you ever pop back over to Cologne do give me a shout, I would love to hook-up for coffee.

All the best. Robert

p.s. That was the comment I was writing while you were banning me.
Oh well the offer for coffee still stands

Push-me pull-me

2009-04-08T01:07:00.003+02:00

In the last post I felt I employed "the stick".
Believe it or not I'm more of "a carrot" person, but have had problems in the past trying to help people.
I've known Jon for long enough now hopefully, so he won't mind me using the carrot approach on him. Login and add some text jon!

It seems a shame to me that site members "forget" about adding content.
It's obvious that one's own blog takes priority, but project into the future: if the HCJ Project develops along it's intended path artist will gain a great deal of exposure by posting to a "collective" site.

The images here are from John's blog, showing how to solve the "image problem" for standard members (assisted members have everything hosted for them).

Content on the HCJ Project won't generally be "exclusive". The project is about presenting all the best stuff that's out there in one place (making it easier for the consumer). The only thing slowing us down is getting through to those artists and galleries.

Lets talk dirty ....

2009-04-07T11:11:00.005+02:00

I have had fights (almost literally) with people who could not understand why we do not charge a fee for membership.
I felt that a fee would exclude some people, which is why I dug my heals in.

One person mentioned that paying for something brings an "attached value", which users need to have: and though I didn't see that at the time I am now rather inclined to agree.

As the project grows it's value to members will also grow: but at the moment we're a caught in a loop where current members don't perceive a high enough value for them to invest time in adding stuff to the project.

I continue to work on improving the project, but the CONTENT comes from the artists and gallery members.
What prospective members need to consider is how they value their time.

If you add all your content to the site over the course of a year, how much time would it take you? How much would you value that time?

Currently assisted membership for an artist costs €39.99 (around $53 US) for a whole year.
Which is a very good deal, if you calculate what YOUR time over the year is worth.

Site members do not HAVE to pay: but if you don't pay, spend some time adding your content!!

image credit: Amagill

Competition finalists

2009-04-06T11:46:00.005+02:00

A short-list of four names has now been chosen from the list of people who entered the free artist entry competition.
In alphabetical order they are:

There will now be a round of name vs name voting to pick the two finalists. Who's up against who was decided by pulling names from a hat.

Image credit: How much longer have I got to wait???

Sienna Gallery

2009-03-29T22:31:00.002+02:00

We're happy to announce that Sienna Gallery have joined the HCJ Project.

I had a telephone conversation with Sienna, where I was able to go over what the project is and it's aims. It was very helpful for both parties, and gave us the opportunity to cut through some of the confusion which afflicts new members.

Dictatorship or democracy?

2009-03-27T10:15:00.006+01:00

I often claim that "unlike other" entities "we" have our roots in democracy.
What I really mean is that "I/we have our sights set" on democracy.

wikipedia:
"Democracy is a form of government in which power is held directly or indirectly by citizens under a free electoral system."

What's being governed here is the HCJ Project, with the "citizens" being the site members.

Question > Member vote > Response > Action

The "question" can be a new application, a policy change or something like the recent competition.

Coordination a problem?
I have tried to set things up so that when a large number of people are involved it should be quite easy to handle: it goes like this.

Question posted.
Members notified automatically*
Members login > read the notice > then vote.
The vote closes automatically > the result is acted upon.

Like in the real world you are not currently frogmarched to the the polling booth.

Automatic notification*
This is where I have run into problems.....
I only thought about large numbers of people, and wanted it not to be mandatory.
Voting is something that members have to opt-into and set up themselves (it can't be set up by a dictatorial administrator), and new members are often confused or completely unaware of how the project is run. This isn't surprising as the project's focus is presenting contemporary jewellery, not explaining to every visitor the technical background of how the project works!

How do I set myself up for voting?
Easy: voting takes place within the "Voting / Site policy forum", which is located within the member forums.

All site members need to do:

Register in the forums
Introduce themselves in the "Introductions forum" so that their registration can be caught and their permissions set, so they then have access to the member forums.
Subscribe to the "voting / Site policy forum" so that they are informed automatically when there is a question put forward for a vote!

The image shows where the "subscribe forum" link is located; you can subscribe to other forums (or individual topics) if you wish, but here we are only talking about the subscribe link in the voting forum.
Members can use the forums to talk to one another and network, but need never do so.
All we ask of site members is that they exercise their vote occasionally, exerting their democratic control of the project in the same way that members did when voting them in!

