Gone But Not Forgotten



Hello, you've landed on DATA eh? - Open Data Toronto's original blog space for data discussions. This is not an active blog at the moment but legacy posts are still here. Have a read ... you can still provide comments.



Thursday, December 31, 2009

Bye 2009 ... hello 2010!

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

At a time when media and tweet-a-holics are presenting their highlights of the year's best moments,  I thought I'd weigh in with a few for us at the toronto.ca web re:Brand.
#5 - Refreshed home page
We kicked off our project in March with a new "jacket" for the front page.  I like to say it wasn't the full suit ... we were (and are) just trying on a new coat to get us started.  Lots of people interpreted it as a final design however. It's not. There was coverage on other blogs about it too (NOW, blogTO) - I'll provide a better summary in another blog in the new year.

#4 - Comments Wall
We introduced the Comments Wall with the launch of the refreshed index page. This represented the first time the City has allowed or solicited comment about the website (beyond having a webmail address). Not a revolution but a great first step in having our users help us along in the examination of toronto.ca.  To date, we've had 151 comments.  We do look at these by the way and are basing much of our approach to the new website  from your comments.

#3 - webbook
Although users outside of the City of Toronto walls can't see this, it's something we offered to staff as our own social media tool to use.  There's been several live chats with Deputy City Managers, the Medical Officer of Health (around H1N1) and our Information Technology heads. We have several regular bloggers and are just about ready to launch a phase 2 of the product that will allow even more options for engagement.  Webbook is our attempt to have staff get their feet wet in the social media milieu. We have just under 1000 subscribers at the moment which was our target in the pilot year.

#2 - Web Content Management
A dedicated team working on the implementation of content management tools has got working pages in place and we intend to begin the roll out in 2010.  This will appear seamless to users but represents a huge step in achieving the goals of a rebrand.  We'll be able to post content in a variety of ways and bring our "coding" up to snuff.  We're using "Vignette" Open Text to get the job done.

#1 - Open Data
Clearly the toronto.ca/open initiative is # 1 - a huge step in making government more transparent. As an outcome, we expect to see new apps show up that will benefit toronto.ca users.  We released more data in the launch than we thought we could and plan more releases through 2010.  We have lots of data of course and the expectations are very high from the developer community.  The website dataTO.org is contributing to the dialogue. If I have one wish for 2010 it's that we push ahead here and get users and issuers together more often to keep the momentum going.
Speaking of wishes, I guess that slides nicely into "resolutions" for the New Year.   I can only speak personally but I plan to be able to produce many more re:Brand "highlights" next year.  2010 is going to be awesome in scope for us.

Still time to contribute
I say this often here but we really need your support in the re:Brand process.  If you are really keen, why not agree to be a tester for us? We'll be talking to users directly as we introduce a toronto.ca/labs space for focusing on how the website may change.

If you're not exactly a keener, you can still comment here or on the Comments Wall. Personally, I'd prefer you to talk to me here since we can have an exchange of views beyond the 400 character limit on the Wall. We recently extended the Wall to 400 characters btw.

As always, the anonymous survey is really helpful in getting a handle on how you use the current site.

However you engage back, 2010 is the year to do so.  You know, they still ask in many marriage ceremonies if anyone has a reason why the couple shouldn't get married to "speak now or forever hold your peace".  2010 is the ceremony for us - we're listening - so speak now ...

Have a great and safe New Year!

Oh yeah, one other thing ... we just added a Toronto Innovation Showcase Behind the Scenes highlight reel to the YouTube channel.  This event was a big one and would be # 6 on the highlights list if I went beyond a top 5. Have a look:



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#25/2009

Thursday, December 17, 2009

US government blogging same questions as us ...

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

Like toronto.ca, The US government is rebranding their web presence. They aren't using the term "rebrand" but they are looking to address the exact same things we are. I'm keen to see what kind of response they get. I can see from their blog/forum they are getting pretty good take up.


It's interesting how many governments are seeing the need to engage users rather than force feed users - especially when it comes to change. It's a major shift in how we (they) do business.  Actually - a show of hands here - how many of you would have ever thought that the City of Toronto would start to open up its data?

