ANST - an observation ...Second-Guessing

[j'lynn yeates]

watching the flow ... an observation

i think the reason this matter has stirred up so much "interest" pro and con 
here, is that it seemingly appeared to most people out of left field as a done 
deal ... the SCA has a long history of making major decisions that many are 
unaware of until after the fact, due mainly to the dispersed nature of the 
group, use of old communication channels, varying levels of interest / 
participation (for many varied reasons) ... folks, it's a new age with new 
tools - time to evolove.

someone mentioned that the administration of ansteorra has no obligation to use 
the ansteorran internet channels to inform the populace of plans, decisions, or 
solicit input  ....  if they are truely dedicated to communication with those 
they represet, then this mindset needs to be addressed, before the new 
"project" goes any farther

if they had used the tools that already exist prior to making decisions in thsi 
matter, it's probable the current chaos could have been minimized.  and if they 
don't want to use it, or maintain no obligation to communicate / discuss, then 
*why* spend SCA funds (banked or donated) on a internet level tool ("server") 
???

i have seen this situation many times in the business world where the majority 
of the lower echelons are net/computer-savy while the upper ones are not.  it 
*always* creates a climate where information chaos rules and tech problems are 
always solved by throwing hardware at problems without addressing the core 
problems (in almost all cases leading to failure) 

seems it would be a better use of our resources to modify the business model  
(SCA management style) and general culture to make better use of existing 
internet level resources *before* developing more advanced ones.  the phrase 
"putting the cart before the horse" comes to mind in this situation.

if the oft repeated arguement that net use in the SCA is the minority, not 
everyone can afford it, it's not "period", we're elitist / minority segments 
... yada/yada/yada  ... then *why* develop advanced systems to support such a 
minority position (grin).  if on the other hand it is an awareness of the 
importance of the net for commication, why the opinion that our leaders are not 
obligated to use it to communicate with those they represent???

point here, if such a "officially" sanctioned system is built, then it *must* 
adopt a status with the traditional printed communication channels (Black Star) 
as co-equal *official* information source, else there is zero reason for it to 
exist. ... to be quite honest, i don't need more "dead tree" information 
sources (newsletters) cluttering my house and would prever that mine be 
electronic / online.  give us teh option ... problem is that most SCA 
automatically relegate electronic format as second class (or lower) status.  
this must change

as i mentioned prviously, these are primarily "business plan" issues that 
should have been addressed long before hardware / software was talked about ... 
and they should have been discussed with those that could contribute the most - 
those who live / work in this online world.

more than a few new ideas to chew on ...

'wolf 

... When we hunt, we all function with one mind
... - Boingo, Pedestrian Wolves
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