Building a dialogue with galleries

2009-03-25T21:08:00.005+01:00

Another helper post.
Trying to bring credible artists into the project is hard enough: galleries are harder still.
Many galleries use an email list to "bump" contacts, keeping them aware of goings on. Email lists are fine, but how about becoming an HCJ Project member and having your gallery "news" appear on the project site?

Helped post..

Better site friend integration

2009-03-25T12:02:00.005+01:00

The old commenting system on the site required people to register to comment.
That seemed like jumping a rather unnecessary hurdle. So we have been looking hard at how to let site friends comment without having to "login" (when they have already "signed in" ...all very confusing).

From today the old commenting system has been removed and we will start using (initially just in the member blog) Friend Connect, so that site friends can easily comment on blog posts.

Commenting has only been applied to a few past posts to test out the system, but all new blog articles submitted by site members will have this type of commenting applied.

Try it out!
As always if you have any problems or questions feel free to use your preferred method to ask!

Lost in translation

2009-03-21T09:25:00.008+01:00

Being a Brit who makes jewellery, living in Germany, it's probably considered shameful that I haven't managed to visit Pforzheim yet.

I would be good for the project to have links with the organised jewellery establishments in Pforzheim, but working your way in takes much longer than one would expect, especially with the language barrier.

Evi from Gallery Pilartz is having a number of people up sometime soon for something she's organising (Ooo so vague), and I am hoping to get a chance to make a presentation about the HCJ Project to them which could break the ice and help build some connections.

I have "translated" the image for the exhibition article (this is a helper post), hopefully it makes sence!
Also slowed it down a bit, as it was rather franitic.

Help!

2009-03-20T11:08:00.005+01:00

Due to a change in circumstances I will not be able to put in the large amount of time I have been doing "pushing" the HCJ Project.

It would be a shame to see the project stall and wither: the idea of a voted in body of people representing the medium of contemporary jewellery is an interesting concept which is worth being apart of.

I thought asking for help would be the sensible thing to do.

The easiest way to help is by linking to us.

The project is not about me, it's about handmade contemporary jewellery.
It's not mine: it's yours.
Please help!

Thanks

Less is more ...

2009-03-18T22:33:00.002+01:00

We've had feed back from a number of different sources that the home page was too "busy", so we've just spring cleaned the home page and given it a simpler look.

It's not yet been tested in Internet Explorer, and a few other less used browsers, so if you experience any iregularities please send up a quick comment to let us know.

Control Freak

2009-03-18T10:47:00.006+01:00

"Control freak" is not a term that one is generally happy to be labelled: but the project does need leading at this stage, and leading often means exercising some control.

I would term this control as "help" but I'm aware (much more so that I used to be) that some times people don't want help.

This morning I have added a signature link for "site members" in the forums, which links to their artist or gallery entry.
I also am making a habit currently, of adding an avatar for site members.
I'm doing this not because I enjoy exercising control (in fact I loath it), but because these "user controlled" additions help tie the elements of the project together and make it clearer who it is that you are dealing with within the forums.

I could have added signature links to people's sites: but wanted to underline that an artist entry is the artists "hub entry" on the site, and as such should be something which "sells you" with all the information you wish to add (cv, contact details etc), as long as your entry adheres to the guidelines.

For site members it would also be logical (and beneficial for you and the project) if you added a "me on the HCJ Project" link to your friend profile: as that profile goes with you around the net.
You'll probably be grateful to know that I can't do that though!

Workshops, seminars, meetings competitions

2009-03-16T12:32:00.003+01:00

Not seen the calendar which the project runs for artists?

The project runs a number of geographically specific calendars for exhibitions and shows, which are aimed at the consumer and are easily reached from the main menu.
But we also run a calendar specifically for information aimed at artists, which is a little hidden away.
In case you have missed it I thought we'd cross post here.
It is also available for embedding (like lots of other stuff), if you need more info ask on the insider wall or in the forums.

Submit the details of events which belong on the calendar using the submission form.

Motivate the massess

2009-03-14T11:29:00.002+01:00

The project requires participation to live and grow. e.g. New content from established members, new applications etc.

