Inside Higher Ed has one by Steven J Bell. He says the librarian’s penchant for pleasantry extends to our own virtual nest. In the world of library blogging the sky is always sunny, and nary is a dissenting or argumentative thought expressed.
“Why is it that “flatlined” may be the best term to describe the state of discourse in librarianship? In the traditional library literature one rarely sees an article that takes issue with the research or perspectives of a particular author.”
I’ll just add if you’re concerned with too much politeness in the library blogosphere you’re clearly not reading the comments @LISNews.
Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman, Fischerspooner, Amnesty International and Hamlet. [May 13, 2006].
http://librarian.lishost.org/?p=382
Not Just Politeness(or lack thereof) but Discourse
I have read comments at LISNews, and some are insightful, some are rude, some is bickering between commenters, and I don’t give much credence to anonymous posts at all. What I think is lacking, and I would say this is a point of the IHE piece, is how is our discourse contributing to the growth of the profession or its viability as a social science. Also, while the commenting at LISNews is robust (or is it – how many readers actually leave comments and join the conversation), are there other readers who won’t comment because they are put off by critical remarks – sometimes more of a personal nature than focused on content of the comment.
In any case, thanks for mentioning the piece – and for your own comments on it. I appreciate your additions to the conversation.
compared to?
Compared to what happens on usenet groups, LISNews.com is your great auntie’s tea party, even makes our in-house anarchist and socialists look like sweet lil’ fuzz balls.
Mess with the wrong people……….
Many librarians are scared to comment because they will suffer repercussions for what they say. I think the discussion over SRRT election on LISNEWS is insightful.
Greg,
That sucks, Greg. Do you want me to call you a waaaaaaaaambulance?
Like anyone in SRRT was going to vote for a neo-Reaganite.
When neo-Reaganite is mentioned that word could be substituted for nazi by many librarians. For discussion to exist people only the left need to believe that the people on the right have sincerely held beliefs that are held for more than just the process of oppression.