Sep
21
2011

UnionBook to continue

The survey results are in.  81.7% of the 461 people who participated in our survey regarding UnionBook answered ‘yes’ to the question ‘Should UnionBook continue?”

232 people (!) submitted comments — see below:

we should have some “projects” where members get the chance to interact and become relevant. orgs/groups/networks, like trade unions, die if we are not relevant.
9/20/2011 3:41 AMView Responses
While I don’t dip into it very oftern, I do like to think it is around. I haven’t made much effort with it, but it may be a bit slower to establish. I feel I have a lot of information pouring in, but my relationships with my union colleagues in other countries is not very strong. I seem to be struggling to get my workplace colleagues involved in any kind of union activity. I know it is a lot of work for someone – but if we can hang in there we might find it is able to pick up the volume of users required…?
9/16/2011 2:04 AMView Responses
Friends, don’t give up! We are still growing! We are not here to compete with the corporate empire of Facebook, we are a different network altogether.
9/15/2011 7:30 PMView Responses
With the labor movement under attack, all means & vehicles are important in the fight.
9/12/2011 6:09 PMView Responses
Not sure how best to maximise use of Union Book
9/12/2011 3:00 AMView Responses
This is a qualified “yes”. I do not know anything more about the context apart from the numbers described in the background. We always want more, but the numbers are not a disaster. Is time / priroty management an issue – ie maintaining the site? What are best features of UnionBook that might work better elsewhere?
9/12/2011 2:24 AMView Responses
Its growth shouldn’t overshadow its purpose
9/10/2011 10:23 AMView Responses
Anything, either virtual or real, that contributes to collective discussion and action has to continue. People might not have the time or inclination now but they probably will eventually. Viva Unionbook!
9/9/2011 2:37 PMView Responses
I think it can succeed but with a lack of real discussion on trade union and political issues it will not survive. I find other blogs such as Socialist Unity and Lenins Tomb covers most of the areas I am interested in. Although a specific trade union angle is sometimes missing, If we could get used to posting relevant articles, blog references etc on UnionBook it could go a long way to establishing the site.
9/9/2011 10:28 AMView Responses
Should not give up so easily.
9/9/2011 1:44 AMView Responses
I really enjoy unionbook. Let’s keep it.
9/8/2011 10:31 PMView Responses
Let’s keep growing the community!
9/8/2011 4:49 AMView Responses
Some little things need tweaking, but I think if we have the right people it will grow and be used more. the other thing is that lots of groups and orgs have their own websites with their own forums and such so people don’t want to have to make another account for another website… if it is to continue it may need to make itself more worthwhile to people.
9/7/2011 9:00 PMView Responses
it’s going in the right direction and provides and important service
9/7/2011 8:36 PMView Responses
was planning on quitting myself
9/6/2011 11:49 PMView Responses
These things take time.
9/6/2011 10:23 PMView Responses
I don’t feel strongly one way or the other on this but I admit I did not actively promote this much. I didn’t log in voluntarily more than a couple of times since joining, for whatever that is worth. Thanks for your work on this. Don’t give up. Labor needs to be better connected.
9/6/2011 9:07 PMView Responses
Make it interesting and you shall have a bigger resdership. Do not abuse of short messages calling the readers to support this or that… Thank you and good luck.
9/6/2011 8:43 PMView Responses
I’m sorry to cast a “no” vote. However, there are simply not enough hours in the day to use more than one or two social networking sites. I am receiving ample information about unions and their struggles via facebook, twitter and labourstart emails. Thanks for trying!
9/6/2011 8:09 PMView Responses
Union book has carried many tremendous campaigns. We have done so much good-don’t lose faith comrades!
9/6/2011 6:49 PMView Responses
What is the rule of thumb in terms of optimum/average membership on sites like this? Is it a question of too much duplication!
9/6/2011 5:49 PMView Responses
To increase the member the process should continue My support is always with you, keep it up.
9/6/2011 5:37 PMView Responses
I would suggest you re-examine your goals of what it is you are trying to accomplish and ask what sort of functions a web site would have to have to achieve those goals. – perhaps a pre-existing web site (social networking application) can do this.
9/6/2011 5:25 PMView Responses
I’m already checking too many websites/twitter/blogs/etc.
9/6/2011 4:37 PMView Responses
One more year!
9/6/2011 3:53 PMView Responses
Our union local can pass a motion to provide a donation to help unionbook continue. I believe social networking for the labour community is a good thing that needs more time to catch on. Better publicity could help. Get more labour councils to utilize it and promote it.
9/6/2011 12:38 AMView Responses
I will make sure I use it in future.
9/6/2011 11:16 AMView Responses
Many of us are in vital struggles to achieve a living wage, and care for others when the health system is flying apart at the seams. What you’ve set up is important. Keep growing!
