Whether you’re a small association’s lone publications person, or working in—or managing—a mega-corporation’s pubs department, it’s worth cultivating outside ties for access to more information, diverse opinions, and a vibrant community of peers. There are few better ways to stay abreast of technology and other issues pertinent to publications development and Web publishing in Washington—and you find all this online by subscribing to a few free mailing lists.
These resources aren’t just for newbies; you’ll find people at all career stages chatting, giving feedback, answering questions, and offering valuable problem-solving and time-saving tips. Groups have many names: mailing lists, Web forums, Yahoo Groups, etc. (but never LISTSERV, since that’s the trademarked name of a specific list-management software product). As a bonus, many lists are attached to real-world organizations, letting you meet in person folks with whom you chat online.
Finding kindred souls online is easy, as is joining their conversations. First, ask colleagues and industry peers about their favorite online hotspots. After joining one or two, and reading for a few days to learn their culture, ask for suggestions of similar or related lists. These communities are built around sharing and people enjoy helping.
You can also query your favorite search engine using relevant publishing keywords (indexing, copy editing, Web design, etc.) plus terms like “mailing list”, “Web forum” and perhaps your geographic area. Remember that most topics aren’t location-specific and that a pubs manager or senior editor in Seattle likely has the same interests and concerns as someone in Washington, DC. Finally, some groups are completely off-radar and by invitation only; these will turn up serendipitously or when you ask about valuable online resources.
Subscribing or joining a community is simple—usually requiring no more than clicking a Web link or emailing a subscription request. Almost always you’ll be sent a confirmation request requiring clicking once more or answering by e-mail, to prevent spammers from subscribing. Some groups require a bit of biographical information, to demonstrate suitability for the list and provide a brief introduction. If you don’t provide that when subscribing, it’s helpful to—again, after reading exchanges for a few days—send a first note of the form, “I’m happy to be here; here’s what I’ve been doing and what I’m interested in…” as an icebreaker and conversation starter.
These online communities differ from read-only e-newsletters/e-zines in that they’re participatory: content is provided by subscribers, not a publisher. So lurking (reading without ever posting) misses much of the venue’s value and fun. Simply asking a question can trigger a valuable interchange as experts contribute and debate. And answering questions and giving advice makes you known and valuable to the community.
There are abundant publishing communities. Though I’ve been online for some time, I still enjoy joining new communities. I’ll list my favorite Washington, DC groups and look forward to others sharing theirs.
- DCPUBS lets editors, designers, production folks and other pubs people discuss anything related to editing: sticky style issues; newspaper, technical, and other specialized editing; reference books; production and desktop publishing; marketing and distribution issues; client relations; Internet resources; electronic editing and software; freelance issues; and so on. Join at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/dcpubs.
- Washington Independent Writers (WIW) list lets WIW members and others discuss issues related to writing, editing and journalism. Join at www.washwriter.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=101.
- Capital PC User Group (CPCUG) Entrepreneurs and Consultants SIG (special interest group) is a forum for computer consultants and entrepreneurs using computers. It’s also open to people interested in technology or those who simply want to become more proficient; experts offer free advice and it’s a way to find qualified technology service providers. Join at http://entrepreneur.cpcug.org/index.html#listsub.
- Web Content Mavens focuses on Web content from all perspectives: technology tools, site management, usability, information architecture and layout, as well as content creation, editing and formatting. Join at: www.webcontentmavens.org.
- DC Web Women is a professional organization for women interested in new media. Join at www.dcwebwomen.org.
- Freelancers offers discussion of all lines of work (includes editing, indexing, proofreading, writing, typesetting, design, research, other). List topics include publisher comparisons, job searches, and types of work; rates and (non)payments; insurance and taxes; home offices and equipment; and any other work-related issues. Join at http://community.lsoft.com/SCRIPTS/WALSOFTDONATIONS.EXE?SUBED1=freelance&A=1.
Lists and forums overlap so as you join and participate you’ll see people on multiple lists. You needn’t pick a single forum on which to focus, and joining groups doesn’t make a lifelong commitment; it’s as easy to leave as to join. So exploring and dabbling is a risk-free way to widen professional horizons—and a way to make online and real-world friends.
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[...] Online Communities for Communicators describes resources for accessing information, opinions, and peers. These communities are also tools for locating and contacting skilled workers. Remember that you’re somewhat known by the company you keep—so recommend and connect to people selectively. [...]