Bringing FNS to Life; Big Changes Ahead

LynxMukka · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 3:51 PM

The Federation News Service represents a great potential within the UFP, for it can bring many good things if we try hard enough . A new era of Star Trek is upon us, as we see the third installment of the JJ films later this year in 2016 and the announcement that a new Trek TV series is in the works. The previous COs of the department have all played their part in raising the capability and profile of FNS, both within the UFP and outside.

But we have much progress still to make, and not so much time in getting things done. As such, I'm announcing today, with FEO approval, I'm becoming FNS' new permanent CO. I don't do this on a whim - I have a rather large programme of change planned for the News Service with the intention to put it centre stage by the end of 2016 in providing everyone here with the latest Star Trek coverage in a variety of formats.

For several years, I've held a vision for what FNS can and should deliver to UFP members and visitors alike and so it's a privilege to now be able to take the front seat in guiding the department to new horizons. The department hasn't done so well in recent membership surveys, so one of my messages today is: I'm very much listening and I certainly agree with you.

As a side note: because of my 'deep dive' into managing FNS operations, Sharpkiller will increasingly be taking on further general command duties on behalf of the UFP, just something to be aware of.

The Vision for FNS
Star Trek has been an incredible influence on the world over the past 50 years, being a force for equality as well as the predicting of technology long before they come into use. For us, we’re very passionate about covering developments in the Star Trek universe, providing facts in fun and insightful ways.

But we’re also very much about trying new things which make the experience our members have on our site just that little bit better. We don’t charge for anything and we don’t make any money, so we rely on the generosity of donators and the time of our volunteers to deliver what we do. We’re also always transparent in our activities and who we talk to, so it’s guaranteed that anyone who you meet here at the UFP, wants to be here. We’re confident our love of Star Trek shines through in everything we do.

Based on these principles, external research we’ve conducted as well as surveys completed by our membership, our priorities are:

Work WITH the rest of the UFP in bringing value back. FNS should not be a silo, working semi-independently from everyone else. I want to have regular contact with other areas, such as the gaming divisions.

Provide regular news to everyone as to what's going on in the Star Trek world via our website, and social media to accommodate more casual fans.

Deliver news in exciting and insightful ways that show quality over simply regurgitating facts.

Provide a monthly, quality, easy to read Star Trek email to every user who wants it.

Act as a platform for coverage of Star Trek events going on within UFPlanets.com as well as around the world, such as conventions.

Develop a discussion-focused news operation that further adds to the great community that exists on UFPlanets.com.

In true Star Trek style, we want to develop meaningful partnerships with other communities that ultimately benefits fans.

What's Coming Next
A lot of planning has and continues to be done behind the scenes right now, so that it's established what sort of progress we expect FNS to make by the end of 2016. In the next few weeks, you might not see an immediate difference in how FNS runs. However once our new website launches, the noticeable transformation will certainly start to become more obvious, including a potential change in the system we use to publish news articles.

Right now, I'm very much interested in building a team of enthusiastic and talented individuals who want to join me on this journey for FNS, in bringing it to life. No one else in the Star Trek world is doing what we plan to achieve, so it really does kind of present an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to be involved in something special.

I'm sorry I can't provide further detail publicly right now, but if you're potentially interested in helping in an online, digital, creative/news environment, please let me know through the forums, TeamSpeak or Slack (if you're on it ) as soon as possible. I'll be in touch with you and let you know what sort of roles are available.

Further to that, I'll soon be posting up job advertisements which will be open to literally everyone.

New Year.
New Vision.
A New FNS.

:mrgreen:

Noram · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 3:55 PM

Great to hear Lynx! I'm sure you'll be able to turn FNS around!

Ross · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 3:59 PM

Excellent news! Looking forward to revamped FNS.

Avenger · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 4:00 PM

Sounds great and I'm pleased to see that the FNS will get a great burst of life!

Solace · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 4:03 PM

Looking forward to see what you can bring to FNS!

Dentari · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 4:16 PM

Putting a new individual in charge of FNS should certainly prove to be an interesting change in dynamic!

Realistically, changing direction and working towards major reform is always a risk, but it is certainly worth taking such a risk in this instance. Eventually I think that, given this appointment, 2016 will truly be FNS' year to make a great deal of progress. Personally, I have always been interested in advancing the delivery of News within the UFP, so to see this announcement being made is quite the relief. Pulling together a team, allocating time, forming strong external relationships – all are essential (yet daunting) elements when working on such an endeavour.

You have a lot of work ahead of you Lynx, but I'm sure you'll bring a great deal of change to FNS (No pressure!)

Keenan · Posted Fri 01 Jan, 2016 5:12 PM

I am sure with Lynx in the Captain's chair, FNS will definitely have much better chance of success. Make it so.

Sent via mobile holo-emitter.

LynxMukka · Posted Mon 04 Jan, 2016 4:17 PM

Thanks to everyone that's got in touch so far, about to bring in 3 new people later today, so exciting times ahead.

venethus · Posted Mon 04 Jan, 2016 7:39 PM

Originally Posted by LynxMukka

Thanks to everyone that's got in touch so far, about to bring in 3 new people later today, so exciting times ahead.

Sounds good. Looking forward to see where things go.

Tatchi · Posted Tue 05 Jan, 2016 10:33 AM

Good stuff

Bringing FNS to Life; Big Changes Ahead

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