9/6/2011 9:51 AMView Responses
I support all kinds of resistance and international solidarity… So that, I think UnionBook must continue…
9/6/2011 9:01 AMView Responses
Such a pity
9/6/2011 8:45 AMView Responses
Keep trying to develop a more relevent model. We need to be able to use it to organize, hence we need to be able to keep bosses out of our threads.
9/6/2011 8:10 AMView Responses
4300 members is significant, we will continue to grow! Lets try for 6000 members this time next year.
9/6/2011 5:18 AMView Responses
I am new to this but find it informative and easy to access.
9/6/2011 4:29 AMView Responses
WE need to discuss ways to expand membership a real dialogue. I can understand your frustration but I find it a useful tool.
9/6/2011 3:32 AMView Responses
Union should advertise this
9/6/2011 2:10 AMView Responses
Please stay.
9/6/2011 12:39 AMView Responses
I do not feel there is such a need for Finns since we are very organized already. Also I don’t feel unionbook is very professionally organized – it seems more like small off-work project. I’m not saying UnionBook is a bad idea, I’m just telling that personally I have no need for such organization.
9/5/2011 10:50 PMView Responses
It gives me an opportunity like no other to be connected to other workers in solidarity in the fight against the injustice and oppression of capitalism – on a global scale. Thank you for all your effort.
9/5/2011 10:47 PMView Responses
I still think that the concept is a good one.
9/5/2011 10:13 PMView Responses
please try (don’t know how by the way ..?) to be opened to non-english speaking poeple ; and try to coordinate, or to be an international plateform, for local and national unions (not to say european federations). Maybe through information upon international items (for instance, the upcoming vote of the european parliament + Council on electromagnetic field exposures for workers ?) bye, pascal p.gabriel@syndex.fr
9/5/2011 9:47 PMView Responses
I think there should be more ‘Union’ options and more union groups on facebook instead, we don’t all want to have lots of different social networks we need to sign into and check, people could have a facebook status saying they are a union member.
9/5/2011 9:40 PMView Responses
workers needs a worlwide social network
9/5/2011 9:23 PMView Responses
I think it’s a great initiative, worth supporting! All major union General Secretaries should be asked to get members to sign up – it’s one of the few ways available for individual workers to feel part of a global movement for change
9/5/2011 8:56 PMView Responses
Stick at it. It takes a while for this stuff to catch on, but Union Book will reach a tipping point sooner or later, then it will explode.
9/5/2011 8:56 PMView Responses
UnionBook was an excellent idea and still is. The idea should survive but not UnionBook in it’s present form. The mainpage is not member-friendly enough to compare with FB and is monopolized by a few users who are making unionism look too extremist to appeal to rank and file newcomers who can’t find suitable content. We need a platform more adapted to our needs than Ning.
9/5/2011 8:31 PMView Responses
But only if you have the desire to maintain it. Even though it did not grow as much as you and we hoped, it did, nevertheless, grow. If, however, you think you’re banging your head against a wall, then divert your energies into something else you consider might attract more support.
9/5/2011 8:24 PMView Responses
I’ll advertise on Facebook – try and get all members to do this – keep up the good work. Its about trying to build a critical mass
9/5/2011 7:57 PMView Responses
I can sign in an find out what is happening around the world in labor. There is nothing else like it out there. Would be a shame to no longer have Union Book.
9/5/2011 7:01 PMView Responses
I really like the idea of getting union members together, and I like the action alerts and online petitions, but I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to use existing social media like Facebook and establish a strong union presence there? If Unionbook does continue, I would suggest changing the comments so that the most recent ones show up first. It’s frustrating to visit a page, only to have to scroll through 4 more pages to see the most recent activity. I’m not sure if tweaking the site to make it easier to use would help gain members.
9/5/2011 5:53 PMView Responses
I love Labour Start and Union Book is a network that duplicates the work Labour Start does to some extent – I don’t do Face Book at all so I’m not a good person to judge whether this should continue because I only use it out of loyalty – not because it is in my nature to do so. Give it more time for others to catch on before deciding whether or not to disband it.
9/5/2011 5:26 PMView Responses
Waiting for background colour to change before sending invites to contacts! Learning to navigate site is tricky – feels cumbersome
9/5/2011 5:17 PMView Responses
thank you for setting up this group!
9/5/2011 5:03 PMView Responses
645 new members should not be ignored -” from little acorns do great oaks grow”. Without doubt, missing our target is disappointing but if we adjust our time limit expectations a bit – we might yet do it and meanwhile a great website lives and continues to inform a dedicated existing membership. Hopefully, a little more time will solve a slow but determined membership growth pattern. Hang in there for a bit longer.
9/5/2011 5:01 PMView Responses
It is imperative that labour has a social media network which supports the privacy of it’s members as well as the principles of organised workers.
