In the previous chapter Clay Shirky writes regarding open-source efforts (such as that of Linux), that what makes these open collaborative efforts work is that they are free to fail. Its a very much Peter Drucker concept in a way. [See his work Managing the Non-Profit Organization for more, among other texts.]
The ability to fail is essential for a group or organization to prosper. It is what allows a group to take risks, to change, to adapt, etc. It is also what allows a group to read the world around itself and sense the changes which may be taking place in society, in people, and in the coming days and years.
Shirky writes, "Unlike the business landscape, where companies have an incentive to hide both successes (for reasons of competitive advantage) and failures (to forestall any perception of weakness), open source projects advertise their successes and get failure for free" (Shirky, 258-259).
This quotation reminds me of my Dad's infinite wisdom which he often shares with me. My Dad is famous for saying that "We live in an information rich and knowledge driven society." The more information and knowledge we have access to, the better informed we are, and the more capable of making a better decision we potentially can be. In the old way of doing things, for-profit organizations had an incentive to hide their knowledge (and lack thereof) from the world and their competitors. In the new way, of collaborative efforts such as that of Wikipedia or Linux, people are able to share ideas not for the point of monetary profit but of collective gain. New insights can be shared and are had daily, if not every minute of each day. The potential here then is in a way, limitless.
Maybe this is a bit overly optimistic and a naive view of the world, especially given the continued reality of such sociological or economic condundrums like the Prisoner's Dilemma, but, it shows what good can come not just through sharing but coming together in the collective, if for only a small thing such as providing a Wiki post on what the city of Poulsbo is.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Value of Truth for the Collective
I'm continuing with the posts on Clay Shirky's Here Comes Everybody, while the snow continues to fall outside here.
Shirky writes regarding contributors and editors to Wikipedia: "Wikis take on one of the most basic questions of political philosophy: Who will guard the guardians? Their answer is, everyone. The basic bargain of a wiki means that people who care that the site not be use for that sort of prank have the edge, because it takes far longer to write a fake entry than to fix it" (Shirky, 272).
These words are powerful, and at the same time make a lot of sense. There is great value in truth for the collective effort, but I think it even more importantly recognizes the importance of one's own investment and purpose which comes from such an endeavor as sharing information through Wikipedia.
Shirky writes regarding contributors and editors to Wikipedia: "Wikis take on one of the most basic questions of political philosophy: Who will guard the guardians? Their answer is, everyone. The basic bargain of a wiki means that people who care that the site not be use for that sort of prank have the edge, because it takes far longer to write a fake entry than to fix it" (Shirky, 272).
These words are powerful, and at the same time make a lot of sense. There is great value in truth for the collective effort, but I think it even more importantly recognizes the importance of one's own investment and purpose which comes from such an endeavor as sharing information through Wikipedia.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Snow Day
Three E-mails which, even to a 24-year old, can excite:
From Ted Wilder at 9:50pm:
This message is sent on behalf of the Luther Seminary administration:
Due to the inclement weather, Luther Seminary will be closed Monday, February 21.
From Donald Lewis at 9:58pm:
Due to the inclement weather, Luther Seminary will be closed on Monday, February 21.
From Carole Krieger at 10:10pm:
The following is sent on behalf of the Administration:
Due to the inclement weather Luther Seminary will be closed Monday, February 21st.
Carole
---------------
Tomorrow marks my first snow day since High School at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo. While in undergrad, of course it snowed, but never enough on an actual class day to cause President Anderson to close the school. And of course, last year in Claremont, there obviously was never any snow there.
It's really exciting to think that its snowing enough to close school here in Minnesota. Not that they don't close schools here, but that its enough to even close the seminary and colleges. WOW.
Oh, and yes, the snow is contining to fall here! A Winter Warning remains in effect for the Twin Cities until at least 12pm noon tomorrow (Monday).
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! Since its already snowed so much, lets just go big or go home. Might as well try to get all of these winter snow records this year, we are so close anyway, it would kind of be a shame to not set some new records! Don't you think?
From Ted Wilder at 9:50pm:
This message is sent on behalf of the Luther Seminary administration:
Due to the inclement weather, Luther Seminary will be closed Monday, February 21.
From Donald Lewis at 9:58pm:
Due to the inclement weather, Luther Seminary will be closed on Monday, February 21.
From Carole Krieger at 10:10pm:
The following is sent on behalf of the Administration:
Due to the inclement weather Luther Seminary will be closed Monday, February 21st.
