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I enjoyed the Arlisian dialogue, just because it was a light-hearted diversion from the pounding demands of daily responsibilities, and, well, fun & silly.  If the subject line offers something I’m not interested in, I just delete it.  This is one of those flights of fancy which would burn itself out in a short while—meanwhile the delightful creativity and humor of my colleagues is enjoyed. The messages were short and Okay by me.

 

 

 

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

 

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URL:     http://www.nga.gov/resources/dlidesc.shtm

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