9/5/2011 4:27 PMView Responses
It seems most union members are not aware about the existence of this Union Book. It the duty of us members to make it known by explaining the importance role it plays in disseminating information. I suggest Trade Union Federations must unveil this information to affiliates and emphasize its importance in order to share the same with their membership.
9/5/2011 4:23 PMView Responses
First of all, let me compliment the creators of UnionBook: what they accomplished is superb. That being said I think there are two reasons why UnionBook isn’t being used by a lot of union members. First of all, there’s Facebook and Twitter and, in The Netherlands, Hyves. Existing social media that are allready being used by trade union members to strengthen the ties with their fellow members and / or co-workers. Second, there’s the language barrier, not everybody speaks or writes English as a native speaker. And in order to really participate on UnionBook one should be able to communicate on a reasonably high level. This, I think, also creates a backlash for international trade union communities in general; it prevents them from growing fast. So the first important step towards international communities is being perfectly clear about the importance of a common language, English, and making sure that every union member is encouraged, e.g. through e-learning, to become a native speaker. Cause if you’re not able to really communicate, you’re not able to achieve common goals.
9/5/2011 4:02 PMView Responses
I’m not sure of the usefulness of UnionBook, but I don’t think the project should be discarded so quickly. Unions and solidarity take time to build. Perhaps a weekly mailing of suggestions for how to use UnionBook? UB could drive organization instead of just providing a platform for it to happen.
9/5/2011 3:20 PMView Responses
You are very helpful for union. Keep it going.
9/5/2011 3:17 PMView Responses
I have only joined very recently (last week) so would like it to continue for longer please
9/5/2011 3:06 PMView Responses
Unionism is not an easy road, three big obstacles are in our way… money, power and ignorance… POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
9/5/2011 2:42 PMView Responses
Any organisation that helps protect workers rights throughout the world, Union Book is one of them must be kept going.
9/5/2011 2:00 PMView Responses
BuT in another approach..
9/5/2011 1:59 PMView Responses
Allow time to take its course brother.
9/5/2011 1:53 PMView Responses
“Fewer but better” Lenin.
9/5/2011 1:41 PMView Responses
It certainly would be ashame to see unionBook go.
9/5/2011 1:39 PMView Responses
Let’s have another drive for members!
9/5/2011 1:34 PMView Responses
We must be patient, we learn to grow (in every meaning of the term) with time.
9/5/2011 1:33 PMView Responses
patience
9/5/2011 12:45 AMView Responses
I think UnionBook is a brilliant idea, but it’s ahead of its time and its potential has yet to be realised. I’ve tried to promote it in the last few months because I believe it could become an extremely useful tool (in the UK at least), but it’s competing as a niche ‘product’ in a growing market. I don’t have any answers to that one, but as social media becomes more and more integrated within trade unions, we could promote UnionBook as the first choice for union organising, news, advice and support. A few possible ideas (UK): have unions/the TUC (they’re pretty keen on social media I believe) been approached directly to support UnionBook, would more integration with other social media sites help its growth, could Unionbook try to get news sites to add a button in the same way as Facebook/Twitter, could UnionBook get its logo added to AddThis, is it possible to organise online webcasts to promote UnionBook? Only other suggestion is the interface – it doesn’t feel very modern and I really don’t like the new pink. Most modern sites are quite simple in design and ‘white space’ is an important feature of any good design. There must be trade union specialists who would be happy to help with that. Good luck anyway.
9/5/2011 12:28 AMView Responses
workers movement needs all the support and relentless efforts to become relevant , hence union book must continue
9/5/2011 12:21 AMView Responses
I think the people who arein Unions care and are social and therefore do not have time. Great idea and yet, …… I wish you well.
9/5/2011 12:14 AMView Responses
You must countinue… Please !!!
9/5/2011 11:03 AMView Responses
I think there is possibly too much emphasis being placed on reaching a target number of members. These sort of things tend to grow organically by word of mouth etc. and are successful if they are valuable to members. Best wishes with the project and I hope you do decide to continue with it.
9/5/2011 10:33 AMView Responses
Maybe we have not reached the number of members yet, but i do believe that we should not be discouraged. Many struggles needed just a few people to succeed. So let us continue.
9/5/2011 10:10 AMView Responses
Too busy with local issues and meetings to sustain constant interest. Sorry … but I have family and grandchildren.
9/5/2011 9:59 AMView Responses
It should continue because from my pespective i learn a lot and it gives courage on how solve our problem as workers from different unionists. It gives me wide platform to be a unionist and most people are benefiting from more especially young people.
9/5/2011 9:23 AMView Responses
I’m just sorry my own efforts to promote it haven’t been very successfull……..Is it possible to talk to you and get some advice how I can set up an international group among my contacts worldwide on asbestos shipments. This all follows froim a Euro parliament group and int’l union feds and NGO’s I’m involved with. Bill Lawrence tohpline2000@yahoo.co.uk
9/5/2011 9:21 AMView Responses
We, 4,300 members should send the registration mails to our trade union contacts. This service can be useful in the future.
