Dear colleagues
I agree entirely with Kari-Hans. The problems of effective communication
via lists and other digital media is something we must engage with, rather
than escape from. In my experience the occasions when there has been some
bad feelings or negative responses is when correspondents have reacted to
perceptions of personal criticism that were not intended by the original
author. Controlling the "tone" of a digital message is very difficult. It
can wrong in short communications by seeming too assertive, and it can go
wrong in long communications by offering even more material for
misinterpretation. Kari-Hans advocates getting involved and I agree that
having practical experience of the way it can go wrong is very
constructive, and it can be transferred to other domains and media where
communication difficulties arise.
I also agree with Erik that the best responses are well crafted rather than
either long or short. His description of intimidation "by diminishing
people's sincere concerns about certain topics, by not taking them
seriously, or by easily (without argumentation) stating that they are
wrong", is useful.
best wishes
Michael
At 22:16 12/08/2003 +0300, Kari-Hans Kommonen wrote:
>I think this list is an invaluable resource and phenomenon as it is.
>I think it is clear that Ken is an important contributor, not only
>with the content of his posts, but with his genuine care and
>substantiated interest in keeping it alive and well.
>
>I have once felt that the list was unfriendly. This feeling changed
>partly because I got to know it better, and partly because the list
>(in my opinion) evolved. One reason for this change in my personal
>perception was that I got involved.
>
>I feel that one of the specific charms is that the discussion can
>accommodate diverse kinds of voices in a quite civilized way, and I
>think it is important to hold on to that.
>
>I think that it is good that long and short posts meet, as well as
>that those who want tight definitions debate with those who do not
>believe in them, etc. It would be a pity if some 'group' would desert
>to another forum. The diversity, in content, tolerance, and
>interaction styles, is worth cultivating.
>
>we just need to all learn how to live in the digital dimension with
>tools like this list, and how to foster and enjoy a friendly,
>constructive and useful digital social system.
>
>...kari-hans
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Dr Michael A R Biggs
Reader in Visual Communication
Faculty of Art and Design, University of Hertfordshire
College Lane, Hatfield, Herts. AL10 9AB
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0)1707 285341
Fax +44 (0)1707 285350
E-mail [log in to unmask]
Internet http://www.herts.ac.uk/artdes/research/creac/html/intrombiggs.html
Coordinator of the Centre for Research into Practice
http://www.herts.ac.uk/artdes/research/cr2p/index.htm
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