Comments on: ISTE responded to me personally

By: John Pederson

John Pederson — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:32:07 +0000

Careful.

About 1 1/2 years ago I laid into ISTE and ALA all “edupunk style” regarding the student technology standards. 4 months later I had a complete “by chance” dinner at our state’s library conference with conference organizers (~10 people) and Don Knezek. I quietly introduced myself to Don and he instantly referred to my blogpost from months prior. We had a great conversation of many of the frustrations we find in our day-to-day jobs that conflict with what we believe.

Lesson #1: ISTE listens. They listen very hard.
Lesson #2: Before we go all “rock star blogger” and “OMG I’m famous because ISTE recognized me”, realize that Don doesn’t have you or I in his aggregator. Neither do his communications people. I smell a bit of blue skunk odor ) round these parts. It’s how quality membership organizations work. Thank the board members that are out there working for all of us to make a better organizations.

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 10:24:54 +0000

Thank you for sharing this. I really appreciate people who are not happy about a situation and takes steps to do something about it like sending a letter of dissatisfaction. Too many times I hear people complain and complain but never willing to take a stand. I congratulate you for doing this!

By: Kim Caise

Kim Caise — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:16:42 +0000

@Cathy conveyed my thoughts on this perfectly! I am glad that they stopped to consider ISTE’s members regarding the new media coverage policy. My concern is what would prompt them to announce this with a little over a week left to NECC. Presenters hadn’t agreed to the those terms when submitting proposals and accepting the opportunity to present. Surely they knew that this would be an issue which is why I think the notice of this policy was late. I understand the need for policies regarding the audio/video recordings of sessions and cannot understand why ISTE feels they were wrongly persecuted in various blogs, comments, podcasts, and tweets. Surely a progressive and innovating organization would have seen the backlash coming or did they think people would just roll over and oblige?

By: Cathy Nelson

Cathy Nelson — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:26:27 +0000

#Miguel –> A “personalized” form email no less, surely written by a Leslie Connelly Designee. Wouldn’t you have like to have been given that assignment this afternoon?? “Here, send each and every one who squawked, this, but try to personalize it a bit. We need to garner back some human favor since we have just taken a rock-solid hit.” : )

@Diana, I am just pleased they have made their adjustment. I really don’t believe they responded to me. Actually I’m somewhat embarrassed at the tone of the email I sent. But I a pleased that they are rethinking their late , great decision. And it does make me feel as an ISTE member that I have a voice.

By: diana kenney

diana kenney — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:13:31 +0000

Thanks for sticking up for those of us that cannot attend the conference this year! I was really looking forward to attending virtually, although I would rather be there is person!

Diana Kenney

By: Miguel Guhlin

Miguel Guhlin — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:35:48 +0000

Isn’t it wonderful that we received a response, even if it was a form email?
8->

Thanks for sharing your letter!

Miguel