9/5/2011 9:19 AMView Responses
The unionBook is a big help for many trade unions. Eventhough, not all members are serious in recruiting members. Still, there’s still hope. Let’s ask again the help of our colleagues.
9/5/2011 9:16 AMView Responses
Great tool to get information and to inform others, also. for petitions etc. Pauline Overeem GoodElectronics Network
9/5/2011 9:01 AMView Responses
It would be better to encourage people to promote union causes on Facebook and Twitter as you will reach a bigger public
9/5/2011 8:49 AMView Responses
It will be difficult to compete with mainstream social media. Anyway it is worth to try it. Thank you for all your efforts and I think the Union Book is very well done. So, keep on going! Best wishes, Christian
9/5/2011 8:47 AMView Responses
This is the first I’ve heard of it. i have many union friends on facebook and not one of them has mentioned union book to me until now. I’d be interested in a socially concious network that is run our of Canada not america. Lets run with this puppy and get the kids on board and you’ve got it going on.
9/5/2011 8:43 AMView Responses
I was enthusiastic about UB at the start, then I realized I couldn’t use in French ( an automatic translator won’t do) so I moved on ( I think something closer to wikipedia than to facebook would be the right tool)
9/5/2011 8:30 AMView Responses
Es necesario que los sindicatos apoyen esta idea porque si no morirá… Il faut que les sindicats appuient UnionBook parce que outrement va mourir…
9/5/2011 8:10 AMView Responses
Building membership often takes longer than anticipated – and there was never an explanation why the arbitrary figure of 5000 was so important. UnionBook has gained 600+ members – celebrate this achievement! I would take issue with the contention that the increase was “suggested”; the emails I received read very much like a threat, and this ‘finger-wagging’ tone sadly continues…
9/5/2011 8:09 AMView Responses
mejority of labour leaders do not know about union book it should be continue
9/5/2011 8:00 AMView Responses
The above answer only applies if UnionBook cannot continue with this level of membership. If it needs 5000 members to make it commercially viable, then no, it shouldn’t continue. However, if it can continue with the current level of membership it should carry on – at least everyone who is now signed up is a committed union member and 1 volunteer is worth 10 pressed men!
9/5/2011 7:59 AMView Responses
Better to use existing social media to save us time and reach a bigger audience.
9/5/2011 7:48 AMView Responses
Lets mobilise directly through union structures. make it official policy of our unions and federations, nationally, regionally etc
9/5/2011 7:46 AMView Responses
I believe UnionBook is a very useful tool for trade union activists to use. Unfortunately the use of other social media sites means UnionBook has to compete for members against those who feel their particular preferred social media site attracts more friends and contacts. WE all have to ensure UnionBook is the vehicle for comrades to keep in touch and to make contacts, to enable our message is put across.
9/5/2011 7:46 AMView Responses
I appreciate Eric the amount of time and effort that maintaining UB must take, but would it be a massive shame take to discontinue this resource. I have immense pride announcing the existence of UB when talking to trade unionists who only use FB for their online networking. I also see it as a tangible embodiment of all that is best about global union networking. If there is anyway that you think that current members should work to extend membership I am willing to support you on this. Ian Manborde Ruskin College
9/5/2011 7:45 AMView Responses
I have worked so hard to encourage friends, colleagues, family members, acquaintances and everyone that I know, and even people that I don’t know, to join UnionBook. It has been so very disappointing that only a small handful of them have actually joined UnionBook. It seems that many of them prefer what I regard as absolute rubbish – i.e. FaceBook. I cannot see why this is so. I find it very sad. I love UnionBook and I passionately want it to stay. Thanks.
9/5/2011 7:40 AMView Responses
Don’t let this project die. It would be just another concession to the right.
9/5/2011 7:38 AMView Responses
Union Book is the best link that assist in fighting for workers and humanitarian rights around the globe.
9/5/2011 7:09 AMView Responses
Running glabal campaigns is very good and should continue. I would suggets that you have a separate section for each country on the site.
9/5/2011 7:06 AMView Responses
perseverance – that’s the union way.
9/5/2011 7:06 AMView Responses
Union Book will grow once active TUnionists realize it exists. The content & relevance to their aims, concerns will be expressed for others to learn from & then give their own experiences & support for causes will undoubtedly be broadened through this medium. I will be at our Electricians Branch in M/cr. tonight. They have great issues of a 35% cut in pay, once they are told that UnionBook exists, then networking can get their message over. Keep it going or the working class lose, yet again.
9/5/2011 7:03 AMView Responses
I think most UK unions are using FB & Twitter. The time for a new site may not be right if it is costing you money to mantain.
