One of the best user group benefits that Apple provides is a free .Mac account for all recognized user groups. This account is to be used for the benefit of the group, but many groups don't take full advantage of this asset. What can a user group do with a .Mac account, and 100 megs of free online storage? Here are some ideas:
A Multiple Meeting Topic Recourse
Demonstrating .Mac and how it integrates in with not only the iLife '04 applications, but with most of Apple's software offerings simply can't be done effectively in one meeting; you'll neet at least two. Topics to include in the presentation include:
- iDisk online storage and its integration into Panther
- Simplicity of "drag and drop" copying from the Finder to your iDisk
- How to access your iDisk, or the public folders of others' iDisks using iDiskUtility
- How to access an iDisk from Windows computers
- How to password protect the public folder on your iDisk using iDiskUtility
- The free music and software demos available on your iDisk
- HomePage
- iBlog - setting up your own blog
- iPhoto publishing to your iDisk
- iMovie publishing to your iDisk
- iCal publishing to your iDisk
- iSync backup and data transfer to other Macs using iDisk
- The web mail interface to your .Mac email account
- How to add additional email accounts to the main .Mac account
- The many benefits of being a .Mac member, including free anti-virus software, special product offerings, free commercial software, free online training, and more. Check Apple's web site at www.apple.com/.mac for the latest information on what new benefits have been added.
Use .Mac as Your Group's Home Page
If your group is just getting started, or needs a simple but effective web presence (who doesn't), and hasn't purchased your own domain yet, use your .Mac account. Don't forget that you don't have to use HomePage to build your web site. You can use any shareware or commercial web publishing application, such as Adobe's GoLive CS, to create your web site, and then upload it to your iDisk.
Backup of Critical Group Information
Use your iDisk to store copies of your group's membership database, bylaws, board meeting minutes, newsletter templates and archives, brouchure templates and any other digital asset that would be difficult or impossible to replace.
Share Resources Between Your Officers
A password-protected public folder is a great place to transfer reports, graphic files or other materials used by the leadership of the group. Just be sure to change the password on the folder on a frequent basis.
Share Resources With Your Members
Making current or back ussues of your newsletter available in PDF format is a valuable benefit for current and new members. If your group publishes other resources, or has materials that you would like to share (and are licensed to do so), loading them on a public folder and distributing the password to your members is a great way to do it. It provides assurance that only paid members who receive the passworld can access those materials, and also simplifies downloading for your members, since it is a simple drag-and-drop copying form an iDisk to their Mac.
Showcase Photos of Your Meetings
Use iPhoto to easily publish photos of your meetings or events on a timely basis. Even if you have your own domain, your .Mac account is a great place to have your photo gallery located, complete with thumbnail and slideshow options. Link to it from your home page or your group's web site.
Publish Your Group's Events as an iCal
Need a calendar for your group's web site? Want to have a way to automatically remind you and your members of your group's meetings, Board meetings and other events? Use your .Mac account to publish an iCal, and then post both the links to view and to subscribe to it on your web site. That way, casual vistors and potential members don't have to subscribe to find out what you're up to.
"Broadcast" Your Meetings
When your group has an especially interesting presentation or exciting guest, videotape the event, do a quick edit in the latest version of iMovie and then use the "Share" feature to automatically create a movie for the web and post it to your group's .Mac account. Members who missed the meeting can enjoy the presentation, and potential members will get a feel for what your meetings are like.
For More Information
To learn about the many benefits of .Mac, both for presentation to your group and for your group's use, be sure to review the .Mac materials on Apple Sales Web (do a search on ".Mac" to obtain a current list of all available materials), and take the .Mac Overview Course (#L300857A-US) on Apple Sales Training Online. Your group's ambassador has access to both resources.
If your group hasn't done the necessary work to obtain their free .Mac account, contact your Apple Regional Liaison for information.
If you have more ideas for using .Mac to benefit your user group, or any useful tips and tricks pertaining to MUG leadership, let us know at [email protected].
