Hunter S. Thompson on Web 2.0
I read a Circuits post (thanks, Christopher P!) today that reminded me of a blog on social networking which recalled some themes I’ve heard from both faculty and administration. Basically, they feel obliged to pay tribute in some way to some aspect of social networking (a soupcon of a blog, a whiff of a wiki) but only if they or a minion can exert absolute control over the process.
They are operating with fear and loathing. Never a recipe for success. To continue with the 60’s references: they need to be like Kesey and GET ON THE BUS.
Here’s a nice quote from Pogue:
When a company embraces the possibilities of Web 2.0, though, it makes contact with its public in a more casual, less sanitized way that, as a result, is accepted with much less cynicism. Web 2.0 offers a direct, more trusted line of communications than anything that came before it.
The issue is trust. And access to the switches. You know, just in case.
Celeste said:
Apr 10, 08 at 7:28 amWait, honesty at an academic institution? You mean, like, maybe acknowledging when one or two of the staff are resigning and actually notifying people about that, maybe? You mean, acknowledging one’s short-comings and looking for honest feedback in a public forum? Not trying to shuffle everything under the carpet and pretending like the grapevine isn’t the only means of finding anything out?
I’m not biiter. Not at all.
admin said:
Apr 10, 08 at 5:06 pmNo, not at all. 🙂
There’s fear and loathing & fear, uncertainty, and doubt everywhere–not just at an academic institution. But in higher ed it’s more disillusioning, I think, because one of the purported values is freedom of expression. Sadly, too often this just seems a perk for the academic side, and the administrative culture is more Dilbert-esque than ever.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce…” perhaps you could create a resignation announcement generator in your soon-to-be spare time, if you’re taking a break between jobs? That would be awesome. I would use it.
cec said:
Apr 11, 08 at 5:16 amWhen I left my last position, I created an organization specific resignation madlib. Honestly, I was just trying to help my boss, she could select whether it was “with mixed emotions,” “great disappointment,” “much relief,” etc. that she announced my departure.
I’m not certain that went over well 🙂