9/5/2011 6:58 AMView Responses
Yes I can understand .My suggestion it would be better if you able to give add by SMS or paper or TV etc
9/5/2011 5:43 AMView Responses

we should have some “projects” where members get the chance to interact and become relevant. orgs/groups/networks, like trade unions, die if we are not relevant.9/20/2011 3:41 AMView ResponsesWhile I don’t dip into it very oftern, I do like to think it is around. I haven’t made much effort with it, but it may be a bit slower to establish. I feel I have a lot of information pouring in, but my relationships with my union colleagues in other countries is not very strong. I seem to be struggling to get my workplace colleagues involved in any kind of union activity. I know it is a lot of work for someone – but if we can hang in there we might find it is able to pick up the volume of users required…?9/16/2011 2:04 AMView ResponsesFriends, don’t give up! We are still growing! We are not here to compete with the corporate empire of Facebook, we are a different network altogether.9/15/2011 7:30 PMView ResponsesWith the labor movement under attack, all means & vehicles are important in the fight.9/12/2011 6:09 PMView ResponsesNot sure how best to maximise use of Union Book9/12/2011 3:00 AMView ResponsesThis is a qualified “yes”. I do not know anything more about the context apart from the numbers described in the background. We always want more, but the numbers are not a disaster. Is time / priroty management an issue – ie maintaining the site? What are best features of UnionBook that might work better elsewhere?9/12/2011 2:24 AMView ResponsesIts growth shouldn’t overshadow its purpose9/10/2011 10:23 AMView ResponsesAnything, either virtual or real, that contributes to collective discussion and action has to continue. People might not have the time or inclination now but they probably will eventually. Viva Unionbook!9/9/2011 2:37 PMView ResponsesI think it can succeed but with a lack of real discussion on trade union and political issues it will not survive. I find other blogs such as Socialist Unity and Lenins Tomb covers most of the areas I am interested in. Although a specific trade union angle is sometimes missing, If we could get used to posting relevant articles, blog references etc on UnionBook it could go a long way to establishing the site.9/9/2011 10:28 AMView ResponsesShould not give up so easily.9/9/2011 1:44 AMView ResponsesI really enjoy unionbook. Let’s keep it.9/8/2011 10:31 PMView ResponsesLet’s keep growing the community!9/8/2011 4:49 AMView ResponsesSome little things need tweaking, but I think if we have the right people it will grow and be used more. the other thing is that lots of groups and orgs have their own websites with their own forums and such so people don’t want to have to make another account for another website… if it is to continue it may need to make itself more worthwhile to people.9/7/2011 9:00 PMView Responsesit’s going in the right direction and provides and important service9/7/2011 8:36 PMView Responseswas planning on quitting myself9/6/2011 11:49 PMView ResponsesThese things take time.9/6/2011 10:23 PMView ResponsesI don’t feel strongly one way or the other on this but I admit I did not actively promote this much. I didn’t log in voluntarily more than a couple of times since joining, for whatever that is worth. Thanks for your work on this. Don’t give up. Labor needs to be better connected.9/6/2011 9:07 PMView ResponsesMake it interesting and you shall have a bigger resdership. Do not abuse of short messages calling the readers to support this or that… Thank you and good luck.9/6/2011 8:43 PMView ResponsesI’m sorry to cast a “no” vote. However, there are simply not enough hours in the day to use more than one or two social networking sites. I am receiving ample information about unions and their struggles via facebook, twitter and labourstart emails. Thanks for trying!9/6/2011 8:09 PMView ResponsesUnion book has carried many tremendous campaigns. We have done so much good-don’t lose faith comrades!9/6/2011 6:49 PMView ResponsesWhat is the rule of thumb in terms of optimum/average membership on sites like this? Is it a question of too much duplication!9/6/2011 5:49 PMView ResponsesTo increase the member the process should continue My support is always with you, keep it up.9/6/2011 5:37 PMView ResponsesI would suggest you re-examine your goals of what it is you are trying to accomplish and ask what sort of functions a web site would have to have to achieve those goals. – perhaps a pre-existing web site (social networking application) can do this.9/6/2011 5:25 PMView ResponsesI’m already checking too many websites/twitter/blogs/etc.9/6/2011 4:37 PMView ResponsesOne more year!9/6/2011 3:53 PMView ResponsesOur union local can pass a motion to provide a donation to help unionbook continue. I believe social networking for the labour community is a good thing that needs more time to catch on. Better publicity could help. Get more labour councils to utilize it and promote it.9/6/2011 12:38 AMView ResponsesI will make sure I use it in future.9/6/2011 11:16 AMView ResponsesMany of us are in vital struggles to achieve a living wage, and care for others when the health system is flying apart at the seams. What you’ve set up is important. Keep growing!9/6/2011 9:51 AMView ResponsesI support all kinds of resistance and international solidarity… So that, I think UnionBook must continue…9/6/2011 9:01 AMView ResponsesSuch a pity9/6/2011 8:45 AMView ResponsesKeep trying to develop a more relevent model. We