Carole
---------------
Tomorrow marks my first snow day since High School at North Kitsap High School in Poulsbo. While in undergrad, of course it snowed, but never enough on an actual class day to cause President Anderson to close the school. And of course, last year in Claremont, there obviously was never any snow there.
It's really exciting to think that its snowing enough to close school here in Minnesota. Not that they don't close schools here, but that its enough to even close the seminary and colleges. WOW.
Oh, and yes, the snow is contining to fall here! A Winter Warning remains in effect for the Twin Cities until at least 12pm noon tomorrow (Monday).
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! Since its already snowed so much, lets just go big or go home. Might as well try to get all of these winter snow records this year, we are so close anyway, it would kind of be a shame to not set some new records! Don't you think?
Grace Filled Quote
"When people care enough, they can come together and accomplish things of a scope and longevity that were previously impossible; they can do big things for love" (Shirky, 142).
This such a powerful quotation which closes Shirky's chapter "Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production." It's also quite fitting when matched with today's lectionary appointed readings. (Like loving one's enemy, one's neighbor, and stranger. As written in Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; and Matthew 5:38-48).
Shirky concludes this thought after a long narrative about the power and work of the writers of Wikipedia. But the same principle applies to a barn raising, to a church building project making use of countless volunteers, and even to a community coming together to hold a family in prayer and support.
Speaking of prayer, my mom's cousin Brad Tengesdal, is fighting for his life in a Minot, ND, hospital this weekend. He has had a major brain injury, the result of falling from the roof of a building he was working on this past week. Brad is a builder and contractor who does amazing work. Surgery was conducted, and overall the doctors were pleased with the results. That said, Brad is in a medically enduced coma, with the hope that the swelling and pain on his brain can be reduced. If you can include him and the family in your prayer, that would be a great blessing.
This such a powerful quotation which closes Shirky's chapter "Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production." It's also quite fitting when matched with today's lectionary appointed readings. (Like loving one's enemy, one's neighbor, and stranger. As written in Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; and Matthew 5:38-48).
Shirky concludes this thought after a long narrative about the power and work of the writers of Wikipedia. But the same principle applies to a barn raising, to a church building project making use of countless volunteers, and even to a community coming together to hold a family in prayer and support.
Speaking of prayer, my mom's cousin Brad Tengesdal, is fighting for his life in a Minot, ND, hospital this weekend. He has had a major brain injury, the result of falling from the roof of a building he was working on this past week. Brad is a builder and contractor who does amazing work. Surgery was conducted, and overall the doctors were pleased with the results. That said, Brad is in a medically enduced coma, with the hope that the swelling and pain on his brain can be reduced. If you can include him and the family in your prayer, that would be a great blessing.
Making Econ and Organizational Beahvior intelligible to the masses
Clay Shirky's book Here Comes Everybody is proving to be a fun read. It's very reminiscent of reading Peter Drucker. Shirky, in line of Drucker uses a number of anecdotes to explain what could be tough leadership, organizational behaivor, or economic concepts so that anyone could understand them.
This book seems to be addressing the reality of our increasing interconnectedness, especially as we become more and more connected with technology and specifically the internet.
In light of recent events in Egypt, the following quotation is almost prophetic: "Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world" (Shirky, 6).
The advent of our interconnectedness, social media, and cites like Flickr, YouTube, and YouNews, give new creedance to the conception of a "Hot Group," which is a group of people coming together for a short-time regarding a specific need or issue. A number of anecdotes are offered in Shirky's chapter entitled "Sharing Anchors Community," including about how the world learned about the Tsunami in SE Asia through people like you and me reporting through our pictures and blogs. "Hot Groups" formed over people looking for people by posting pictures and commentary of their search for loved ones (Shirky, 36).
Sources:
Jean Lipman-Blumen & Harold J. Leavitt, Hot Groups: Seeding Them, Feeding Them, & Using Them to Ignite Your Organization, (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1999).
Clay Shirky, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations, (New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2008).
This book seems to be addressing the reality of our increasing interconnectedness, especially as we become more and more connected with technology and specifically the internet.
In light of recent events in Egypt, the following quotation is almost prophetic: "Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world" (Shirky, 6).
The advent of our interconnectedness, social media, and cites like Flickr, YouTube, and YouNews, give new creedance to the conception of a "Hot Group," which is a group of people coming together for a short-time regarding a specific need or issue. A number of anecdotes are offered in Shirky's chapter entitled "Sharing Anchors Community," including about how the world learned about the Tsunami in SE Asia through people like you and me reporting through our pictures and blogs. "Hot Groups" formed over people looking for people by posting pictures and commentary of their search for loved ones (Shirky, 36).
