To add my contribution to this debate, I would like to add my support
for the continuation of the GEM email list with or without
enhancements from 'Web 2.0' applications such as blogs, podcasts, web
discussion fora, etc. I have been a subscriber to this list for
almost 6 years and also a member of other museum related lists and for
me, this one has proved the most useful, the most fascinating and the
most current on topics that often delve beyond 'straight' education
queries. In spite of the odd non-descript email asking for aid, most
posts are conscientious and very often relevant to more than just the
poster. I should also like to point out that many GEM-list
subscribers are probably not GEM members and while having a
members-only discussion forum on a website might drum up more members,
the removal of this list would break up a very valuable community of
museum professionals who are both directly engaged in education and
those who are on the peripheries.
If GEM do decide as a group (I am not a member) to discontinue this
mailing list under their name, could I please ask for support that the
mailing list community remains but perhaps under a different name? I
would be happy to volunteer as a moderator.
Wishing us all the best,
Tehmina
On 18/04/06, Bridget McKenzie <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> I agree with Christine MacLean and, personally, don't feel the same as
> Robin. On the one hand I like to log on and see lots of emails flood in
> (especially now I'm freelance, it makes me feel I exist in the world). But
> some members are at a more strategic, less practical, level of work and want
> to be challenged or inspired by GEM messages. Maybe people submitting
> requests for help can give a little more information (e.g. one recent
> request about education resources didn't state the subect matter, mode of
> delivery or age group), can show that they've already had a good root around
> and can ask an interesting question along with their request?
>
> I'm happy to go with the status quo, but I think it's time GEM looked at the
> possibilities of Web 2.0 applications. I think it's possible to get very
> cheap (or free) systems that combine Q&A emails to members, RSS feeds, wikis
> (e.g. what would happen if we tried to co-write definitions of museum
> education terms & policies), a members skills & contacts database (that we
> update ourselves onto a personal page so no volunteers have to copy details
> from a paper form), online membership payment, and a discussion board, plus
> other tools.
>
> Maybe those members who know more about these things could advise? I only
> know about it after surfing for a few hours.
>
>
> Bridget
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Nicola Bell
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 5:34 PM
> Subject: future of the GEM email discussion list
>
>
> In the summary of Hilary McGowan's review of GEM's future (which was sent
> out with the recent GEM News), it is proposed that the email discussion list
> is discontinued, and is replaced with an online discussion forum on the
> website. Can this be true?? Paul Rees, in his editorial for the current GEM
> News, commented favourably on the immediacy of communication via the list.
> I, for one, think that it would be a retrograde step to discontinue the
> list. Email lists are much easier and quicker to use than website fora, and
> using a discussion forum could well lead to less communication between GEM
> members - which rather defeats the object.
>
> What do other people think?
>
> Best wishes
>
> Nicola
>
> Nicola Bell
> museums~heritage~lifelong learning
> Carr Cottage, Great Bavington, Northumberland, NE19 2BN
> Tel / Fax 01830 540350
> [log in to unmask]
>
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