SUGGESTIONS for Improved XUNICEF - a summary so far - by Rob Carr

Over the past weeks we have had several new entries to 10 QUESTIONS where we learn something about XUNICEF staff. (see what has been sent so far here). One of the questions we added was ways to improve XUNICEF. Below is a summary of some of the suggestions made and some of our responses thus far:

1. Shift Toward "Hard-Hitting" Content

• Debate Uncomfortable Truths: Move away from self-congratulation to host moderated discussions on difficult topics, such as development failures in Africa or "what we got wrong.
• RESPONSE: This is already possible and is ongoing and reader dependent - keep it up.

•  Encourage Nuance: Discourage one-sided "echo chamber" posts in favor of balanced perspectives and op-ed style "Letter Writing Corners" where any reader can respond.
• RESPONSE: This is already possible and is ongoing and reader dependent - keep it up.

• Curate, Don’t Regurgitate: Cut back on re-sharing general news available elsewhere; focus exclusively on unique UN/development insights and specific success stories for marginalized populations.
• RESPONSE: We are working on this - so far we reducing the sharing of links - BUT we do encourage readers to share articles and NEWS and to provide some analysis to explain why XUNICEF readers should check it out.

2. Humanize the Network

• "Life After UNICEF" Vignettes: Use short, 3–5 question interviews to ask retirees how they spend their days, stay energized, or avoid boredom.
• RESPONSE: Tim has started something like this - we encourage more of this and this should be the ESSENCE of XUNICEF. Submit anything about how your life post UNICEF is going and we will post it. Adding photos is also fun!

•  Spotlight Continued Impact: Feature "light investigations" into how members have continued their professional work or hobbies after retirement to inspire others.
• RESPONSE: Already possible and we would love more of this. 

• Add Humor: Encourage the sharing of jokes or funny stories to keep the tone light and connected.
• RESPONSE: Already possible - we would love more HUMOR, Jokes and stories!

3. Boost Interaction & Accessibility

• Social Features: Implement a "Like" button (similar to Facebook) to allow for quick, low-friction engagement.
• RESPONSE: We looked into this - to do this we need a third party company to support this and this requires log-in etc - then it becomes like FACEBOOK. We would like to keep it wide open and free from log-in burden or adverts. How about you send a simple comment when you like an article?

• Gamification: Introduce periodic contests, such as photography competitions, to encourage creative contributions.
• RESPONSE: Great idea! We will do more of this. Have you looked at the IN SEARCH OF PERFECT PARK BENCH stories? Look here.

• Multilingual Access: Ensure the blog remains accessible in French, Spanish, and Arabic to maintain the inclusivity of the former international staff.
• RESPONSE: Done - and in many lanuages (some you may not have heard of)

• Make the LOOK more engaging by checking out other blogs.
• RESPONSE:  Any suggestions of blogs yoiu like that are engaging and don't involve TECH?

So we hear you and will be taking steps to improve the content where we can.  Keep up the suggestions and ideas.   You can submit an idea, a photo, a joke or plug your latest book or grandchild by simply sending an e-mail to: xunicef.news.views.submit@blogger.com and also to xunicef.news.views@gmail.com . (Note the "submit" in the first email address and make sure you let us know who you are.)