As of November 2 we did - it's out there with more to follow.  I overheard it being said that the "genie is out of the bottle and it can't be put back in".  Indeed! And this happened largely because of community interest in having it happen. I'd go as far to say that the toronto.ca/open project is one of the first in what we see as a transition toward a user centric web.  Call it an early outcome of the re:Brand if you like, but it does show we are morphing from a closed ship to an open one with your input.

Our team has been yakking about this for a while but do you believe us yet?


The Year Ahead ...
If the "blog & comment" style isn't the best forum for you to talk to me about changing toronto.ca, here's what we plan for next year. In 2010, we are setting up focus groups, launching a beta "labs" space off toronto.ca, introducing content management tools so we can post content in varying ways and generally cranking up mainstream communication on what we are attempting. Want to have influence on what we do? You can read more about our timelines here.

For those who've taken their valuable time to offer comments on the blog since we started in September, thank you!

Be great for everyone reading who has an interest to officially follow the blog too.  That would be awesome.

Happy Holidays y'all.  


BTW, still needing comments on better search and better business

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#24/2009
Post a comment ...

Monday, December 7, 2009

Doing Business

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


Message to Business Owners:
For those of you coming from the TO Business newsletter - a special hello! As part of the web re:Brand project, we're focusing on the Doing Business portal of the toronto.ca website

We're realy amped up about making this process a user centric one. We're living by the credo that the user rules.  This is a change in our thinking and we need your opinions and thoughts to make the website come alive for you.

We want to hear first-hand about your experience using toronto.ca as a Business Owner. We can’t do as good of a job without you ... so please take a moment to engage here with us via comments on the blog. We want your feedback - good or bad - we want it all!

Perhaps ...
  • Tell us what you experienced opening a Business - did you visit the City’s website during that time?
  • How is your experience managing your business now? 
  • What happened when you applied for additional permits and licences, tried getting info on rules and regulations?
  • Tell us your story ... post a video response to our Doing Business series on YouTube
OR ...
  • Tell us how frequently you visit toronto.ca and why?
  • What information or services do you look for the most?
  • Do you usually find what you are looking for?
  • What could we improve on toronto.ca to make your life, as a Business Owner, easier? 
  • What is your ideal website (provide links for us to view)
One Account?
  • Would you be willing to register an account on City’s website?
  •  What if the account provided you with an easy and convenient way of updating your Business Information?  
  • What if the account provided the ability to pay bills and fees, without re-entering same information multiple times?  
  • What if you could find historical data (payment info/statements etc) and print these off as needed?  
  • How do you feel about setting up email reminders?
Too much work?
You can always fill out our poll on Preferred Way to Link with the City (at the top of all the blog pages) or just fill out the anonymous survey.

Have a look at what one business owner has to say:


This Part 1 of two parts

Make a comment and let's have a chat :0)

BTW, we still need input on Search

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# 23/2009
Post a comment ...

Thursday, December 3, 2009

SixthSense world ... buckle up!

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

If you wonder where we are headed in interaction with the virtual world check this out!


BTW ... still needing comments and suggestion on Better Search 

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#22/2009

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

No comments on Search?

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


We'd love to hear about your needs for search. I'm holding off on new posts 'till we get some thoughts. You can get the ball rolling now


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#21/2009

Friday, November 20, 2009

Better search!!!

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

OK, so I've been promising to share some of what we are thinking of doing to make the site better.  Let's start with search.  Here's a mock up-ed visual on the deets:

You can do the proverbial "click on the pic" to get a larger view - but you knew that didn't you? 

Note:
Search Results page
  • Display Best results prominently at the top. 
  • Display Images when appropriate (e.g. photo of the Councilor or a small map) - inserted beside results
  • Sorting results by Relevance or by Date
  • Hide Summaries
  • Narrow down results by using filters from the drop-down
  • Scan results by Content Type (FAQ, News etc) 
  • See "more or less" results per page 
  • Suggested Topics to give you quick access to relevant content based on your searched criteria
  • Ability to Save your Searches 
  • Ability to Subscribe to updates for any Search query  
Want we want to know:
Are all of these features useful to you or do you tend to just go back into the search box if you want to get more?  We're wanting to know about your behaviour?  Anything else you'd like to suggest? Tell us anything and everything about your needs for search. 

Oh, and, "Bend your knees" ...
Our product is Google by the way. One thing I'd like to add on a personal note.  I don't want to stereo type  but, as a male, I have a tendency when opening the fridge at home to not really poke around.  I seem to just shout out: "I can't find it".  My wife usually says: "Did you bend your knees and look?"  I have to admit - if I did that I would probably find the ketchup or whatever.  Same with web search.  I do believe users have to do some of the work ultimately.