Sources:
Jean Lipman-Blumen & Harold J. Leavitt, Hot Groups: Seeding Them, Feeding Them, & Using Them to Ignite Your Organization, (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1999).
Clay Shirky, Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations, (New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2008).
Friday, February 18, 2011
Choir Rehearsal Recap
Choir Rehearsal last night was AMAZING!! Not only were there 12 people there for the first rehearsal since Christmas (which given the choir's track record is a miracle), they sight-read the most difficult 4-part piece I had picked out for them to do. Yep, there is no doubt about it, Cross of Hope has a choir and I have a hunch its going to grow.
We will certainly sing "Remember Me" for Maundy Thursday; now its a matter of finding something that is difficult enough for the choir to do for Good Friday (there is too much easy stuff in the church's choir music library).
The idea of a choir music library though is a bit misleading. Since the church has not had a choir for years, the choir's music has all been stored in pineapple boxes in a closet of one of the Sunday School rooms. It's not a happy sight for a music lover. But, since people came out to sing on a Thursday night, I have hope that this is going to change.
This will be a fun spring to see where this choir goes, and how it grows!
We will certainly sing "Remember Me" for Maundy Thursday; now its a matter of finding something that is difficult enough for the choir to do for Good Friday (there is too much easy stuff in the church's choir music library).
The idea of a choir music library though is a bit misleading. Since the church has not had a choir for years, the choir's music has all been stored in pineapple boxes in a closet of one of the Sunday School rooms. It's not a happy sight for a music lover. But, since people came out to sing on a Thursday night, I have hope that this is going to change.
This will be a fun spring to see where this choir goes, and how it grows!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Choir Rehearsal
It's just about time to start my first choir rehearsal of 2011, and I am experiencing a mix of feelings and thoughts. Will people come? What should I expect? Will the pieces that I pulled for possible anthems now through Easter work with the people that come and sing? The list of questions could go on.
In a number of church settings I would feel comfortable helping with directing or even directing. But this church is a bit of an experiment still. They have not had a full-time adult choir in years here. However, enough people have approached me as the Music Ministry Coordinator with an interest. I figured I would give it a go last fall, and it worked out prepping and preparing for a "Christmas Choir" which led worship and offered anthems for Christmas Eve. I wasn't sure though that there would be the interest or "buy-in" for a long-term ensemble. Well, enough people asked, and here we are.
Thursday night at Cross of Hope, getting ready for a choir rehearsal and having no idea what or who to expect. This should be fun! If nothing else, its a good experiment.
In a number of church settings I would feel comfortable helping with directing or even directing. But this church is a bit of an experiment still. They have not had a full-time adult choir in years here. However, enough people have approached me as the Music Ministry Coordinator with an interest. I figured I would give it a go last fall, and it worked out prepping and preparing for a "Christmas Choir" which led worship and offered anthems for Christmas Eve. I wasn't sure though that there would be the interest or "buy-in" for a long-term ensemble. Well, enough people asked, and here we are.
Thursday night at Cross of Hope, getting ready for a choir rehearsal and having no idea what or who to expect. This should be fun! If nothing else, its a good experiment.
Elite Eight
Prior to the start of Luther Seminary's hymn bracket, a few friends and I wanted to have some fun by creating our own hymn bracket. Our own bracket has now come to the stage of the regional finals, also known as the Elite Eight, for those familiar with college basketball's March Madness.
The matchups in this round are:
1 Beautiful Savior vs. 2 How Great Thou Art
4 O Day Full of Grace vs. 6 Here I Am Lord
1 A Mighty Fortress vs. 3 Joy to the World
1 Jesus Christ is Risen Today vs. 3 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
If you would like to offer your four picks, please just comment with them and they will be tallied. Also, make sure you are voting for the official Luther Seminary hymn bracket. You can visit:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=167544913290206
Its been so much fun to be a part of this, I might just take it to the church I am working at as Music Ministry Coordinator and create a fun March project for Fellowship based off this. We will see.
The matchups in this round are:
1 Beautiful Savior vs. 2 How Great Thou Art
4 O Day Full of Grace vs. 6 Here I Am Lord
1 A Mighty Fortress vs. 3 Joy to the World
1 Jesus Christ is Risen Today vs. 3 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
If you would like to offer your four picks, please just comment with them and they will be tallied. Also, make sure you are voting for the official Luther Seminary hymn bracket. You can visit:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=167544913290206
Its been so much fun to be a part of this, I might just take it to the church I am working at as Music Ministry Coordinator and create a fun March project for Fellowship based off this. We will see.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Leadership Training
It's quite an honor to be asked to help "lead" leadership training. The congregation (Cross of Hope Lutheran) where I am working as Music Ministry Coordinator currently has asked me to help lead them this morning in a conversation and process of visioning, goal discussing, and strategic planning. Basically, when they hired me they were thrilled with my MA in Management and wanted to take full advantage of it. And frankly, it has been a lot of fun to get to use these skills to help shape my leading of today's conversation. I have ideas where it may lead, but I also know to expect the unexpected.
