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Developing content for NCTC website redesign

Writing Assignments
The pages assigned to each writer are on Google Docs. User name is dwedd@centerforprogress.org, password is denver2007.


WRITING PROCESS for RESOURCE DESCRIPTIONS
If you missed the training, view this 20 min recorded explanation of the process.


Resource Descriptions. Subject Matter Specialists review current titles and descriptions of resources in Program Tools, Take Action and Policy Resources to ensure accuracy and consistency with guidelines:

1. Title explains content. Make it descriptive of the content. Indicate the resource type (map, press release, artwork,...) if that helps understanding. Make the titles friendly to the website user. IRS Volunteer Resource Guide is better than Publication 17 (which could go in the description so it turns up in search results). Consider whether there are other items with a similar name (like "Volunteer Evaluation"). If so, make the title more specific, such as "Volunteer Evaluation Post Season". Use Title Case for Each Word. Use colons rather than hyphens if needed in the title.
   
2. Who is the resource useful for (audience)?
3. What is it about (content) ?
4. How can it be used (utility)?
5. Who provided the material?
   
6. Add expiration dates (when should the material be archived?) If it is obsolete, delete it now.

Each description should be about 2 sentences, plus the provider attribution.
Here is an example:

Community Assessment of a Chicago Neighborhood
Before setting up a site, it is useful to carry out a community assessment to find out where the need is greatest and your services will have the largest impact. This community assessment of a Chicago neighborhood contains data from the census, the IRS, and and Brookings Institute to determine how many community residents are eligible for the EITC, how many are actually receiving the EITC, and whether they previously utilized Refund Anticipation Loans. Provided by the Center for Economic Progress. [DOC, 76K, posted 1/1/2004, expires 1/1/10]

The material starts off colored blue, indicating that it has not yet been edited. Once you make the first edits, change the color to black.

Also, consider if the material is on the correct page. If you move it to another page, color it blue so that other writers know it has not yet been reviewed. If the page you are moving it too has already been reviewed, email the reviewer to let them know about the new material. If no appropriate page exists, consider where it could fit into the site structure, and what to name the page. Append suggestions for location and/or page title in orange.

Here is an example:

TaxWise Transmittal Procedures
This chapter on TaxWise transmittal explains how to transmit completed TaxWise returns and handle rejected returns. From the 2005 Tax Year Site Manager Procedure Manual provided by the Center for Economic Progress. PDF, 2MB, posted 11/14/06] Probably belongs on Program Tools > Site Management > eFiling

Once you have completed reviewing a complete page, make sure everything has been turned black (except for orange location notes) and at the top of the page, record process REVIEWED), your name, date like this:



Attaching a new document. If you want to provide a new or updated document, you can attach it to the wiki page you are editing. Go to the horizontal menus at the top of the page, in line with the Easy Edit, and select More Tools > Add attachment. Make sure to write a description for the resource if it is new, or to indicate which description to associate it with if it is an update.



Having Problems?
Contact Don Wedd, dwedd@economicprogress.org, 312-630-0264

WRITING PROCESS for DESCRIPTIVE PAGES AND LANDING PAGES
Assignments. Project manager divides the new and revised content between the 1-2 web writers; provides them with User Personas and keeps track of content status and timelines.

By Sept 18. First drafts. Writers (staff) review material on current website, examine information architecture shown by the navigation structure of the wiki, and /or interview subject matter specialists for an understanding of the content for revised/new pages. Moves content to other sections if it is misplaced, or delete if outdated.

By Sept 23. Review by Directors. Draft of each section is reviewed by the Directors, Jonathan and Jackie Lynn (for accuracy).

By Oct 7.First edits. Draft of each section is reviewed by Editor (Raissa) for editorial.

By Oct 21. Second drafts. Consultant make edits and reviews all draft content for the website as a whole (to make sure it flows, no redundant areas, consistency in terms)

By Nov 13. Second Edits for About Us, Our Coalition, Skill Building, Program Tools. Editor (Raissa) reviews work of consultant. Second set of eyes (someone who is fresh to the material?) should look as a whole for editorial support.

By Nov 18. Third drafts for About Us, Our Coalition, Skill Building, Program Tools. Consultant makes any necessary changes.

By Nov 25. Review by Executive Director. ED approves or edits main pages.

After Nov 25. Final edits. Editor (Don) should have discretion and authority to edit as the material is moved to the new website. (without approval).


Tracking changes to the text
The material starts off colored blue, indicating that it has not yet been edited. Once you make the first edits, change the color to black.

In drafting and editing, make changes directly to the text. If you want to make suggestions to the writer, comment in orange within the text.

Also, consider if the material is on the correct page. If you move it to another page, color it blue so that other writers know it has not yet been reviewed. If the page you are moving it too has already been reviewed, email the reviewer to let them know about the new material. If no appropriate page exists, consider where it could fit into the site structure, and what to name the page. Append suggestions for location and/or page title in orange.

Here is an example:

TaxWise Transmittal Procedures
This chapter on TaxWise transmittal explains how to transmit completed TaxWise returns and handle rejected returns. From the 2005 Tax Year Site Manager Procedure Manual provided by the Center for Economic Progress. PDF, 2MB, posted 11/14/06] Probably belongs on Program Tools > Site Management > eFiling

Once you have completed reviewing a complete page, make sure everything has been turned black (except for orange comments and notes) and at the top of the page, record process (1st draft, Review by Director, 1st edit, 2nd draft, 2nd edit, Review by ED), your name, date like this:

1st draft - Don Wedd, 7/15/09
Review by Jackie Lynn, 7/30/09
1st edit - Melissa, 8/5/09
2nd draft - Don Wedd, 8/20/09
Review by David, 8/30/09

Adding a new document
To add a new document, attach the file to the relevant wiki page. Use the More Tools > Add Attachment menu from the top of the page. Make a note in orange on the page to indicate where the file goes, and ensure it has a description.

Page History
You can see all changes made to a page, and revert to a previous version. Scroll below the text on the page, and find "about this update - complete history" in the green bar.



To compare changes between 2 pages, check the boxes on the right side, and click the Compare button.