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25/12/2009

S and N















I don't know who reads this - but I do know you can get here from weevie.net, and some followers of the defunct go-dorset have been tracked here . . . therefore, in a change to the published schedule - I wanted to explain my feelings about Social Networking.
From here I'll call it SN.

Things have got tricky. At work (FE) we are prompted to maintain a healthy attitude toward SN at all times - embracing change etc, postively immerse ourselves at other times - setting-up groups, using it for announcements etc, and then Not Touch The Bloody Sites With a Bargepole, at yet other times, dependant upon current management thinking, educational fashion, political will, (all the aforementioned changeable - indeed change pole-to-pole within a WEEK) and/or proximity of an OFSTED visit.

So I base this on me alone. With the forelorn suggestion that those of us who teach, who've been trained to daily work the mindsets and attitudes of Britain's yoof - might STILL be afforded the grace and professional margins to voice their personal beliefs.

I've heard it's useful. Offering a safe place to 'meet', exchange (whatever), away from the cruel streets of downtown Seagullsville. That responsible parenting, and educated surfers (I mean - they've seen a poster or powerpoint about online safety . . . . ) can gain emotional support and peer-group sustinance from SN.

And even I, YES even I, friendless hermit, shunned outcast from society - have and continue to receive countless Invitiations, Nudges, god-knows-what from an increasing band of both the teenage variety, and the Oh so professional variety of these websites. Online collaboration is one thing, by the way - these are not that.

I think it's all bloody weird. I really don't want to know my sons, daughters, nieces every waking mood or happening. And I'm not sure they WANT me to know?
I simply cannot see the advantage of publishing yourself to such a degree - without REALLY having something to say. Or, obviously t-y-p-i-n-g, when you might be chatting in a coffee shop or pub. In these time-shifted years I guess it is all a lot of us can manage, a quick few lines - somehow more immediate even than email (em, did I mention the 'phone?)

So, I really am sorry.

It simply isn't for me.

And if I've failed to answer SOMETHING somewhere - well, my email address has been around since email WAS FIRST generally available, and has never altered.