[Sigia-l] Clueless Band-Wagoning

[Peter Merholz]

If you've got the answers, why don't you deign to enlighten the rest of us
poor unwashed souls?

Tell me what IAs should believe in, please. I'm a lost lamb.

--peter
----- Original Message -----
From: "Derek R" <derek at derekrogerson.com>
To: <sigia-l at asis.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2002 6:45 PM
Subject: [Sigia-l] Clueless Band-Wagoning


>
> Well sheep, I would suggest all those so keen with AIfIA have
> *observably* indicated they are only concerned with membership, and have
> no concerns with 'substance' as any casual visit to the AIfIA site will
> reveal.
>
> No one seems to want to consider the philosophies/substance of the core
> AIfIA founding-members, or seem willing to address gaping-holes in AIfIA
> founding-member's views of IA -- holes which, very clearly, and
> observably exist. (I'll stick my neck out again.)
>
> My unfortunate impression of all this can only be that most of IAs do
> not care what IA is, what IA stands for, or any other matter of
> substance, ethics, or basic industry presentation concerning the field.
> Most IAs *observably* only care whether or not they are 'onboard' the
> band-wagon (like sheep), and refuse to allow IA to have any more
> substance than that of a clique.
>
> Just when do IAs face issues?
>
> Who cares, right? As long as everybody is onboard and together,
> everything is A-ok, and one does not need to have any skill or knowledge
> within the discipline. Mommy will look out for you -- Safety in numbers.
>
> What is the story here? Do IAs really believe in the concept of
> 'Findability?' (membership in AIfIA would indicate such belief) -->
> http://www.info-arch.org/lists/sigia-l/0209/0114.html
>
> Do IAs really believe it is the goal of IA to market and up-sell to
> people? (Lou's helping users 'learn more about what their interests
> are') -->
> http://www.info-arch.org/lists/sigia-l/0202/0035.html
>
> Do IAs really believe fixed-font presentations observe the user? (Do I
> really need to present a list of IA/UX people/sites which apparently
> do?)
>
> Do you really believe IAs should place *any* value in the 'elements of
> user-experience' which, as it's author and core AIfIA member indicates,
> is a methodology to control (again AIfIA membership would suggest such
> validity)-->
>
> <quote Main Theses of "Elements of User Experience">
> The user experience development process is all about ensuring that no
> aspect of the user's experience with your site happens without your
> conscious, explicit intent. This means taking into account every
> possibility of every action the user is likely to take and understanding
> the user's expectations at every step of the way through that process.
> </quote Main Theses of "Elements of User Experience">
>
> It would appear to me that most IAs really have *no clue* regarding the
> above issues and lack the knowledge to discuss it. Further silence on
> the matter supports this claim. Maybe change the subject, harp on me, or
> ignore the clearly observable some more?
>
> Someone please tell me IAs are not pinning-their-hopes on unskilled
> authors with inbred industry-connections, who just happened to stumble
> across some buzzwords and noticed some things obviously-inherent to any
> structure, making adequate use of social-networks (no hard-won
> arguments) to hypnotize an apparently clueless and desperate mass.
>
> Don't list-members know anyone and their mother can publish a book?
> (particularly an IT book)
>
> I am very familiar with the trade-publishing industry and I know how
> hand-jobs work. One person strokes another. Unfortunately, at the end of
> the day, what one is left with is nothing more than a lot of
> hand-stroking (trade). It's like trying to move forward by running
> on-the-spot.
>
> Does anyone on this list, or any IAs out there at all, have anything
> original to say or contribute -- or -- are you all *observably* blogging
> the exact same content (that is exactly the same) with the exact same
> results (0 comments)?
>
> Is that what IA blogging is all about -- being the worst kind of
> syndicators? Like TV Land for the Web?
>
> When will any IAs address fresh legitimate issues? Does one have to
> change their name to some horrible acronym about the sea (nothing to do
> with IA) before IAs will listen?
>
> I do not have personal issues with anyone here, there, or anywhere. But
> I have never I seen such a large-scale, mass denial of what is arguably
> 'better' in favor of preference for individuals and 'band-wagoning.' I
> guess most IAs have too much invested in specific individuals (yes-men)
> to alter their mindless course. It would appear *all* that most IAs see
> is the ass of the person they are following. Perhaps this is as far as
> their vision will allow?
>
> What are you people, on dope?
>
> Do you not understand it is alright to think for yourselves? Why do I
> feel like Galileo with his round-earth before the Church?
>
>
> ____________________
> [Aside: Please keep in mind the adage 'it is easier to destroy than
> create' -- wisdom, I, as a creative, am obviously aware of -- and
> address the issues this time as opposed to me.]
>
>
>
>
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