need to be able to use it to organize, hence we need to be able to keep bosses out of our threads.9/6/2011 8:10 AMView Responses4300 members is significant, we will continue to grow! Lets try for 6000 members this time next year.9/6/2011 5:18 AMView ResponsesI am new to this but find it informative and easy to access.9/6/2011 4:29 AMView ResponsesWE need to discuss ways to expand membership a real dialogue. I can understand your frustration but I find it a useful tool.9/6/2011 3:32 AMView ResponsesUnion should advertise this9/6/2011 2:10 AMView ResponsesPlease stay.9/6/2011 12:39 AMView ResponsesI do not feel there is such a need for Finns since we are very organized already. Also I don’t feel unionbook is very professionally organized – it seems more like small off-work project. I’m not saying UnionBook is a bad idea, I’m just telling that personally I have no need for such organization.9/5/2011 10:50 PMView ResponsesIt gives me an opportunity like no other to be connected to other workers in solidarity in the fight against the injustice and oppression of capitalism – on a global scale. Thank you for all your effort.9/5/2011 10:47 PMView ResponsesI still think that the concept is a good one.9/5/2011 10:13 PMView Responsesplease try (don’t know how by the way ..?) to be opened to non-english speaking poeple ; and try to coordinate, or to be an international plateform, for local and national unions (not to say european federations). Maybe through information upon international items (for instance, the upcoming vote of the european parliament + Council on electromagnetic field exposures for workers ?) bye, pascal p.gabriel@syndex.fr9/5/2011 9:47 PMView ResponsesI think there should be more ‘Union’ options and more union groups on facebook instead, we don’t all want to have lots of different social networks we need to sign into and check, people could have a facebook status saying they are a union member.9/5/2011 9:40 PMView Responsesworkers needs a worlwide social network9/5/2011 9:23 PMView ResponsesI think it’s a great initiative, worth supporting! All major union General Secretaries should be asked to get members to sign up – it’s one of the few ways available for individual workers to feel part of a global movement for change9/5/2011 8:56 PMView ResponsesStick at it. It takes a while for this stuff to catch on, but Union Book will reach a tipping point sooner or later, then it will explode.9/5/2011 8:56 PMView ResponsesUnionBook was an excellent idea and still is. The idea should survive but not UnionBook in it’s present form. The mainpage is not member-friendly enough to compare with FB and is monopolized by a few users who are making unionism look too extremist to appeal to rank and file newcomers who can’t find suitable content. We need a platform more adapted to our needs than Ning.9/5/2011 8:31 PMView ResponsesBut only if you have the desire to maintain it. Even though it did not grow as much as you and we hoped, it did, nevertheless, grow. If, however, you think you’re banging your head against a wall, then divert your energies into something else you consider might attract more support.9/5/2011 8:24 PMView ResponsesI’ll advertise on Facebook – try and get all members to do this – keep up the good work. Its about trying to build a critical mass9/5/2011 7:57 PMView ResponsesI can sign in an find out what is happening around the world in labor. There is nothing else like it out there. Would be a shame to no longer have Union Book.9/5/2011 7:01 PMView ResponsesI really like the idea of getting union members together, and I like the action alerts and online petitions, but I wonder if it wouldn’t be better to use existing social media like Facebook and establish a strong union presence there? If Unionbook does continue, I would suggest changing the comments so that the most recent ones show up first. It’s frustrating to visit a page, only to have to scroll through 4 more pages to see the most recent activity. I’m not sure if tweaking the site to make it easier to use would help gain members.9/5/2011 5:53 PMView ResponsesI love Labour Start and Union Book is a network that duplicates the work Labour Start does to some extent – I don’t do Face Book at all so I’m not a good person to judge whether this should continue because I only use it out of loyalty – not because it is in my nature to do so. Give it more time for others to catch on before deciding whether or not to disband it.9/5/2011 5:26 PMView ResponsesWaiting for background colour to change before sending invites to contacts! Learning to navigate site is tricky – feels cumbersome9/5/2011 5:17 PMView Responsesthank you for setting up this group!9/5/2011 5:03 PMView Responses645 new members should not be ignored -” from little acorns do great oaks grow”. Without doubt, missing our target is disappointing but if we adjust our time limit expectations a bit – we might yet do it and meanwhile a great website lives and continues to inform a dedicated existing membership. Hopefully, a little more time will solve a slow but determined membership growth pattern. Hang in there for a bit longer.9/5/2011 5:01 PMView ResponsesIt is imperative that labour has a social media network which supports the privacy of it’s members as well as the principles of organised workers.9/5/2011 4:27 PMView ResponsesIt seems most union members are not aware about the existence of this Union Book. It the duty of us members to make it known by explaining the importance role it plays in disseminating information. I suggest Trade Union Federations must