The levels of new content and applications are all set by levels of awareness, understanding and involvement in the concept.
Raising levels of interest is always a good idea. So we are thinking of opening up the "first round" (building a finalist short-list) of judging for the free artist entry competition beyond the small number of current site members, by involving the 422 "fans" on Facebook.

If you think this is an interesting idea (or not!) let us know in this discussion on our Facebook page.

Site friend activity

2009-03-13T23:42:00.006+01:00

You can check out friend activity on the HCJ Project from the "social bar" here on the insider blog, but we didn't want to use the social bar approach on the main site.
We do also feel it would be useful to be able to see an "overview" of friend activity, it would help make the wall a much more interactive place for example so ...

I've been working on sorting this out and have a beta page up and running: check it out and let us know what you think.

Gallery Pilartz

2009-03-11T23:41:00.003+01:00

We are happy to announce that Gallery Pilartz are joining the project.

Willem Spanninga and Evi Pilartz are the people behind this well established Cologne based contemporary jewellery gallery.

Now on the HCJ Project

2009-03-11T09:58:00.004+01:00

We're working on many ways to help people use the project content. One issue that sometimes prevents people thinking it's a good idea is the space it takes up (site real estate) on their site.

This new badge we're working (towards the bottom of the sidebar) on goes along way towards minimizing real estate usage and is quite pretty too!

If you'd like early access ask in the forums.

Janine Berben

2009-03-11T09:39:00.003+01:00

Janine Berben was voted in as a member in February, shortly before we started the insider blog.

We are looking forward to Janine's involvement in the HCJ Project.

Better site friend experience

2009-03-09T14:23:00.004+01:00

Until now the sign in experience for site friends has been a little awkward. With the "friend sign in button" only appeared on the HCJ home page.

This was because of a bug in Internet Explorer which prevented some pages from loading when using IE.

Recently we've had some contact with the Google team developing Friend Connect, and thanks to some feedback from them we have implemented a fix this morning allowing us to show the sign in button on all pages.

This gives friends overall access to the "settings" link when signed in: where friends control their interaction with the HCJ Project, and can do thinks like edit their profile.

The changes have been testing with Internet Explorer 7 on Windows Vista only so if you come across any display issues with the site please let us know.

Cut, Fold, Stitch: Helper

2009-03-06T09:55:00.008+01:00

This is a helper post. Go to the HCJ article.

Anthony Tammaro

2009-03-05T21:01:00.003+01:00

The HCJ Project would like to warmly welcome our latest member Anthony Tammaro.

Thank you Anthony for applying to join the project.

We're aware that in these very early stages of the project the whole concept is still very much "coming together".

Please join the forums: there you will be able to ask for support with adding your content to the site yourself, and set yourself up to take part in voting on new membership applications.

Because the project is still very small, current members are asked to be "on the ball" with application approval.

Once the membership numbers have swollen sufficiently, there will be less pressures placed upon individual members.

Is voting important to you?

2009-03-05T17:17:00.003+01:00

Maybe we've got all hung up on the voting thing?
Let us know on Facebook.

inage credit: theresasthompson

Facebook page changes

2009-03-05T11:14:00.004+01:00

Facebook are introducing some changes in the way more or less everything works.
One change is the way Pages work. To quote: "..they now work much more like profiles".

Appart from the inconvenience of having to spend time learning and trying to adapt to the new system, I personally think this is a mistake on Facebook's part.

Quote:
"Like a user profile, your Page can now update its Fans with statuses—short text-only messages. Soon, these statuses will appear in Fans’ News Feeds."

This is a double edged knife. I have always tried to keep the page current and interesting: but in the total time we have had a page I have sent only 6 updates to fans.
Why only six in more than eight months?
Because too much becomes just noise. Soon (they don't say when) fans will start being bombarded by updates from all the pages they are fans of.
As far as I understand it, if the page administrator allows people to write on the wall, these "updates" will also be delivered to fans.

That to me sounds like allot of unwanted rubbish being thrown in your direction. Bad move.

While trying to sort out the new page system Facebook has aslo gone down meaning we've lost some data too.

Many people will like the changes, they are more familiar with how "profiles" work.

I am sad to see the change.
I can currently figure out how give fans the placement they had on the old page.

One thing it does mean is that starting the "insider blog" actually makes more sense.

It's a less "noisy" way of keeping up to date with what is (possibly) of interest to members and friends.

