Editor's letter: Time flies

Once again, we’ve reached that time of year where you can’t walk into any shop without being confronted by a bumper selection of seasonal cards, decorations or tins of chocolates that are bigger than your spare tyre – and will no doubt add to your own ‘wide load’ by the time you’ve paused for breath, having cracked them open. Of course, that’s immediately after tripping over the pumpkins.
My point is that it’s all rather disconcerting, as it seems like only yesterday that we were all planning our summer holidays and enjoying the long, warm evenings outside with a cool beverage of choice. Now, having fully evacuated my wardrobe of sandals and vest tops (begrudgingly) and dusted off the jumpers and scarves, my attention is already turning to the 2010 issues of KIM Legal and how to further develop its online presence. More news on that to come later, but I’m hoping it will be the music to the ears of those of you who are immersing yourselves in Web 2.0…
In the meantime, back to this issue. Veritable KM guru Jan Wyllie makes his cover feature debut in these pages, with the first in a two-part series of articles on self-signifying knowledge. His perspectives on interpretation make for a thoroughly interesting read.
Also, for all those of you who have contacted me asking about the intranet usability masterclass, the third and final instalment explores issues of ownership and ideas for launch.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to mention Cora Newell’s introduction to her ‘Challenging preconceptions’ series. This project has been in the pipeline for a number of months now and I know that Cora has lined up some huge names to join her as co-authors. Turn to page 13 to find out more.
One of the key focuses of the series is innovative, trail-blazing KM – looking at organisations and firms that have challenged the usual preconceptions and come up with alternative, decentralised KM systems and processes, as well as getting to grips with social networking.
This brings me quite nicely to the matter of the KIM Legal Yearbook, which will be landing on desks at the beginning of 2010. Providing a retrospective glance back through 2009, as well as looking forward to the New Year, the book will be packed with the most innovative KM programmes, analysis of the year’s news, technology and key industry appointments. A perfect addition to any reception area… or something to keep you company on the dark train journey home.
We’re looking for the firms who have exceeded all expectations with their know-how endeavours, or pushed the boundaries in areas that have traditionally been ‘frowned upon’. If you have an interesting story to tell – whether from a personal perspective, or even an opinion as to where KM is going – we would love to hear from you.
To find out more about getting involved, contact me at kclifton@ark-group.com, or keep an eye on www.kmlegalmag.com for more information about how to get involved.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. See you in December!

Kate Clifton,
Head of Editorial

Features

Masterclass: A practical guide to twitter This article is for subscribers only
Hélène Russell provides guidance on the effective use of Twitter in the law firm, including tip tips, measurement metrics and how to avoid potential pitfalls.

Technology Q&A - Head in the cloud? This article is for subscribers only
Mark Lewis discusses the current hype surrounding cloud computing and some factors to bear in mind when thinking of using a cloud environment within the business.

Masterclass: Part III - Exploring intranet usability and redesign This article is for subscribers only
In the final instalment of this masterclass on intranet usability and redesign, Stephen Musselwhite explores project ownership and usability improvements

Cover feature: Self-signifying knowledge This article is for subscribers only
Jan Wyllie kicks off a series on ‘KM frontiers’ with a discussion on the philosophy of interpretation and narrative.

Regulars

Thought leader: It’s good to talk Free
Why, for all knowledge, do we so poorly understand what is going on in our world?
Since the advent of the World Wide Web 15 years ago, we have had unprecedented access to information and knowledge. Are we that much more effective, productive or creative? I don’t think so.

The last word: Current awareness for clients Free
Fiona Evans details how the role of client-facing knowledge lawyers has evolved and the importance of current awareness in service delivery

Book review: Social Media for Lawyers: Twitter Edition New Content Free
Review by Christopher J Sherliker
Author: Adrian Dayton
Publisher: Ark Group
ISBN: 978-1-906355-63-0
Date: September 2009
Price: £145 plus p&p