unveil this information to affiliates and emphasize its importance in order to share the same with their membership.9/5/2011 4:23 PMView ResponsesFirst of all, let me compliment the creators of UnionBook: what they accomplished is superb. That being said I think there are two reasons why UnionBook isn’t being used by a lot of union members. First of all, there’s Facebook and Twitter and, in The Netherlands, Hyves. Existing social media that are allready being used by trade union members to strengthen the ties with their fellow members and / or co-workers. Second, there’s the language barrier, not everybody speaks or writes English as a native speaker. And in order to really participate on UnionBook one should be able to communicate on a reasonably high level. This, I think, also creates a backlash for international trade union communities in general; it prevents them from growing fast. So the first important step towards international communities is being perfectly clear about the importance of a common language, English, and making sure that every union member is encouraged, e.g. through e-learning, to become a native speaker. Cause if you’re not able to really communicate, you’re not able to achieve common goals.9/5/2011 4:02 PMView ResponsesI’m not sure of the usefulness of UnionBook, but I don’t think the project should be discarded so quickly. Unions and solidarity take time to build. Perhaps a weekly mailing of suggestions for how to use UnionBook? UB could drive organization instead of just providing a platform for it to happen.9/5/2011 3:20 PMView ResponsesYou are very helpful for union. Keep it going.9/5/2011 3:17 PMView ResponsesI have only joined very recently (last week) so would like it to continue for longer please9/5/2011 3:06 PMView ResponsesUnionism is not an easy road, three big obstacles are in our way… money, power and ignorance… POWER TO THE PEOPLE!9/5/2011 2:42 PMView ResponsesAny organisation that helps protect workers rights throughout the world, Union Book is one of them must be kept going.9/5/2011 2:00 PMView ResponsesBuT in another approach..9/5/2011 1:59 PMView ResponsesAllow time to take its course brother.9/5/2011 1:53 PMView Responses”Fewer but better” Lenin.9/5/2011 1:41 PMView ResponsesIt certainly would be ashame to see unionBook go.9/5/2011 1:39 PMView ResponsesLet’s have another drive for members!9/5/2011 1:34 PMView ResponsesWe must be patient, we learn to grow (in every meaning of the term) with time.9/5/2011 1:33 PMView Responsespatience9/5/2011 12:45 AMView ResponsesI think UnionBook is a brilliant idea, but it’s ahead of its time and its potential has yet to be realised. I’ve tried to promote it in the last few months because I believe it could become an extremely useful tool (in the UK at least), but it’s competing as a niche ‘product’ in a growing market. I don’t have any answers to that one, but as social media becomes more and more integrated within trade unions, we could promote UnionBook as the first choice for union organising, news, advice and support. A few possible ideas (UK): have unions/the TUC (they’re pretty keen on social media I believe) been approached directly to support UnionBook, would more integration with other social media sites help its growth, could Unionbook try to get news sites to add a button in the same way as Facebook/Twitter, could UnionBook get its logo added to AddThis, is it possible to organise online webcasts to promote UnionBook? Only other suggestion is the interface – it doesn’t feel very modern and I really don’t like the new pink. Most modern sites are quite simple in design and ‘white space’ is an important feature of any good design. There must be trade union specialists who would be happy to help with that. Good luck anyway.9/5/2011 12:28 AMView Responsesworkers movement needs all the support and relentless efforts to become relevant , hence union book must continue9/5/2011 12:21 AMView ResponsesI think the people who arein Unions care and are social and therefore do not have time. Great idea and yet, …… I wish you well.9/5/2011 12:14 AMView ResponsesYou must countinue… Please !!!9/5/2011 11:03 AMView ResponsesI think there is possibly too much emphasis being placed on reaching a target number of members. These sort of things tend to grow organically by word of mouth etc. and are successful if they are valuable to members. Best wishes with the project and I hope you do decide to continue with it.9/5/2011 10:33 AMView ResponsesMaybe we have not reached the number of members yet, but i do believe that we should not be discouraged. Many struggles needed just a few people to succeed. So let us continue.9/5/2011 10:10 AMView ResponsesToo busy with local issues and meetings to sustain constant interest. Sorry … but I have family and grandchildren.9/5/2011 9:59 AMView ResponsesIt should continue because from my pespective i learn a lot and it gives courage on how solve our problem as workers from different unionists. It gives me wide platform to be a unionist and most people are benefiting from more especially young people.9/5/2011 9:23 AMView ResponsesI’m just sorry my own efforts to promote it haven’t been very successfull……..Is it possible to talk to you and get some advice how I can set up an international group among my contacts worldwide on asbestos shipments. This all follows froim a Euro parliament group and int’l union feds and NGO’s I’m involved with. Bill Lawrence tohpline2000@yahoo.co.uk9/5/2011 9:21 AMView ResponsesWe, 4,300 members should send the registration mails to our trade union