Thank you for this post, Mr. Most.
I, too, find it disheartening that ARLIS_L seems less tolerant of
humor, political observations, and the ephemeral issues of art
librarianship. Nobody wants or needs a free-for-all, but that tendency
has been very rare in our case. Actually, if you want free-for-all, by
all means join Facebook or MySpace!!
I agree with many of the points you make, especially in light of the
fact that Max's humorous (and, yes, lengthy--must everything be IM
vernacular?) thesis on the silliness of our moniker was written/posted
on a Saturday--for fun!
Is it worth reminding folks out in the Arlisian fields that it is up
to each of us to manage our time as we see fit? Use the delete button,
digest the listserv, don't bother reading it at all unless you have a
question. But we should try not to be snarky about a little bit of
spice. Not sure this qualifies as "thoughtful discussion" on the
topic, but it's my dos centavos--from a not-yet old fogey.
Claire D.
--
Claire Dannenbaum
[log in to unmask]
On Wed, Jan 14, 2009 at 1:19 PM, Most, Gregory P.J. <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The recent discussion about Arlisia on ARLIS-L is one of the more
> significant threads of talk that have occurred on ARLIS-L in many months,
> not because of the topic – one that I guess could be considered fun on a
> winter's day (I personally would have preferred to hear the comments not
> made on the list – probably more amusing) but for the many remarks about the
> ARLIS presence on Facebook and the suggestion to move the discussion
> regarding Arlisia to that site.
>
>
>
> I find it troubling that there appears to be a competing site for Society
> discussion that at least nominally excludes the entire membership from
> participation. Yes, I could join Facebook… but why when I already belong to
> ARLIS/NA where a forum for discussion has been provided? Replies to the
> discussion thread included comments like 'not everyone is on Facebook' and
> "I wished I had that kind of time." Could one be an Arlisian – transverse
> ribs and all – and not a member of ARLIS/NA?
>
>
>
> ARLIS-L is one of the benefits of membership. In its infancy (that coincided
> with a young organization) the listserv was an amazing way for colleagues at
> far flung institutions to get information or assistance, for easy
> communication between the Board and the Members, and sometimes for a
> lighthearted or provocative discussion, Nowadays is seems like ARLIS-L is
> used mostly to find a missing serial. I remember when I used to have a
> separate folder for the ARLIS-L mail because of the daily deluge of mail.
> Now it is a mere trickle.
>
>
>
> While the concept of an alternate or additional presence of the Society on
> the internet is a positive thing, we should pause for contemplation. Are we
> fracturing the Society or forcing members to join something that they are
> unwilling to do or uninterested in? What are the repercussions? Is there
> exclusion? Has ARLIS-L outlived its usefulness? (My personal belief is no,
> yet agree that the sights, sounds and 'fun' of social networking sites have
> a seductive quality that probably appeal more broadly to a young
> demographic).
>
>
>
> There have been privacy and copyright issues raised about information posted
> to social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace (e.g. profiles and
> content are never deleted - just made inactive, and charges of data-mining
> have been raised). These sites are also popular and effective ways for
> hackers to take over the profile holder's computer with Bot-Nets (that
> easily escape most popular spy-ware and virus-checking software), and also
> spread Mal-ware and viruses. I urge thoughtful discussion on this topic. I
> fully expect to be considered an old fogey by many ("Wasn't he that dude who
> wanted a PAPER members directory!!") but ask that you flame me privately,
> not the list. That way I can make a list and trip you with my cane in
> Indianapolis.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Gregory P. J. Most
>
> Chief, Department of Image Collections
>
> Library
>
> National Gallery of Art
>
> Washington, DC 20565
>
>
>
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>
> URL: http://www.nga.gov/resources/dlidesc.shtm
>
> phone: 202/ 842-6100
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________________ Mail
> submissions to [log in to unmask] For information about joining ARLIS/NA
> see: http://www.arlisna.org/join.html Send administrative matters (file
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> Archives and subscription maintenance:
> http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html Questions may be addressed to list
> owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask]
--
Claire Dannenbaum
[log in to unmask]
__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
For information about joining ARLIS/NA see:
http://www.arlisna.org/join.html
Send administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
to [log in to unmask]
ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html
Questions may be addressed to list owner (Judy Dyki) at: [log in to unmask]
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