RE: Lists vs. Organizations

Steve McCarty (steve_mc@ws0.kagawa-jc.ac.jp)
Tue, 9 Jun 1998 00:39:28 -1000

It's too muggy here in southwestern Japan to debate on what WAOE has not
attained in two months. But briefly, however enormous the Net is, there
is room for quality that sets new standards in any area of endeavor. On
the other hand, if we had to conform to current American thinking and
organizational ways, how would we have anything different to offer? The
same people who tell stories about how American-style committees and
organizations fail then turn around and insist that anything else is
undemocratic, elitist or whatever. Something universal has to first
transcend what is culture-specific. Not to worry about a worldwide
imperium of educators, because of the fragmentation Joe outlines.
Educators see their institutions cutting deals, companies purporting to
write the curriculum, students condemning computer-illiterate old fogeys
or else protesting against online education along with Luddite faculty
members. So there is plenty of room for people to organize in the cause
of objective analysis and improvement in the use of inevitable
technological advancements.

As for the number of O-CREWs, we are planning to offer suggestions on
the membership processing form, and we expect that other Workgroups will
be initiated. They will each have the benefit of belonging to a
pan-disciplinary organization, unlike most other groups. Thanks to Julia
Keefer for the vote of confidence in the O-CREWs for various non-Western
cultures. These are likely to send the message to non-Westerners that
they are welcome. The way of formalizing committees and workgroups that
Jenna has been suggesting for the Constitution should basically be fine
(thanks, Jenna!).

Some of Joe's concerns are simply premature, and it is unfair to draw
comparisons with established organizations. Also keep in mind that there
has not been time to present all the ideas we have. If we're not lacking
in vision, we won't find it crowded anywhere we go.

Computer troubles, a softball grudge match between male students and
faculty later today, full-time teaching through July, high humidity with
no air-conditioning, no break from the screen since last summer, then I
go home to a domineering wife and small sons who attack me like a pack
o' wil' dawgs ... whew! Rather than Gertrude Stein I prefer George
Michael's "somebody gimme a break now."

A little sun and water, plus time for the next vision to grow,
Collegially,
Steve McCarty
Professor, Kagawa Junior College, Japan
<steve_mc@ws0.kagawa-jc.ac.jp>
<http://leahi.kcc.hawaii.edu/org/tcon98/keynote/mccarty.html>.
<http://leahi.kcc.hawaii.edu/org/tcon98/keynote/mccarty.bio.html>