Ego treacle

2009-03-03T10:46:00.006+01:00

What's "ego treacle" I hear you cry!

It's what slows down the spread of a good idea.

I* think the HCJ Project is a great idea. The notion of a body of people "voted in" who together represent contemporary jewellery, seems to make sense: but the idea often gets stuck in ego treacle.
The treacly egos would generally say that the idea constitutes spam, or that it is not something that their members would be interested in.

The info we want to pass on goes like this:

We are running a simple competition.
The winner gets a full artist write up for free.
The people who don't win get their profile displayed on the site: with whatever text and links to their site etc that they have added.
We: the HCJ Project, get some extra exposure too.
NOBODY LOSES.

This to me sounds like a nugget of information which most jewellery artists would be interested in hearing?

So I try to pass the information on using some routes which I am aware of.

That goes like this:

I asked Cathy on her ning network if she would push my blog post so that the other artists in her network would be more likely to see the information about the competition. She refused (nicely) and asked me not to add any more posts which relate to the project.
I started a discussion in the jewellery design Facebook group a while ago about the HCJ Project. It was removed. Today I posted a link to the competition. It was either removed or didn't show up (looks like I've been blocked etc)
I searched the email based Orchid Forums to check if there were other posts about opportunities or competitions. There are, so I sent an email / post. I'm waiting to see if it is let through: but initially it took a number of months, and correspondence with the owner before anything was let through to Orchid.
I asked Kristin Beeler who admins the SNAG group on Flickr if I could (or she would) inform the Society of North American Goldsmith members. Although the group is "public" I was aware that I might be pressured into spend some money joining SNAG before I would be given access to the Flickr group. The group description, which ends "....the unfettered exchange of information" gave me the impression that SNAG might have been willing to pass the information on to their members. They were not

That's what I term "ego treacle"

image credit: visualpanic on Flickr

Margaux Lange

2009-03-02T22:02:00.005+01:00

I invited Margaux this morning, to enter the competition we are running, and was delighted when she added herself as an entrant.
We have had a steady response so far, and there is still some time before close of entry on the 25th.
Here is a selection of new pieces, she's been working on recently.

Pop Smile Necklaces: pink, yellow, blue

Hand Hinge Bracelet w/ multi rings

Black & Silver Polka Dot Brooch

Smile & Eye Bracelet w/ bubbles

Teardrop Earrings in black & blue

Eye, Smile, Hand Earrings

Pink Lip Pendant

Brown Eye Tension Clasp Bracelet

Pink Eye Ring

There's only one competition winner this time: and no-one (including HCJ admin) can say who the winner will be.
The winner is chosen by an anonymous vote from site members: in the same way that standard applications are.

Whoever the winner is we hope that they take an interest in voting on subsequent applications; helping to democratically shape the HCJ Project into a body of artists and galleries representing the best in handmade contemporary jewellery.

HCJ Friends on Flickr

2009-03-02T14:49:00.002+01:00

Join the HCJ Project Friends group on Flick!

The Group is moderated by HCJ Project members active on Flickr.

Once the pool has grown a little larger (It's new!) it'll be shown on the HCJ Project.

Our Facebook page

2009-03-02T14:21:00.003+01:00

We have just reached 400 Fans for the official HCJ Project page on Facebook.

We're very happy for the show of support, but are still grappling with trying to communicate with them effectively: especially as a large percentage of them are makers, and should be promoting themselves on the project site, either as a friend or as a site member, to help strengthen their coverage on-line!

Part of the problem is our reticence to persistently send updates out to our fans, (we know that too much can become "spammy").

That's why were are happy to have started this insider blog.
Choose to have updates delivered by following or subscribing to the insider feed!

Adding the Art Jewelry Search to your blog

2009-03-02T11:39:00.008+01:00

If you would like to add the "art jewelry search" to your Blogger blog it couldn't be easier.

Go to Layout and click "Add a gadget" in the area you want to add the search box (e.g. sidebar). In the pop-up window click "Add your own" link (shown in the image by the red arrow) , and paste in the following URL:

http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/108188339507579036526/search.xml

It will show the art jewelry search on your blog as pictured below
You can change the title to something snappier, and change the height too if you wish.

For help or questions ask here.

