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So what is it with staffrm?

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Staffrm is a new kid on the block, and a few have been left wondering what it is and what it’s for?  I’m no expert but am happy to share what it means to me and would encourage you to have a look.  Dip your toe into the water and feedback.

What is it?

To me, it’s a blogging platform for those who don’t want, or need, their own platform.  The idea is to be a virtual staffroom where partially, or even totally, unformed ideas and lesson plans can be shared.  It’s a space to think out loud, to poke the fire of debate and lubricate the thought processes.  Already, there is a positive vibe, and it feels like a safe environment in which to ‘think aloud.’  This is an important element.,

Most of all, it’s a space not taking itself too seriously, and I like this.  You only have 500 words too, which is easy to eat up. And, the look is fit and the interface evolving.  At the moment, it’s full of some really bubbly and positive people sharing all kinds of stuff from the profound, the sublime, the practical and the simply selfie obsessed insane (ok, that’s just me).  Sometimes, the titles wouldn’t look out of place on some sort of innuendo bingo, but that’s all part of the charm.

Blog here or there?

A few people have asked how I decide what to post where.  I’m still working this through, but for me, this blog is for fully formed ideas and thoughts.  It’s what I want to project as myself and share.  It’s where I point people who want to find out about what I think and what I’ve been up to.  Staffrm is a place to quickly share thoughts and ideas amongst an increasingly engaged bunch.  I’m enjoying the ‘hive’ mind as themes spring up and develop.  Some, like Jo Debens is posting the same on both her personal blog and Staffrm.  It’s very much like running – there’s not one way of getting involved, it’s personal and it takes a while to figure out how it fits you.

I really like the primary / secondary balance too, especially in seeing different perspectives on the same theme or issue.  Some posts there have certainly made me reconsider and rethink some policies and ways of doing business at secondary level.

So what?

Like anything on the internet (and it is a busy space) you can take it or leave it.  However, for me Staffrm is one of the places I am starting to head to regularly and find that I leave with far more than I contribute.  Take a look at some of the #28daysofwriting posts on the platform for a taste.

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Staffrm?  It’s like the staffroom, only better. There when you need it.  My advice – dive in.

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