Discuss, Interact, Engage At Channelweb Connect

One of the first orders of business I undertook when I became managing editor of the CRN Test Center was to reach out to the people who seemed to have the most blistering comments and criticism about our reviews and analysis—on blogs, Web forums and on our own Web site—and try to dig deeper into why they seemed to be dissatisfied with our work.

In this era of Internet anonymity, it wasn't always easy to reach out to our critics. But when I was successful, I listened to what folks had to say. It turned out many didn't hate our reviews but were simply challenging us to do a better job. They had areas they wanted us to pursue as analysts, reviewers and journalists. There were always two or three additional steps they suggested we could take.

They provided a lot of good advice, and still do.

Without exception, when I talk to our critics in person, or on the phone, or via e-mail, each one has been respectful, professional and smart. Likewise with people who give us kudos. When you reach out to us with your thoughts and comments, you make us better. And that's why we're entering an exciting new chapter here.

Our publisher, Everything Channel, has unveiled a new community effort that lets us keep our conversation going even after our reviews appear on Channelweb.com or RetailVision.com. Channelweb Connect, which you can find at community.crn.com, gives you the best opportunity of any audience in the technology channel to talk to us, talk to your peers, talk to technology vendors and build on the collective strength of the IT channel.

At community.crn.com, you not only can tell us how you think we can do a better job, but you can tell your vendor partners how they can do a better job as well. And for vendors, you have a good opportunity to do here what I've done: Listen to and engage your partners.

It's easy. All you have to do is click onto the site, go through a painless registration process and get started. If you'd like to interact with us in the CRN Test Center, you can join our group at Channelweb Connect, which can be found at http://community.crn.com/groups/test-center. Or—and this is what we hope you'll do—start your own groups, your own spheres, set your own agenda and create your own community.

In the coming months, the CRN Test Center will be tackling at times thorny technical issues: the cloud, Notes vs. Exchange, Windows 7, security, networking and more. With Channelweb Connect, you'll be able to tackle the thorny issues that are important to you too. And you'll be able to keep us on our toes. More to the point, you'll be able to keep an industry on its toes.

Our deadline for this month has passed. But let's move the party next door: to community.crn.com.

Connect with the test center at community.crn.com—Channelweb Connect. E-mail the managing editor at emoltzen@everythingchannel.com.