If you think that YOUR SITE should be included in the art jewelry search engine use this form to send your site for consideration: but only submit sites that really belong, and check to make sure it's not already included first!

The process is human screened so submitting URLs which don't belong is a waste of your time!!!

Visit the HCJ Project forums

2009-03-02T10:38:00.010+01:00

Many people struggle to understand the role of the forums within the HCJ Project.

The Forums are the heart of the project.
Please read the following...
If you have questions after reading then ask on the insider wall or within the forums.

Why?

Within the site member forums is where the democratic "voting in" (or not) of new applications takes place.
This shapes who the HCJ Project is and what they together represent.
This is not a "club" which anyone can buy their ways into: application success is dependant on a majority vote.

Because the voting system can only be seen by current site members it is easily missed, and therefore misunderstood, by people applying to become a member.
But the "democratic" aspect of the project is at it's core.

How does it work?

When your application is approved you are asked to register in the forums.
This is separated from the main site, so that the forums can also be used by people with a real interest in contemporary jewellery, who are not site members.
After registering you will, like all new registrations, need to introduce yourself. This is basically like showing us that you are a real person. Spam registrations cannot complete this task, so this keeps the forums free from spam and spammers.
If your application has not at this point been approved, or you are just wanting to join the forums. Then you are marked as a "real person" which lets you post in the public forums.
If your application has already been approved you are marked as a "site member" and can then see the member forums.
Within the member forums is the "voting forum". It is very important that site members subscribe to new posts within the voting forum! This is where topic which you can vote on are place, and because you have subscribed to the voting forum you are notified each time there is a topic upon which you have a vote.
Site members click the notification link, read the information e.g. the application details, and then vote by clicking yes or no. There vote is anonymous, which removes the possibility of being chastised for the way you have voted: it is YOUR opinion.
Topics generally run for a week, which gives people enough time to "pop over and vote". After which the "poll" closes automatically.
The poll is removed from the application topic, and is replaced by simple "approved" or "denied". This is done so that no new member is met by the fact that X number of people vote NO on their application.
The applicant is then informed of the majority decision, joins the forums, if they have not already done so, is asked to cast a vote on any other "open" applications, and sets themselves up for future votes.

Steps being taken to keep notifications to a minimum.

Only people with admin rights can start a topic in the voting forum: initiating a notification to site members. Though this may be changed later when people are invited to join the board.
Currently not all applications are presented for a vote. This policy may be changed later depending on what site members want: but currently if, say an established gallery wanted to join, they would be accepted as a member without a vote being put forward.

Still have some questions?

Ask here as a site friend or within the forums

Google Friend Connect and THIS blog

2009-03-02T09:47:00.007+01:00

Confused by the way that Google Friend Connect is used on this blog?

Here's how it's different and why.

The ~~social bar~~ activity on the blog home page relates to friend activity on the HCJ Project, not on this blog.
That's because this blog is only about providing information about the project for people who are interested in learning about the project or are already taking part.

But you can "follow" this blog: keeping up with news about the project.
*Edit: Followers can from now (15/12/09) comment on any insider blog post too.

HCJ Project Friends:
An "overview" of friend activity on the main site can be seen in the ~~bar at the top of the page~~ activities gadget on the blog home page.
Here are some of the ways friends can interact with the project.

Insider blog?

2009-03-01T11:12:00.016+01:00

What's the "insider blog"...

It allows the publishing of information which interests members, but is not interesting for the intended HCJ Project audience.
It's an easier way to add "helper posts / articles" to the site. View all helper posts.
An easy way to follow the project. More info ...
To be used later possibly, as a platform for the board.

That's the logic. Now view the latest posts

pssstt!
Not much going on here? This blog was only started on the 1st of March 2009

Helper posts

2009-03-01T08:00:00.008+01:00

Helper posts mark the addition of content which "fits" on the project site: but where the original content author hasn't joined the HCJ project yet!
(Or where they haven't added any content themselves yet)

Helper post titles link to the actual article on the HCJ Project main site.

Why bother?
The HCJ Project is a great idea. But people need time to mull over ideas (even if they are great), and a working example is useful, before we become something where galleries and credible artists are knocking on the door wanting to join.

Think of helper posts rather like the training wheels added to a child's bike: which are taken off when they are no longer needed.

If your content has been added through a "helper post" it is an indication that we would like you to join the project!