tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post7889215817599766036..comments2024-03-28T02:32:09.047-05:00Comments on Give2Attain: Blogger equals Complainer ?Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-6965091658414388162009-03-18T22:33:00.000-05:002009-03-18T22:33:00.000-05:00I agree with the venting aspect-- much of it is bo...I agree with the venting aspect-- much of it is born of frustration. Though different blogs have different purposes. I think both you and Speed (on education issues) hope to not only promote dialogue but help get information out there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-24571594717239564952009-03-16T17:43:00.000-05:002009-03-16T17:43:00.000-05:00To your point about a Community Blog, what I think...To your point about a Community Blog, what I think would really help is to have an Ombudsman. Remember Lou Gelfand's column in the Minneapolis paper? The Strib won most of the close ones, but the man was fair. I especially liked how he tried to keep himself out of the dialog by quoting the reporters and editors of the subject stories directly.<BR/><BR/>Now - who should that be? If it's a district employee, there will be no credibility. We have that now.<BR/><BR/>No, it would have to be a true outsider, like, well, me. I wouldn't have the time, not unless I get laid off or laid up. But humor me for sake of example.<BR/><BR/>People would email me questions to a dedicated mailbox. Like Gelfand, I'd pick two or three a week to address publicly, a few more privately.<BR/><BR/>The District would have to make the necessary resources available, staff for answers and a spot on district web site. The District would have the final OK on what's published. The District would bond or otherwise indemnify me if necessary.<BR/><BR/>Further dialog (comments) would have to be reviewed before publication, to maintain the civility.<BR/><BR/>Many school districts have set up blogs, for the Superintendent and principals typically. And most haven't had a new post in months. An ombudsman would be different.R-Fivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02481212430293579024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-89896399668228297762009-03-16T17:22:00.000-05:002009-03-16T17:22:00.000-05:00Mea culpa. I'll readily concede that much of blog...Mea culpa. I'll readily concede that much of blogging is to vent. So why do we feel we need to vent? When the Star Tribune gets the facts wrong. When a politician openly lies (either party). When special interests like Acorn get no scrutiny in the Minnesota press. As a recreational blogger, this is cathartic release to help maintain whatever sanity I have.<BR/><BR/>But much is also informative I like to think, like my coverage of 281. The Sun Post does pretty well on the big issues, but publishes weekly and has space limitations. I can be more timely, and I of course can also add my viewpoint. At least I'm honest about it, unlike, say, MPR.<BR/><BR/>Blogs also facilitate dialog, from which I've learned a few things myself.R-Fivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02481212430293579024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-83594516828296617002009-03-16T16:36:00.000-05:002009-03-16T16:36:00.000-05:00Good point. Blogs often go off track or get domina...Good point. Blogs often go off track or get dominated by a few. I still hold hope that people will show more respect for others and their opinions. And disagree without adding insult.<BR/><BR/>For instance, I disagree with some funding and administration aspects of RSI, yet I totally respect the parents, students and program. Also, I have learned a lot by corresponding with them.<BR/><BR/>Maybe no anonymous comments would help participants to stay polite on an RAS blog... Or would folks fear some form of reprisal? I am well known by many within the RAS community, and I know of no contracts being taken out on me yet... Maybe I had better check under my cycle before firing it up tonight.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your thoughts !!! Others ?Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14991027705809503541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8193628934721963907.post-50477358980151646032009-03-16T15:15:00.000-05:002009-03-16T15:15:00.000-05:00Let's be honest--online forums don't tend to produ...Let's be honest--online forums don't tend to produce really intelligent debate. <BR/>Example:<BR/>Opinion 1 is stated<BR/>Opinion 2 contradicts it<BR/>Opinion 1 restated, criticizing Opinion 2<BR/>Insert political agenda here<BR/>Scoff at climate change/Sarah Palin, etc.<BR/>Repeat. <BR/><BR/>I definitely want to get the facts from the district--more often than I do now--but I'm not interested in an rdale.org version of the Strib/PiPress commentary section. The kind of vitriol, rumor-mongering, and racism isn't really helpful, is it? <BR/><BR/>Open communication should be the goal, but I honestly doubt that an online free for all will help reach it. Maybe this email system will, I don't know much about it, but I guess it's a good start.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com