How can I participate?

Simply register for the site (note that only a username and email are required to register; you can always fill in the additional fields later via the edit account link). Kairosnews will then send you an email with your new password. Once you log in, you are ready to post your own blog entries and comments to others' entries.

We spend most of our time here discussing internet technologies that pertain to teaching writing, though we're also open to items regarding rhetoric and new media. One way to describe this group is tech-savvy compositionists. Although most of us are "up on our theory," as it were, that's really not what we do here. Instead, we get excited about things like MySpace, Drupal, and so on. If you take a look at the jumble of words to the bottom right, you'll notice that some words are larger than others. The largest ones are the ones we talk about the most. While we aren't exactly hard-nosed about the occasional "off-topic" posting, the expectation is that most posts relate to teaching writing AND (not or) computers.

Like any news digest, this site is not merely a place to "link dump." Instead of simply posting a link to another site, you should be adding value--letting readers know why a particular technology has bearing on the classroom (virtual or real) and how it may impact student writers. And you'll want to think carefully about "cross posting," or just copying and pasting the same post you made somewhere else. Obviously, there are exceptions, but the general idea is that if it's not worth the effort to make an original, unique post for the folks here at Kairosnews, you probably don't want to bother.

A word about gaining ethos: Before you post something here, you probably want to familiarize yourself with older posts. Going back through previous posts will give you a feel for the type of things we talk about (and the manner in which we do). If you're considering posting something, but keep thinking, "Well, I don't know if that's a good topic or not," then why not take the time to answer this question yourself by browsing past topics? You can also do a search for the topic. If you don't see anything related to it, maybe Kairosnews is not the place for the item you have in mind.

You should also strongly consider "commenting" for awhile before trying to create a new post. The "add comment" feature allows you to offer your insights, opinions, or questions, and to interact with a community--and above all, that's what this is. We're looking for comments that expand the discussion or even challenge the prevailing opinion: these are valued contributions to the board.

Who is the Kairosnews staff?

• Editor and Site Administrator. Charlie Lowe is an assistant professor in the Department of Writing at Grand Valley State University. He is an advocate of open source and open content.
• Associate Editor, Promotions and Communications. Clancy Ratliff is an assistant professor in the Department of English at East Carolina University. She is interested in weblogs and gender from the perspective of rhetoric and composition.
• Associate Editor, Content and Site Development. Matt Barton is an assistant professor in the Department of English at St. Cloud State University. He is especially interested in bringing innovative new technologies into first-year composition, including Wikis, Discussion Boards, and Sharepoint.
• Contributing Editor. Bradley Bleck is on the faculty in the Department of Communications at Spokane Falls Community College and the Organizing Committee Chair for the Computers and Writing Online 2005 Conference hosted on Kairosnews.

The password is difficult to remember. How can I change my password?

Use the edit account link. Toward the bottom of the page, you will see a place to enter a new password in twice.

I can't remember my password. How do I get another?

The user account section has a Request new password feature. Simply enter in either your username or the email address you used to register on Kairosnews. You will then be emailed a new password.

I can't remember my username. How do I find out?

The user account section has a Request new password feature. If you enter in the email address you used to register on Kairosnews, you will be emailed your username along with the new password.

What are notification settings?

Members can subscribe to receive a daily email with the latest Kairosnews posts and/or comments. When logged in, you will see the notification settings tab on your my account page.

What software does Kairosnews run on?

Kairosnews uses Drupal, an open source dynamic website platform.

I want to link to a Kairosnews post on the home page, but I can't find a permalink.

The title of every post on Kairosnews acts as a permalink.

What is the collaborative book and how do I use it?

See Working with the Collaborative Book for a brief explanation and some instructions.

What content is appropriate to post on Kairosnews?

As noted on the home page, Kairosnews is interested in the intersections of rhetoric and pedagogy with technology. You might broadly think of this as anything to do with the teaching or learning of reading and/or writing with the support of technology. If it's not clear to you if what you want to post fits this criteria, then you may not want to post. If you think there's a good fit, post away!

My question hasn't been answered here.

If you have a question, register on the site, login, and contact Charlie Lowe (cel4145).