Comments on: C-day Plus One

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:27:02 +0000

Not sure if anyone is still tracking the comments on this post but, if you want to contribute to a wider HE debate, check out http://hedebate.jiscinvolve.org/

‘DIUS is working on developing a framework for Higher Education in the UK for the next ten to fifteen years… and would be interested in hearing from anyone who might have an interest in one, some or all of the identified issues using this blog hosted on JISC Involve.’

By: Michael Merrifield

Michael Merrifield — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:42:22 +0000

Guess we should cross you off the invite list, then… How disappointing for all concerned.

By: Breaker 1-9

Breaker 1-9 — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:35:16 +0000

Point well made, D.Squat – astrocommunity managed to send several ads for a crappy-looking jolly (sorry, conference) in Kuala Lumpur, but nothing about this absolutely crucial questionnaire. Do they ever join the dots in Swindon?

By: D.Squat

D.Squat — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:23:50 +0000

http://www.scitech.ac.uk/STFCConsultation/orComment.aspx?ci=1&m=1

By: D.Squat

D.Squat — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:20:33 +0000

One thing people need to do is respond to the STFC online organisational review by TODAY. It has not been well advertised (why no astrocommunity email reminder for example this week?) The short online questionnaire canvesses opionions on what you think of STFC priorities, communications, responsivity and so on.

By: Michael Merrifield

Michael Merrifield — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:54:45 +0000

John: I have to agree that the sentiments are now far more in the right place, even if the specific personalities were not up to carrying them out. I also have high hopes that ACF will be more up to the job, though my confidence has been somewhat shaken by the document that the RAS submitted to the Wakeham Review, which seemed a complete throwback to the bad old days.

By: John Peacock

John Peacock — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:36:11 +0000

Mike: like you, I have been a long-term RAS refusenik, for all the same reasons. But I have just sent in my application for membership. This is because I felt that the RAS and MRR in particular took a stand with STFC that was in some respects at last the sort of professional lobbying that was sorely needed. It’s not perfect, and I felt MRR tended to accept Mason’s utterances at face value too readily. But it was a big step in the right direction, and one I hope Andy Fabian will continue. At a time like this, it seemed important for all astronomers to show solidarity, and what other way is there? If progress is not maintained, I can always resign, so I think it’s worth the experiment.

By: Michael Merrifield

Michael Merrifield — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:26:44 +0000

All power to you, Rob. If you really can knock some sense into the place (and somehow come up with a way of representing the interests of professional astronomers rather than some unhappy compromise between amateurs, professionals, geophysicists and astronomers), I’ll be the first in line to join and vote for you as the next president.

As for “inventing the NAM,” it always used to amuse me when the stalwarts of the RAS would accidentally revert to type and refer to it as the “out of Town meeting.” Having helped organize one a number of years ago, I can categorically state that, apart from a very modest cheque, the RAS made almost zero contribution.

By: andyxl

andyxl — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:03:28 +0000

Rob, I was on RAS Council many years ago, and after this experience I vowed never ever again to complain about any University committee being dull. Maybe I was tired after a long train journey, but somehow one day I found myself a vice president without quite noticing how it happened. It was all worthy stuff, but somehow it was like walking through treacle. However … since then we have invented the NAM – plus a hundred points – and now MRR has at least tried to act seriously as a professional representative body – plus fifty points. Currently my membership has lapsed not through any principle but for the embarassing reason that I kept forgetting to pay my subs … But I think you are doing the right thing. Its time to give the RAS another shot, and make it the RAS we want.

By: Rob Ivison

Rob Ivison — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:51:30 +0000

Michael – if i were to accept that my only influence on the direction of the society would be minor then i would accept your argument in its entirety. indeed, i’ve heard the likes of Ian Smail and Walter Gear say vaguely similar things. perhaps i am more naive (or arrogant) than you, in thinking we can help the RAS move with the times and serve a more useful role. ask me again in a year’s time, when i’ve had a chance to see how its council works…