[UCIMC-Tech] concerns over social networking tools being outsourced

[Mike Lehman]

I'd like to echo concerns about how we interface with outside 
organizations. Increasingly, we seem to do this for tasks where there 
isn't internal interest in the effort. At a minimum, we need to know 
what it is we want from such relationships.

The compilation of different media facilities was instructive. In large 
part, we don't have the basic info we need to access accounts set up 
previously. At a minimum, any such accounts need to coordinate with 
Tech. That we we have the passwords and other info needed to access such 
accounts when people move on to other projects or they are misplaced or 
forgotten.

This is a serious problem, as having accounts that are clearly ours, but 
which we now have no access to or control over, blocks access to our 
future use of the account and preempts our ability to use the most 
obvious, relevant account name.

There must be a clear procedure that is observed before accounts are set 
up in the name of UC IMC and its working groups so that our future work 
is not hobbled because the original people setting up a account have 
moved on without passing on the means to continue use of the account.

If we don't have a clear idea what we want from such relationships, it's 
a bad idea to set people loose with little or no guidance from UC IMC or 
the relevant working group. It discourages this sort of cooperation in 
the future, as such groups are looking for a relationship that offers 
benefits to both parties. If we're not holding up our end of the 
bargain, it's pointless to think that someone else can substitute their 
own judgment about what's best for us for our own. That's not their 
problem, it's OUR problem -- and it can't be outsourced.
Mike Lehman

On 3/15/2011 1:42 PM, Kristina Williams wrote:
> I understand that much of the social networking tools we've have in
> place are largely scattered, out dated and rarely used, but I have
> concerns about giving the reigns over to the LINC class.
>
> I am unfamiliar with the LINC class plans for this semester, so Isak,
> it would be helpful I think (at least on this list, and also the web
> list) to summarize how LINC plans to use these accounts. At first
> glance, I am uncomfortable with members outside of the IMC community
> dictating how the rest of the world will view us digitally, because
> it's simply very difficult to conceptualize what the IMC is and does
> unless you have a history with the IMC as a volunteer. I have only
> seem bits and pieces of LINC classes' previous attempts to help the
> IMC, but past classes have largely failed (in my opinion) because of
> an unwillingness on their part to work WITH us, instead of FOR us.
>
> As someone who is invested in seeing the web presence of the IMC grow,
> I am interested in hearing how they plan to see their efforts to
> utilize our social networking this semester continue sustainably after
> they receive their academic credit and move on to other projects.
>
> -Kristina
>