http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Spokes newsletter & website en Mon, 18 May 2026 03:01:21 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-320647 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 09:11:38 +0000 Rosie 320647@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot - have done so </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-320613 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 13:37:37 +0000 chdot 320613@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Should this be added to the consultations thread?... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-320611 Sat, 11 Jan 2020 13:23:14 +0000 Rosie 320611@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bumped </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-318702 Sat, 30 Nov 2019 20:52:57 +0000 Rosie 318702@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>To revive this topic:-</p> <p>THE SPOKES WEBSITE NEEDS A MAKEOVER</p> <p>We should like your ideas.</p> <p>Deadline 6 January 2020</p> <p>We are considering revising the Spokes website and would be grateful if you would complete the short online survey here.</p> <p>Please complete the survey whether or not you ever use the Spokes website.</p> <p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiF2c42DemRyI22TSeVO5QoQQerVgDaS1tSdI9nlyjnYhd5A/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1" rel="nofollow">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiF2c42DemRyI22TSeVO5QoQQerVgDaS1tSdI9nlyjnYhd5A/viewform?vc=0&amp;c=0&amp;w=1</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272824 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:34:10 +0000 chdot 272824@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“but i believe the Spokes website is actually Wordpress”</p> <p>Yes, the user hosted variety which offers even more scope for customisation than the very excellent free service.</p> <p>The issues for Spokes are mostly <em>not</em> technological... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272821 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:24:55 +0000 wangi 272821@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Probably comes as a surprise, but i believe the Spokes website is actually Wordpress. Which should mean a lot of flexibility on reworking things without necessarily losing content or links. And means there's really no need to change the underlying technology. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272820 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:17:15 +0000 panyagua 272820@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@SRD - thanks, yes, I was looking for a specific person rather than a generic contact address, as that does seem to work better in general. I'll DM McD... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272819 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:11:52 +0000 SRD 272819@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Panyagua That does indeed sound like felicitous timing (for Spokes at least). Upthread, McD said "If anyone wants to meet to discuss then drop them a line <a href="mailto:spokes@spokes.org.uk">spokes@spokes.org.uk</a>" but you could always DM McD as well </p> <p>(In my experience it's often easier to generate offers of help to a real person, than a generic email....) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272816 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 10:06:45 +0000 chdot 272816@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I've looked at other campaigning groups' websites in eg London and wished we had something similar."</p> <p>Whoever is responsible for decision making at Spokes needs to agree with you. </p> <p>It may well be that some or all of them already do. </p> <p>The second problem/opportunity is deciding on the various 'who is it aimed at', 'what should be on the front page', 'what should it look like' questions. </p> <p>I understand about inertia and 'needing volunteers', but the latter is mostly an excuse. </p> <p>At this stage it should be about considering the possibilities/options and making some decisions. </p> <p>It's not about handing over control and waking up to find a whole new web site that may or may not be better. </p> <p>All sorts of things can be tried online and viewed by a selected/restricted number of people.</p> <p>Spokes has never been rich, but it is seldom destitute. Perhaps it's time to pay for a bit of advice? There are various organisations specialising in assisting Vol Orgs. </p> <p>There has been some concern about 'losing the archive'. But that's not the way the web works. If you have "space" (basically very cheap) you can keep anything. In the past not everything survived a revamp or change of server, but that was presumably by choice. </p> <p>If most of the concern is 'making the front page look more attractive to new people' then not a lot needs to change - though some new pages and thought about navigation would be wise. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272812 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 09:51:02 +0000 panyagua 272812@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>OK, it's possible this could be timely.</p> <p>I was made redundant at the end of last year, so I currently have time on my hands while I look for paid employment. &lt;tech jargon&gt; As a software engineer I've primarily been involved with server-side development (database interface, APIs and the like) but I'm trying to reinvent myself as more of a 'full stack' web developer in order to broaden my appeal, so I'm currently doing some online training in HTML, CSS, Javascript etc. &lt;/tech jargon&gt;</p> <p>To that end, I'd be willing to volunteer in any effort to refresh the Spokes website, at least until such time that I'm back in full-time employment. And it could be a valuable addition to my portfolio in the search for jobs or freelance work. </p> <p>I should point out that I'm not a web *designer* - someone else would need to help with that bit, or else some kind of template would be needed - perhaps using other campaigning websites for ideas. And I should stress that I'm still learning - I'm not a battle-hardened web developer yet. So the timescale would need to be relatively leisurely, to allow me to plug gaps in my knowledge where necessary.</p> <p>If my time sounds as though it would be of use to anyone at Spokes, who should I contact in the first instance? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272800 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 07:52:47 +0000 Rosie 272800@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I would say that the bulletin is as Colonies_Chri describes it.