ASIST SIG Blogs, Wikis, Podcasting

Should we facilitate structured blogging?

There should be an easy, transparent way to structure a blog.  Setting up categories and clicking radial buttons as you post new items is NOT rocket science. 

And frankly, over time, a blog without structure is simply a messy diary.  How much is really required on the admin and infrastructure side to allow authors to easily organize a page.   http://structuredblogging.org/

And yes, I've heard that "people are lazy".  You will always have people that email a question to the person in the cubicle next to them. 

But will most people use simple tools provided to them if there is an inherent value?  I point out the amount of people that use the calendar that accompanies their email software.  There is value in this addendum to the program.  And isn't this a frequently used tool in your office?      

Social software serving Society?

Thanks to Richard for posting this recap of the absolutely critical role that blogs and wikis might serve.  This harkens back to a conversation I had with Susan Turnbull regarding the great service the wikis provided after the Tsunami. http://blogs.zdnet.com/web2explorer/index.php?p=82

Perhaps these quickly stood up, easily accessed, collaborative tools provide a  niche service need after every emergency.  I recall trying to find news after Hurricane Katrina that breaking stories hit the blogs long before government issued press releases confirming the information.

Peter Yim of CIM Engineering brought these issues to my attention several weeks ago.  There is definitely room in federal government in particular for this type of information flow where many contribute to the information pool.  Yes, some information must be verified. (making a list and checking it twice as St. Nick recommends) HOWEVER, this are multiple ways the government can promotes the flow of information.

I recall the snipers in the Washington DC area.  Only AFTER the police released a genuine description of the vehicle and elicited support from the public, were the snipers caught.  And only WITH the assistance of the public was the arrest made.

Free speech? Getting fired by a blog....

I've seen US agencies cracking down on blogs and postings.  Interesting what's happening in other parts of the world.

UK employee was fired for statements posted to a blog.  And in China, Shi Tao was censored with a 10 year prison sentence.

How invisible should the person posting remain?  This article in CNN's Technology section (Monday, 12/19/2005, "Fighting for free speech on the Net") raises questions.  http://edition.cnn.com/2005/TECH/12/19/internet.freedom/

All the basics about Podcasting

Podcasting @ University of Wisconsin- Madison  http://engage.doit.wisc.edu/podcasting/index.html
How to integrate podcasting into the classroom, best practices, examples, resources.
 

Watch the podcast versus reading the assigned classic?

At one point will my library begin adding podcasts to the collection development policy?  Will a model be derived which enables aggregators to sell content in a wholesale manner?  If Bleak House is requested by patrons as a podcast, will vendors create a way to resell in bulk? I ask these questions on Penguin Books making Christmas Carol available in podcast format.  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4534126.stm

CoIs, CoPs, blogs, and wikis support with Sun Platform

Sun Microsystems announces First Platform to integrate Wikis and other Next-Generation Applications http://www.sun.com/smi/Press/sunflash/2005-12/sunflash.20051215.2.html

Technoleads: What can I do with the technology now?

I agree wholeheartedly that collaborative tools and environments are creating a paradigm shift in how communities aggregate information, proliferate knowledge.  Can information professionals step forward to promote good practices in this area? 

The traditional library science curriculum includes training in critically evaluating information sources.  To what extent can these skills be applied to a collaborative environment that seeks to encourage broad participation? 

Food for thought after reading the Fortune article by David Kirkpatrick, "Cellphones as Change Agents" http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fastforward/0,15704,1139670,00.html 

(Can anyone remind me?  Wasn't there a story about civilians organized using their cellphones for purposes of civil unrest?)

Wikis reducing error rates in Yahoo answers

In Yahoo answers, the wiki environment allows for a collaborative process to spot errors. 

http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/TleUjYJy69Kap3/Yahoo-Answers-Creates-Community-of-Information.xhtml

Typepad announces Video Podcasting Support

Perhaps ASIST meeting proceedings might include such video podcasts.  http://www.podcastingnews.com/archives/2005/12/typepad_announc.html

A wiki character assasination

In a totally open posting environment, there is always a possibility that postings will be inaccurate, malicious, or slanderous.  A former Robert Kennedy administrative assistant took a flame thrower to the Wikipedia for character assassination in a recent USA Today editorial ("A false Wikipedia 'biography' " by John Seigenthaler 11/29/2005).

After much heat, the wikipedia will change the posting policies. Growing pains for Wikipedia