[Sigia-l] The Menace

[Saffer, Dan]

I think that any time a smaller group takes it upon themselves to speak
for a larger group, without first getting input from the larger group,
there is bound to be some anger and resentment. It's hard not to view
the smaller group (some may call it a clique) as being presumptuous and
self-serving.

I have to admit, I can't see any strong reason for AIfIA to exist and
was surprised to find (another) group speaking for my interests.
"Spreading the word of IA" is a nice, if vague, goal. I've always been
of the belief that the best way to evangelize what we do is by doing it,
and by doing it well. The tools to help us do our jobs well are already
out there and ongoing (this list, the IAwiki, IA-, the new books, the
conferences, ASIS&T, AIGA, UCD list, SIG-CHI, graduate schools, etc,
etc.). Finding the jobs is another (trickier) matter and one it would be
difficult for any organization (short of an employment agency or
recruiter) to assist in.

That being said, it certainly doesn't hurt to have an organization like
AIfIA around--except that it draws time away from some of our best-known
practitioners to do the actual work that is truly effective in getting
us recognition, be it projects or articles or books. Those seem to be
time better spent than setting up Boards and Leadership Councils.

Dan

dan saffer  .  sr. interaction designer
ameritrade  .  dsaffer at datek.com