If I'm wrong here ... you will surely correct me.

Meantime, pass the ketchup!

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#20/2009
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Time lines?

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

Thought I'd share a word or two about time lines for this re:Brand thing we are talking about.

Seems lots of folks are expecting an overnight change or some magic "reveal" at the end of a certain window of time. We're not actually going to go big bang on this but, rather, introduce some tweaks on the old site and gently introduce a brand new lab space where you can experiment with us.  We expect the full year next year will feature demo ideas and models. So, it's going to be a while yet before we close off the current toronto.ca.

Part of the reason for this is we are introducing web content management tools. We'll run both the old "look and feel" site and the new labs space in tandem until we sort through all of the content we have for you. Kind of like continuing to do business in an old building while the new building goes up and making sure we only take with us what is needed.

Make the new building better
You can help us determine what we do to make the new site better.  Clearly, no one wants to bring in useless content and a legacy of confusing navigations - that's part of the reason staff will be taking a real critical look at the web pages we have now.

We're getting lots of good comments on the comments wall around your impressions of the site. Keep them coming and, please, feel free to be more extensive in comments here.
#19/2009

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Open not closed

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

Hi, I'm back - I see the mini poll showed 2 people as having voted a fail on our toronto.ca/open launch. Not that 2 votes are overwhelming evidence of anything but I'd love to hear more details if you share that reaction.

Any specifics will help on future launches.  



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#18/2009

Friday, November 6, 2009

Let the "open" unfold

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


I get to be away from "the office" for a week (Nov 9 - Nov 13).  Love to have you look around here while I'm gone and make some noise.  I'd be glad to post any reactions to any of the blogs written so far. If I hear from you, I'll get on it. Otherwise, see you in a week as we get back to re:Brand thoughts and see how toronto.ca/open is moving along. I've posted a quick poll on getting a pass or fail from the launch (phase 1).

#17/2009

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Too many cooks and not enough kitchens

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

A fantastic exchange happened at yesterday's Toronto Innovation Showcase.  This was during the Open Data Lab review.  I want to post the moment in video and eagerly await the video archive form our webcaster.  Meantime, let me describe what happened.

The exchange was between panelists Greg Wilson and Jay Goldman. I'm paraphrasing here but Jay essentially said the government makes wonky apps - not so good while the community can do better.  Greg countered by saying having begun partnership exchanges with his U of T class and the City, he can see how much effort is being put into development work - all while staff continues to put out fires.

A later bit of conversation talked about trust issues - namely who would you trust more in giving your credit card information: "Greg's class or the City?"

Geeks!

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

In my last post I used the terms: "Social Media gurus" and "open data freaks" for those attending the Open Data Lab at the Toronto Innovation Showcase.

I think, to be fair, I shouldn't go for that stereotype all the time. Mark Kuznicki, the individual who brought the Open Data Lab together, summarised attendees in his review of the day as follows:
  • City staff and management
  • Software developers & technologists
  • Web entrepreneurs
  • Social entrepreneurs
  • Designers
  • Social policy researchers
  • Data librarians
  • Media creators
Much better huh?


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#15/2009

Monday, November 2, 2009

Innovation Showcase leads to more innovation?

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

Interesting array of talent assembled at the Toronto Innovation Showcase on day 1.

City staff mingled with Social Media gurus, open data freaks and tech heads from both sides. With so much talent running around, you might well believe lots will get done with our (just coming on the market) data sets!

So, it begins
More data releases will follow and we'll hear the outcomes of the Open Data Lab tomorrow.  While reading the tweets on the #opendataTO feed, this year's follow up to last year's Web 2.0 Summit, clearly has some resonance.

We knew it would - especially since the Mayor announced in April the intention to get data out the door by the fall ... and here we are!

I really believe this is a milestone moment for the City and for our developer community.  It kind of overshadows everything else from today but I must say - I was impressed with our very own Innovation Award winners - folks who worked on the inside to develop innovation solutions that saved money and maximized resources.

Sometimes it's good to acknowledge that and I hope some of their families saw the webcast (it will be on archive post event). 

