If you feel that it’s impossible to keep up with all the technology changes BSA is constantly making, you are not alone. In addition to the constant improvements, computer applications also inadvertently provide a never-ending supply of new bugs. Sometimes, just as one gets fixed, something else happens that creates a new bug with the exact same behavior. Years ago, I was told by a BSA IT professional — whom I regarded as the most knowledgeable person on BSA’s software — that due to the constant changes, even she felt she knew only about 80% of the information. This might provide the rest of us neophytes some solace.

So, what is a conscientious commissioner to do if they want to keep up with BSA’s technology, knowing that they may never become more than 80% knowledgeable? I have two recommendations: 1) practice makes perfect and 2) stay informed. The more you use BSA’s technology, the more proficient you will become. You might even be among the first to detect and report the occurrence of a new bug! The two best ways for commissioners to stay informed about BSA’s technology are to read the periodic Commissioner Technology Focus Group (CTFG) Status Report and to regularly visit the Scouting Forums.