contacts. This service can be useful in the future.9/5/2011 9:19 AMView ResponsesThe unionBook is a big help for many trade unions. Eventhough, not all members are serious in recruiting members. Still, there’s still hope. Let’s ask again the help of our colleagues.9/5/2011 9:16 AMView ResponsesGreat tool to get information and to inform others, also. for petitions etc. Pauline Overeem GoodElectronics Network9/5/2011 9:01 AMView ResponsesIt would be better to encourage people to promote union causes on Facebook and Twitter as you will reach a bigger public9/5/2011 8:49 AMView ResponsesIt will be difficult to compete with mainstream social media. Anyway it is worth to try it. Thank you for all your efforts and I think the Union Book is very well done. So, keep on going! Best wishes, Christian9/5/2011 8:47 AMView ResponsesThis is the first I’ve heard of it. i have many union friends on facebook and not one of them has mentioned union book to me until now. I’d be interested in a socially concious network that is run our of Canada not america. Lets run with this puppy and get the kids on board and you’ve got it going on.9/5/2011 8:43 AMView ResponsesI was enthusiastic about UB at the start, then I realized I couldn’t use in French ( an automatic translator won’t do) so I moved on ( I think something closer to wikipedia than to facebook would be the right tool)9/5/2011 8:30 AMView ResponsesEs necesario que los sindicatos apoyen esta idea porque si no morirá… Il faut que les sindicats appuient UnionBook parce que outrement va mourir…9/5/2011 8:10 AMView ResponsesBuilding membership often takes longer than anticipated – and there was never an explanation why the arbitrary figure of 5000 was so important. UnionBook has gained 600+ members – celebrate this achievement! I would take issue with the contention that the increase was “suggested”; the emails I received read very much like a threat, and this ‘finger-wagging’ tone sadly continues…9/5/2011 8:09 AMView Responsesmejority of labour leaders do not know about union book it should be continue9/5/2011 8:00 AMView ResponsesThe above answer only applies if UnionBook cannot continue with this level of membership. If it needs 5000 members to make it commercially viable, then no, it shouldn’t continue. However, if it can continue with the current level of membership it should carry on – at least everyone who is now signed up is a committed union member and 1 volunteer is worth 10 pressed men!9/5/2011 7:59 AMView ResponsesBetter to use existing social media to save us time and reach a bigger audience.9/5/2011 7:48 AMView ResponsesLets mobilise directly through union structures. make it official policy of our unions and federations, nationally, regionally etc9/5/2011 7:46 AMView ResponsesI believe UnionBook is a very useful tool for trade union activists to use. Unfortunately the use of other social media sites means UnionBook has to compete for members against those who feel their particular preferred social media site attracts more friends and contacts. WE all have to ensure UnionBook is the vehicle for comrades to keep in touch and to make contacts, to enable our message is put across.9/5/2011 7:46 AMView ResponsesI appreciate Eric the amount of time and effort that maintaining UB must take, but would it be a massive shame take to discontinue this resource. I have immense pride announcing the existence of UB when talking to trade unionists who only use FB for their online networking. I also see it as a tangible embodiment of all that is best about global union networking. If there is anyway that you think that current members should work to extend membership I am willing to support you on this. Ian Manborde Ruskin College9/5/2011 7:45 AMView ResponsesI have worked so hard to encourage friends, colleagues, family members, acquaintances and everyone that I know, and even people that I don’t know, to join UnionBook. It has been so very disappointing that only a small handful of them have actually joined UnionBook. It seems that many of them prefer what I regard as absolute rubbish – i.e. FaceBook. I cannot see why this is so. I find it very sad. I love UnionBook and I passionately want it to stay. Thanks.9/5/2011 7:40 AMView ResponsesDon’t let this project die. It would be just another concession to the right.9/5/2011 7:38 AMView ResponsesUnion Book is the best link that assist in fighting for workers and humanitarian rights around the globe.9/5/2011 7:09 AMView ResponsesRunning glabal campaigns is very good and should continue. I would suggets that you have a separate section for each country on the site.9/5/2011 7:06 AMView Responsesperseverance – that’s the union way.9/5/2011 7:06 AMView ResponsesUnion Book will grow once active TUnionists realize it exists. The content & relevance to their aims, concerns will be expressed for others to learn from & then give their own experiences & support for causes will undoubtedly be broadened through this medium. I will be at our Electricians Branch in M/cr. tonight. They have great issues of a 35% cut in pay, once they are told that UnionBook exists, then networking can get their message over. Keep it going or the working class lose, yet again.9/5/2011 7:03 AMView ResponsesI think most UK unions are using FB & Twitter. The time for a new site may not be right if it is costing you money to mantain.9/5/2011 6:58 AMView ResponsesYes I can understand .My suggestion it would be better if you able to give add by SMS or paper or TV etc9/5/2011 5:43 AMView Responses

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