This is a great question, it has a really detailed answer and has been the subject of a lot of careful discussion and consideration among the staff. There are so many different aspects that it would take a long time to go through them all, but I will try to give you a summary. Right now, we have different levels of participation:
Members: members who have paid for membership in EdTA, includes all member types
Authenticated: someone who has created an account online and provided an email address.
Public: anyone who visits our website but has not created any kind of account.
Members will have the most access to community features. To put it in theatre terms, they will have a full back-stage pass. They can not only see the performance, but also venture back to the dressing rooms, borrow a costume, help paint a set, work the box office, etc.
Authenticated individuals will be somewhat limited. Let's say they can see the show and meet the actors, maybe take a guided tour backstage. We recognize that non-members of EdTA have valuable information and resources, so we want them to be able to contribute as much as possible while still keeping some special features a benefit of membership.
Public will have limited access. They can watch the performance and that's about it. They can look but not touch. In order to really get involved, they will at least need to provide an email address. They will be able to see enough that will hopefully draw them in and make them want to provide an email.
Additionally, as a participant in the community, you have some control over who can see what. You decide who can see the information in your profile, blogs that you post, etc. You can review these options through your privacy settings (look for "My Profile" in the blue navigation bar at the top of the page).
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Ginny Butsch
Community Manager
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-10-2013 11:43
From: Gai Jones
Subject: non members' use
What aspects of the community are available for nonmembers' use, who want to find out more about the association?
What aspects are for members only?
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Gai Jones
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