When you witness skill sets coming together from inside and outside like this, it's pretty clear the future really does look bright.

Other blogs on this:

http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/geeks.html

http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/too-many-cooks-and-not-enough-kitchens.html

http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/let-open-unfold.html


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#14/2009

Monday, October 26, 2009

Toronto Innovation Showcase November 2 & 3, 2009

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


The showcase event is but a week away.

The event combines a follow up to last year's Web 2.0 Summit with City of Toronto staff professional development and innovation awards.  On day 1 there is an Open Data Lab - a key event for the Toronto Open Community. Check out the facilitator blog of Mark Kuznicki to register for the Open Data Lab.

We'll be webcasting all the activities taking place inside the Council Chambers - doesn't include the break out sessions in other areas.

Everyone is welcome to come to this event or view from the webcast.

Take note of these twitter hash tags: #TOshowcase and #opendataTO



Other blogs on this:

http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/geeks.html

http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/too-many-cooks-and-not-enough-kitchens.html


http://webrebrand.blogspot.com/2009/11/let-open-unfold.html


#13/2009

Friday, October 23, 2009

tree-1-1 part 2

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

So I mentioned quickly in the last post about attending a Social Web Workshop hosted by Chris Messina (open web advocate).  I could get into details about what open web is all about but suffice it to say it comes down to open and non-proprietary web for us users. That's a good thing if you like access and being able to function well in more than one place.
 

You can get more on open web here and about Chris here
View the video segment at end of this blog

By extension he also talked about identities - yours, mine and friends and how important they are as capital.  We should be able to bring our identities with us in webworld. Think using a Google password to get into facebook or viceversa.

Anyway, lots and lots of information to process. Chris presented so much I'm still processing. Just a few of the quotables worth noting:

Thursday, October 22, 2009

tree-1-1 part 1

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


This isn't going to make much sense until I can write more but ...

Attended a workshop yesterday hosted by Mr. Chris Messina (open web advocate).  A wonderful day of discovery.  One of the best outcomes for me was the discussion our COT group had around trees. We came up with a very plausible concept where City trees become a part of our soical media efforts.  Yes, you read that right "trees".  A bit inside but for anyone following the launch of Toronto's 311 we thought we could call it "tree-1-1"!

I'll blog more on the enitre day when I can fully get my thoughts around it all.  Meantime, you can follow Chirs @chrismessina and more.


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#11/2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

1 week x 1 staff = 200 mails

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

The "hyper-engaged social media intelligentsia" (read: social media geeks) are saying e-mail is dying.  That may be true for some people but I suspect it's not true in the workplace yet. I'm just back after a week off over Thanksgiving. I had just under 200 e-mails waiting for me on my return and I figure that's lower than some people get.

Trend?
It's pretty clear some people are using Twitter and texting in place of mail. It's one way to crash through the e-mail clutter. (I did respond to tweets over the week away as a matter of fact).  But, the funny thing is, every time a new type of communication vehicle is introduced you have some who are slow to adopt/adapt and others who are on it right away.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

the Write stuff

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

I'm conducting a web writing course today - blogging as the class writes.

I'm curious if you find our writing at toronto.ca too complicated?  In the course, we talk about the basics - short, good headlines, context clues for the reader to find more, etc. but is the writing getting better or worse?

Keeping short in mind, I'll end here. But, please, let me know here what you find good and bad about our writing at toronto.ca.

Thanks,

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#9/2009

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Vote early ... vote often

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

This isn't about the election next fall but rather I want to take a tongue in cheek quick track of something.

We had an anonymous comment on hating the colour blue on our website.
"I HATE that blue! it is very corporate and boring looking and looks like every website prototype in the universe. I don't see Toronto as blue, anyway."

Monday, October 5, 2009

Fare Media vs. Fair Language

A while back the TTC brought out a sticker on the Metro Pass - along with other security measures making it harder to fake a pass. What caught my eye was the writing on the sticker:

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Search, Search, Where for art thou Search?

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


We just discovered a blog that highlights the challenges we face in improving our website. Landscape Designer talks about his experiences in trying to get a simple question answered. Where would you find the bylaws that regulate pool construction online?

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Device costs? ... Device costs!

