Comments on: A few notes about openness (and a request)

By: Utah State U.’s OpenCourseWare Closes Because of Budget Woes « Elizabeth Tweets

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:56:24 +0000

[...] his blog he asks “Without any special authority to do so, may I please give you a homework assignment? [...]

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:45:47 +0000

http://elizabethtweets.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/utah-state-u-s-opencourseware-closes-because-of-budget-woes/ is where I’ve stated my reasons… but as I mention, Clay Shirky, Michael Wesch and others say them better

By: Ruminate » Blog Archive » Weekly Links: 2009-08-31

Ruminate » Blog Archive » Weekly Links: 2009-08-31 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:23:19 +0000

[...] A few notes about openness (and a request) — “Without any special authority to do so, may I please give you a homework assignment? Would you please blog about why you choose to be open? What is the fundamental, underlying goal or goals you hope to accomplish by being open? What keeps you motivated? Why do you spend your precious little free time on my blog, reading this post and this question? If each of us put some thought and some public reflective writing into this question, the field would likely be greatly served. The more honest and open you are in your response, the more useful the exercise will be for you and for us.” [...]

By: Links 30/08/2009: Dell’s GNU/Linux in Europe | Boycott Novell

Links 30/08/2009: Dell’s GNU/Linux in Europe | Boycott Novell — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:47:02 +0000

[...] A few notes about openness (and a request) For example, the “open” in open source is not nuanced at all and has been artificially binary-ized. The open source definition tells us very clearly what a license must and must not do in order to be permitted to describe itself with the trademarked term “open source.” In the eyes of the defenders of the “open source” brand, if you’re not open enough you’re not open at all. [...]

By: Julius Beezer

Julius Beezer — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:10:21 +0000

I write online only for the highest of motives: to capture truths in text. I find writing a struggle. Often I don’t know what I think about something until I have written about it. Often I think I understand something, and then when I turn to the screen to describe it myself, I find I don’t. The only payment that I insist on for my work is to reread it thinking, “He’s nailed it. That’s just what I think.”
It gives me particular joy to write for the web, as I continue on my path the enlightenment. It is a suitably humble activity: obscurity is almost inevitable. Yet there is always the possibility that something I write will also help someone else. I always tell the truth as I see it. Where I cannot, I find the inner revelation about my own cultural beliefs even more rewarding (and disturbing) than seeing my truths writ large. That is why I currently write under a pseudonym after ten years of online presence under my true name: to explore the difference between the two states. Maybe one day I will write the comments I couldn’t publish, but I probably won’t, because they remain unwritten.
I think those who share my predilictions and ambitions are rather few. Most people don’t have the time or inclination to pass their hours as I do. Most people, at base, are fearful of the mental nakedness that writing involves: there is nowhere to hide, so many ways to be criticised. But I know my fellows on this earth seek enlightenment, hate lies, want honest systems, and the wealth of our culture to be shared, So I continue to offer myself freely to that team. It seems worthwhile.

By: Steven Egan

Steven Egan — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:01:39 +0000

I’ve blogged my answer several times in a different way, but I’m not sure which posts to cite. So, instead I’ll just put a little bit here about why I keep going.

There is a need, actually there are lots of them that openness helps. It’s a good thing to help people, and I have what I jokingly refer to as the paladin complex. Injustice and evil make me want to lay about with a broad sword, or other implement of destruction.

I can help. As a game designer, student and tutor, I have several points of view that compliment each other in finding potential open solutions.

I want to learn more and find the current systems irrational, irritating, frustrating, illogical … well you get the idea. The more I try to learn, the more I am confronted the the above two facts. Solving the problem appeases both my selfish and selfless halves, so I will continue with all that I am to make a difference.

By: JennaMcWilliams

JennaMcWilliams — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:03:26 +0000

ohhhhh, really, Jared? I thought it was a really nice piece.

By: Jared Spurbeck

Jared Spurbeck — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:00:46 +0000

I’m sorry; you’re right, I should’ve ignored you instead of criticizing you. The essay I posted has been deleted. I hope things go well for you.

By: Optimal, not ideal -conviviality

Optimal, not ideal -conviviality — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:31:17 +0000

[...] in the OER movement in a more active manner, in a more open and on a more global basis. David Wiley’s invitation for readers of his blog to post on the reasons for their approach to … sparked the notion to write this post. For me, what works in a systemic context is optimized [...]

By: Jean-Claude Bradley

Jean-Claude Bradley — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:48:27 +0000

1) I efficiently find collaborators by being open
2) my work becomes known to more people