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I agree very much that the organiser must be committed to the theme. However, that need not exclude the hoi polloi from suggesting themes that they think might be suitable for development. That was the intended spirit of my proposal. JOHN



On Saturday, 28 March 2015, Cohen, Rachel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Thanks Jeff. That sounds sensible. I think that my main point was just that we should only consider themes seriously where these are suggested by someone who is offering to be an organiser. Otherwise, as Jay suggests, we might end up with a great theme but no-one to do the work. So perhaps go along with your suggestion (2), but only discuss proposals brought by one or more people who want to be involved in conference organising.

Best, Rachel

-------- Original Message --------
From:Jeff Evans <[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]>
Sent:Sat, 28 Mar 2015 11:46:48 +0000
To:"Cohen, Rachel" <[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]>,[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]
Subject:RE: Radstats Conf16 (Feb 27 in York), and proposed new book "Radical Statistics in an Age of Big Data" (RSBigD)

First of all, John has done well to get the venue in York sorted already.

 

Now, several things I/we learned (or confirmed) this year:

1. There is nothing wrong with having both a Programme Cttee (PC) and a Local Cttee (LC). – in fact, it is an advantage as it allows people to work on what interests them and allows the bringing in of more people. Of course, there must be some overlap, as our conference programme takes place in a particular locale.

 

2. Rachel’s suggestion for developing the conference theme seems perfectly workable. The Troika is ultimately formally responsible for the programme (as for all RS affairs), but they don’t have to actually manage its supervision. An alternative might be to encourage people to present a reasonably developed theme (say, one paragraph preferably, rather than just a title, which can be easily misunderstood) to this list, and then when, a shortlist or an obvious choice “emerges”, a smaller group can work on this off-list.

 

2a. What should be avoided, in my view, is a rush to suggest speakers, before the theme is reasonably well formulated (and sessions sketched out). I feel the group lost time spent on suggesting lots of speakers, rather “theme-lessly”, last June and July. Fortunately, Maurice then stepped in, on behalf of the Troika, and got work going on the programme in earnest*.

 

3. “Events” also matter. Though the idea of inviting a range of MPs had faded by last autumn, the few we did approach indicated that by March 2015, they would be focused solely on the upcoming election (of course already fixed).

 

* Thanks to Alistair for circulating a good set of AGM minutes. Could I suggest that Maurice and Alison Macfarlane also were thanked there for their contributions to the 2015 conference.

 

Regards,

Jeff

 

From: email list for Radical Statistics [mailto:[log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rachel Cohen
Sent: 28 March 2015 09:36
To: [log in to unmask]');" target="_blank">[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Radstats Conf16 (Feb 27 in York), and proposed new book "Radical Statisitcs in an Age of Big Data" (RSBigD)

 

I believe that the agreement at the Radstats AGM was that whoever volunteered to organise the conference programme should, in agreement with the Troika, have the right to develop the conference programme and theme. Otherwise there is little incentive for anyone to be the conference organiser!

I would strongly suggest we stick to this. Of course a volunteer may want to organise a conference around this theme. But we should not impose this upon them.

Maybe the Troika can let people who might be interested in getting involved know how they should get in touch with them with a proposal for the theme/programme.

Best, Rachel.

On 28/03/2015 08:47, John Bibby wrote:

Has there been any discussion yet of the programme for Radstats 2016 conference?  I have agreed to be Local Organiser for this (it is now fixed for Feb 27th in York), and I certainly do NOT want to be Programme Organiser.

 

 However, may I make a proposal?

 

This is that the conference theme should link in some way with the proposed new book "Radical Statisitcs in an Age of Big Data" (RSBigD). The conference could be structured along similar lines. Headings could be Big Data and e.g. Power, Technology, Privacy, Training, and no doubt many other headings.  Quite apart from the book, I think this would make a very good conference. (I can suggest speakers etc. too, as I am sure others can.)

 

Could I please urge the Troika to pick up this and other proposals for the structure of next year's conference, and see it through now to the next step?

 

I look forward to hearing comments and other suggestions. 

 

JOHN BIBBY

 

 

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