[Viewpoint] Digging deeper into PCT Online

We live in an age dominated by sound bites and images. Succinct messages that visually stimulate are the driving force behind many media and entertainment outlets, including the World Wide Web.

If you think about it, the Internet is unique in that it is the only place where all of the various communication mediums — including the printed word, audio and video, pictures and illustrations, and others — can be accessed from one location.

At the same time, the fact that our culture has become so accustomed to sound bites and eye-catching images is a reason why some users don’t take advantage of all the Internet’s capabilities. Here’s why: Many users will visit Web sites with a specific goal in mind instead of taking the time to explore a site and uncover other functions that might be of interest or benefit.

PCT Online, as well as other Web sites, is like an onion in that it has multiple layers. Like an onion, it may take some time and investment to peel away the layers and "get at the good stuff."

Many PCT Online users visit daily for news stories and to check out the latest industry buzz on PCT Online’s message board. But the Web site contains much more — it is an interactive site filled with valuable business and technical resources. We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for users to find these resources via navigation bars located in the far left-hand column of the homepage.

A great example of a valuable business tool is PCT Online’s MSDS/Label function. Available exclusively at PCT Online, the MSDS/Label function allows PCOs to download all of the Labels/MSDS that they and their staff use. Many PCOs use this function to make customized books for their office and service vehicles. PCT Online uses a powerful search engine, making it easy for users to find their MSDS/Labels. Users can search by: product name, pest species, chemical name, usable location, manufacturer, product type, chemical application type and states permitted.

Another inestimable technical tool recently made available is PCT Online Training. This area of the site currently includes training articles on the identification and control of specific insect pests. (Future articles will focus on pesticide safety, care and maintenance of equipment and much more.) Each article provides concise insect information and control plans as well as insightful training tips and helpful photos/illustrations. Also included is an interactive quiz that can be taken prior to reading the articles (to determine areas of strengths/weaknesses) or after reading the articles to test your knowledge.

Training and MSDS/Labels are just two of the many business resources on the site. PCT Online also includes audio/video, PDF documents and the interactive Online Marketplace, where users can find out more about the various manufacturers and the products and services they offer.

We encourage all users to continue to access their favorite areas of the site, but also to take a few minutes and dig around the site to uncover other gems.

The author is Internet Editor of PCT Online and can be reached via e-mail at bharbison@pctonline.com.