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


Read an interesting piece on the subway in Metro this morning (Sept 30) via the Associated Press.  All about how "device" bills can really add up when you are away from your local zone (all that roaming has its price).  Got me thinking about tourists coming to Toronto and how some of our plans for apps etc will impact users.  They will have to pay their service provider to access the data.  The article references data usage as the main expense.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

... a re:Brand doesn't help with that

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


We had a coment come into the Comments Wall this morning (Sept 29) that I think is worth bringing forward for more discussion. The comment:
please, please, enter the 21st century and stop seeing web design as a VISUAL DESIGN exercise!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it's about finding and using information in a timely fashion, a re:Brand doesn't help with that. There are way better approaches to this, stop waisting money.

Monday, September 28, 2009

GovLoop throws gov a loop

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.


A great social media tool a lot of government employees are using is GovLoop.  Think facebook for government.  We can do every kind of social engagement from creating a group to creating an event.  Following up on my last blog, GovLoop provides lots of ways for connecting and I've gotten huge amounts of insight from participating.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

WIREDcamp

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.

Had a chance to go to an event at the Ontario Showcase this past week (Sept 22) here in Toronto.

It was called WIREDcamp and brought together many of the folks working in the social media milieu in the federal, provincial and municipal level governments.

Now, I haven't use the word "milieu" in a sentence for some time, but there certainly are a whole whack of people who are hoping to see web 2.0 take hold within government.  Many of them shared success stories, action plans and hopes for where things can end up.

Monday, September 21, 2009

One giant (baby) step ... our first post

NOTE: This is content from the web re:Brand posts going back to November 2010. We have kept the re:Brand posts as a legacy archive but, on a go forward basis as of October, 2011, the new DATA eh? content takes over this space.




A City of Toronto blog?
What's this web re:Brand thing?
_____ is to _____


Answering two questions and issuing one challenge today on the web re:Brand blog.

Lots of people, when they find out I work on the City of Toronto web pages, ask why the City has no blogspace. Those who know I am a part of the toronto.ca web rebranding team go even further and say things like: "D'ah, why haven't you started a blog yet?" Or, "I'm really surprised you haven't done a blog." Or, "seriously, why haven't you been blogging?"

So, if I'm hearing all of you right, there is some agreement "out there" ... we should be blogging!

Even more about Blogger, Google, the City of Toronto and privacy

In case you are not aware
Google's Blogger application is an external web publishing service with hosting services in the United States of America.

To use Blogger, we have to agree to specific terms of service.  We do so as staff working with the City of Toronto and this creates a series of inter-locking privacy frameworks that may impact you.

The interlocking privacy framework:

When information is collected on the DATA eh? blog it is collected under section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as a record available to the public. Since the authors work for the City of Toronto we have an obligation to remove material that does not meet the terms and conditions posted on this site.

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Monday, September 14, 2009

COMMENTING?

Let's get some of the fine print business out of the way...

You need to know:
The blog is moderated and comments are read before being posted. Moderation times are generally Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. but you can make comments at any time. They may not appear until the next business day or after the weekend. That doesn't mean that postings won't happen on the weekends or in the evenings, it just means we don't want to set up a 24/7 immediate expectation around it.

Information when collected is collected under section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act as a record available to the public. We may remove material that does not meet the terms and conditions posted on this site.

What's going to get posted:
We are ready and willing to post anything related to our content and discussion points as set out in our posts subject to the exceptions noted in "What's not going to get posted". Please note, we don't care if you criticize, whine or generally complain about data or the toronto.ca website but let's be mannerly in how we go about talking to each other.


What's not going to get posted:
Here is a list of what will prevent us from posting your comments:
information deemed by us to be someone's "private or personal" information, profanity, abusive language, abusive comments, threats, off topic comments, racist comments, sexist comments, comments requesting services or comments about service delivery complaints (unless they relate specifically to a post) and anything even remotely resembling spam. No malicious links, advertising or advertising of services and forget about pornography.

Privacy:
Your privacy is important to the City of Toronto. Really important! By default, Blogger allows users to comment under existing blog accounts. The City of Toronto is not asking for your personal information as a criteria to comment. Should you comment other than anonymous, please be aware that your agreements with Google or others allow users to view profile information you may have authorized in your own account. If you choose to remain private, be so kind as to give yourself a screen-name at the end of your post.

Please don't include phone numbers or house addresses etc. in your comments. We will delete such references (including references to others you might include) before posting. This will mean copying your text into a separate submission box and approving this version of your comment.