</p> <p>Aa electronic version of headings,a synopsis and links would be useful for those who prefer to be paperless. I have had younger people telling me they'd prefer an emailed PDF.</p> <p>Spokes produces other information for the public who inquire eg family cycling; bike storage.</p> <p>It occasionally produces an A5 leaflet for stalls which gives the latest news. The bulletins only come out 3 times a year. </p> <p>For reaching to the general public I absolutely agree we need a better landing page on the website. The Roseburn Support Group has plenty of excellent information and also looks good and less off-putting.<br /> <a href="https://www.roseburncycleroute.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">https://www.roseburncycleroute.org.uk/</a></p> <p>I've looked at other campaigning groups' websites in eg London and wished we had something similar. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272799 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 01:16:16 +0000 Colonies_Chris 272799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I can't speak for Spokes, but as I understand it, it's delivered primarily to members of Spokes, politicians, bike shops, police, urban planners and suchlike, and given to people who show interest at various Spokes stalls or cycling-related events. A relatively small number are also put on random parked bikes. Not all those people are cycle advocates, but they have either a personal or a professional interest in cycling. They're not ordinary members of the public to be converted to the cause of cycling - that's a different audience entirely. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531&page=2#post-272797 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:52:07 +0000 chdot 272797@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“It's not aimed at the general public - it's for people who are already interested in cycling advocacy.”</p> <p>That’s an interesting point. Do you know if that was actually the understanding/intention of Spokes?</p> <p>There are many more copies printed and distributed than the number of Spokes members.</p> <p>So presumably it’s getting to more than just people actively interested in “cycling advocacy”(?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272796 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 00:28:48 +0000 Colonies_Chris 272796@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Criticism of the newsletter seems to be complaining that it's not what it doesn't try to be. It's not aimed at the general public - it's for people who are already interested in cycling advocacy. Maybe there's a niche for a different type of newsletter, aimed more at a general audience, but I have my doubts. Most of us - and especially politicians - receive a lot of newsletters from worthy causes, that are full of feel-good stories but short on detail, and we mostly skim them out of a sense of duty before binning them minutes after receiving them. Another newsletter of that type would likely suffer the same fate.</p> <p>Now, the website - that's another matter. It's the public face of Spokes, and an appearance more appealing to the general public would be beneficial - as long as the sort of detailed analysis that gives Spokes advocacy its strength is still readily available in a couple of clicks. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272773 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:41:18 +0000 gkgk 272773@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I quite enjoy the newsletter. It's like a village church newsletter, aimed at updating already-interested, well-informed parties, quite a good read. I've no opinion on spokes, but the newsletter format, if indeed intended to be aimed at campaigners and others similarly interested, gets top marks from me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272768 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 18:15:42 +0000 unhurt 272768@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Q: are there any figures / evidence-driven guestimates for how many <em>non</em> Spokes members who aren't local politicians read the bulletin? Genuine question: if 99% of the ones attached to bikes are put straight in the bin because it's a wall of text, is it working as it could/should? </p> <p>I have once, in three years, seen someone in a café reading a Spokes bulletin; I have seen plenty in piles in café "leaflet gathering points"; but this is particularly anecdotal anecdata! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272762 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:43:42 +0000 crowriver 272762@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Having been a Spokes newsletter delivery person in north east Edinburgh for a number of years (until recently), I can confirm that the format is perfect for the following reasons:</p> <p>- fits into a C5 envelope<br /> - relatively light/compact to fit into panniers<br /> - can be stashed in a pocket after dismounting if weather is wet, prior to delivery<br /> - big piles of newsletters for delivery can be stacked in hall without blocking it<br /> - fits in even small letterboxes (and some are very small)</p> <p>Anecdata would suggest many of the folk I delivered to were either:</p> <p>- older than me (though not all)<br /> - working for an organisation</p> <p>Therefore the newsletter works well for these groups of people.</p> <p>I usually read it as soon as it arrives, but I'm a creature of habit. Other topical updates arrive bu e-mail or Twitter.</p> <p>The web site may not be very dynamic but it does work, and holds a treasure trove of information. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272755 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:46:50 +0000 neddie 272755@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>it has to be small so it can be delivered in bulk by bike</em></p> <p>And also so it can be attached to the frame of bikes (leafleting) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272753 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:37:04 +0000 Rosie 272753@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The rationale behind the size of the bulletin is that it has to be small so it can be delivered in bulk by bike. </p> <p>As Morningsider says it is important to have a paper copy landing on decision makers' desks rather than something deletable in the in-box.</p> <p>However for the paperless and already committed something with headings, synopsis and links could be emailed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272751 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 16:22:20 +0000 I were right about that saddle 272751@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For a variety of reasons I couldn't volunteer to help with readability, but I would make these points;</p> <p>1) White space.