We'll see what we come up with. The church is interesting as it is a mix of a rural and suburban congregation in Ramsey, MN. They are caught in kind of wanting to maintain their small (rural) family feel, but they also want the programs and ministries of a large suburban church. It makes for quite the interesting dynamics.
http://www.crossofhope.net/
We'll see what we come up with. The church is interesting as it is a mix of a rural and suburban congregation in Ramsey, MN. They are caught in kind of wanting to maintain their small (rural) family feel, but they also want the programs and ministries of a large suburban church. It makes for quite the interesting dynamics.
http://www.crossofhope.net/
Friday, February 11, 2011
Interesting article to start my "Confessing Christ" class off with
If you like to read things that have multiple layers; that although 20 years old are still very influential and relevant (for better or worse); and have an interest in the conversation regarding the church's place in society... check out: http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=110 .
I will tell you up front, Stanley Hauerwas is very prevocative, and persuasive and makes several good points in his diagnosis. He is a famous Christian Ethicist, and professor, recently elected the new president of the Society of Christian Ethics.
However, I personally have numbers of problems with him and the ramifications of his arguments in the article as a Lutheran Christian.
A question to consider after having read the article, "does God meet us where we are?"
I will tell you up front, Stanley Hauerwas is very prevocative, and persuasive and makes several good points in his diagnosis. He is a famous Christian Ethicist, and professor, recently elected the new president of the Society of Christian Ethics.
However, I personally have numbers of problems with him and the ramifications of his arguments in the article as a Lutheran Christian.
A question to consider after having read the article, "does God meet us where we are?"
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Adaptive Challenge
Right from the start, I am interested in Mary Hess' Engaging Technology in Theological Education: All that we can't leave behind. And no, this is not me kissing up to the professor of my class.
I cannot express how excited I am to read citations and references to Harvard professor and scholar Ronald Heifetz. In our new world of constant change, of unanticipated context upheaval and the exponentially increasing speeds of information, we do indeed face an adaptive change. How are we to cope?
In an adaptive challenge people "must work together in ways that have very little to do with technical skills, but much to do with relationality and meaning-making, with habit and behavior." [Ronald Heifetz, Leadership without Easy Answers, 1994, 73-84; cited in Mary Hess, 2] I must confess my excitement about this concept and view comes in large part from my interest in leadership, and the field literature. Heifetz's view resonates well with Jean Lipman-Blumen's, one of my professors from the Drucker School of Management in Claremont. http://www.cgu.edu/pages/1832.asp
The question of how to cope, live, and respond in an ever changing, interdependent world is one not easily answered, nor should it be, but something to keep in mind throughout life.
I cannot express how excited I am to read citations and references to Harvard professor and scholar Ronald Heifetz. In our new world of constant change, of unanticipated context upheaval and the exponentially increasing speeds of information, we do indeed face an adaptive change. How are we to cope?
In an adaptive challenge people "must work together in ways that have very little to do with technical skills, but much to do with relationality and meaning-making, with habit and behavior." [Ronald Heifetz, Leadership without Easy Answers, 1994, 73-84; cited in Mary Hess, 2] I must confess my excitement about this concept and view comes in large part from my interest in leadership, and the field literature. Heifetz's view resonates well with Jean Lipman-Blumen's, one of my professors from the Drucker School of Management in Claremont. http://www.cgu.edu/pages/1832.asp
The question of how to cope, live, and respond in an ever changing, interdependent world is one not easily answered, nor should it be, but something to keep in mind throughout life.
Welcome
This is the opening entry to a new blog. Those of you who have followed me in the past, welcome to the new location. Those of you who are new followers, I hope that I can keep things interesting.
The primary point of most entries will be theological and course related at seminary, but there will be entries discussing baseball and sports, the economy, larger world and society...etc. Hopefully it will prove to be a good read.
Welcome to the blog and enjoy!
The primary point of most entries will be theological and course related at seminary, but there will be entries discussing baseball and sports, the economy, larger world and society...etc. Hopefully it will prove to be a good read.
Welcome to the blog and enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)