<br /> 2) No, really. White space.<br /> 3) Remove about 75% of the content.<br /> 4) Write as if speaking to a non-cyclist in the office.<br /> 5) Big friendly sans serif font. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272749 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:48:52 +0000 chdot 272749@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The fact that it exists at all is its most powerful attribute."</p> <p>That is most definitely true. </p> <p>"That it also includes robust evidence not collected by anyone else (particularly financial information) means it is in a class of its own."</p> <p>Indeed. </p> <p>Here comes the problem/opportunity. </p> <p>Précis in newsletter, detail elsewhere. </p> <p>That would be good for obvious reasons <em>and also</em> because a lot of stuff can't keep for three months - responses to consultations, planning apps etc. </p> <p>Such stuff is already put on the web site and this news is also made public via Twitter, FB and email. </p> <p>So it's about various improvements rather than a whole rethink. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272748 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:39:54 +0000 Morningsider 272748@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As far as I am aware, the Spokes bulletin is unique. No other entirely voluntary organisation produces a regular paper newsletter that lands on the desks of politicians, civil servants and council staff. This gives it an impact that email and social media will never have for a small, single-issue campaign group.</p> <p>Could the layout be improved? Possibly - I'm no expert on design. The fact that it exists at all is its most powerful attribute. That it also includes robust evidence not collected by anyone else (particularly financial information) means it is in a class of its own.</p> <p>Hopefully this thread spurs a few people into helping DdF with what must be a mammoth ongoing task. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272746 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 15:15:20 +0000 SRD 272746@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@McD it's good to know that there is willingness to consider the website redesign if not the newsletter. </p> <p>why the tremendous reluctance to link to actual docs, rather than to pages of docs? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272742 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 14:51:56 +0000 unhurt 272742@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I might not have bandwidth to volunteer for anything else right now, but still interested in the idea... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272717 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 12:44:45 +0000 McD 272717@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot I am interested in setting up an "East End" "Umbrella".<br /> Tram extension and Picardy to name but 2. Mentioned in a Tram post that is not getting much feedback. Anybody else interested? - can have a meetup whenever. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272716 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 12:42:24 +0000 McD 272716@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Spokes has had a couple of offers of help with Comms recently but not managed to get to talk in detail. They really do need some "doers" to volunteer. Dave does the bulletin and updates the website single-handed. It has been agreed that a more user-friendly "front-end" to the website would be good so long as the archive was still accessible.<br /> If anyone wants to meet to discuss then drop them a line <a href="mailto:spokes@spokes.org.uk">spokes@spokes.org.uk</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272654 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 21:51:21 +0000 chdot 272654@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p><center>SPOKES, Getting Involved </center></p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/19991113035424fw_/http://www.spokes.org.uk:80/involved.htm" rel="nofollow">https://web.archive.org/web/19991113035424fw_/http://www.spokes.org.uk:80/involved.htm</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272651 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 21:40:07 +0000 chdot 272651@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p><center>HELP PLEASE </center></p> <p>SPOKES has been around for over twenty years and this website has been up for a couple - which in web terms is quite old! We know that thousands of people log in each year and we know which pages are the most commonly looked at. But we are not sure whether people find it easy to use or useful. </p> <p>We are planning a few changes and would appreciate it if you could fill in our ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20000411205202fw_/http://www.spokes.org.uk:80/index.htm" rel="nofollow">https://web.archive.org/web/20000411205202fw_/http://www.spokes.org.uk:80/index.htm</a></p> <p>Unfortunately I have no recollection about whether anyone filled the questionaire in, and (if so) anything was done with the answers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272650 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 21:27:09 +0000 SRD 272650@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>it's a bit chicken and egg. </p> <p>If spokes is to identify volunteers who can do some of this work, it needs to attract a different demographic. but in order to do that. it needs to change how it operates, at least a bit. </p> <p>but really, there are lots of people who could design and maintain a decent, attractive website - which LINKS TO DOCUMENTS. even community councils manage to do this. what is it that spokes finds so difficult about it in terms of either volunteer or financial resources? </p> <p>Is 'spokes' (whatever that means) willing to consider a newsletter redesign? </p> <p>Everytime i've mentioned it, or even volunteered to contribute, it's been made pretty clear to me that it's not an option. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=18531#post-272646 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 20:48:23 +0000 Rosie 272646@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Spokes website is a great resource for research and has a terrific archive.</p> <p>I agree that it looks awful. Even having a less off-putting front page would be a start.</p> <p>However as with folk telling Spokes, why don't you do or that on other issues, we don't have the money and/or the staff.</p> <p>So it really needs some volunteers who would take on the task and see it through. </p>