[Publib] Facebook Folly

[Robert Balliot]

Why would Jim Casey presume to define 'how to express themselves
appropriately' for
a new generation?  Why would you?  They define themselves.

The argument made by Casey is to fear the economic consequences of speaking
your
mind and sharing your opinions freely.  Muzzling, pure and simple.

First Casey came for Facebook, and I said nothing since I did not have an
account
Then Casey came for Myspace, and I said nothing since Myspace was out of
fashion.
Then Casey came for Twitter, and I said nothing since I don't like
restricting myself to 140 characters
 . . .


R. Balliot
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com


On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 11:33 AM, Marsha Howard <marsha at poetshouse.org>wrote:

> Sorry, I did not "reply all" so Jim is responding to my comment:
>
> I don't think James is talking about "muzzling free speech," I think he's
> talking about using a modicum of discretion. This may be difficult to
> explain to young teen facebook users but adults might want to give some
> thought to where they are, (on line), and are not, (in their living rooms),
> and how to express themselves appropriately.
>
> At least that's my reading.
> Marsha Howard
> Poets House
>
>   On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 11:30 AM, James Casey <jcasey at olpl.org> wrote:
>
>>  I am advocating a modicum of self control and discernment rather than a
>> “muzzling”.    Jim Casey
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Robert Balliot [mailto:rballiot at gmail.com]
>> *Sent:* Thursday, August 27, 2009 10:13 AM
>> *To:* James Casey
>> *Cc:* publib at webjunction.org
>> *Subject:* Re: [Publib] Facebook Folly
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Naomi Wolf's book  'The End of America'  articulates ten steps that close
>> an open society<http://www.endofamericamovie.com/10-steps-that-close-an-open-society>
>> .
>>
>>
>> Number 4. surveil ordinary citizens
>>
>> "People who believe they are being watched are less likely to voice
>> opposition.  To scare a population
>>
>> into silence, the government need only monitor the activities of a few to
>> make everyone fear that they
>>
>> are being surveilled.  Every closed society keeps a “list” of so-called
>> opponents it tracks."* *
>>
>>
>>
>> The willingness to share information by 'youngsters' may be an indication
>> that the fear factor
>>
>> we are asked to internalize by ALA Councilor James Casey will not scare
>> the population into silence.
>>
>> It may be an indication of hope for a more democratic and open society in
>> the future.
>>
>>
>>
>> I am not suggesting the ALA Councilor's message is not valuable within the
>> context of securing
>>
>> a bureaucratic position. Jim Casey has certainly held on to his position
>> for quite some time.
>>
>> However, muzzling free speech is not one of the internalized qualities
>>
>> that one would hope for in a profession that promotes the collection and
>> distribution of
>>
>> diverse opinions and ideas.
>>
>>
>>
>> R. Balliot
>>
>> http://oceanstatelibrarian.com
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 27, 2009 at 9:25 AM, James Casey <jcasey at olpl.org> wrote:
>>
>> Somewhere along the line the quest for privacy and fear of being snooped
>> upon by corporate or governmental “big brothers” was jettisoned in favor of
>> full disclosure (sometimes ad nauseam) of every waking thought, emotion and
>> activity on Facebook.   The practical advice I try to give my grand nieces
>> and young colleagues about the potential danger of “telling it all on the
>> wall” – about boy friends, daily frustrations, crappy professors/employers,
>> etc. – and the extensive use of profanity, are sometimes taken with a grain
>> of salt.
>>
>> Such broadcasts to hundreds of “friends” will end up where and used in
>> what way down the road when one of the youngsters applies for a responsible
>> professional position 5 years from now or runs for Congress in 2024?
>>
>>
>>
>> I suggest that they exercise some discretion and consider (especially as
>> they reach adulthood) that the “web presence” of anyone may well be “fair
>> game” for those who wish to look into the background of candidates for this
>> or that position.  As it is right now, I invariably do a Google search on
>> candidates for professional positions to assess their use of the web.  A
>> Facebook wall message could be seen by hundreds of “friends” – some of whom
>> might be potential supervisors, faculty colleagues, board members, political
>> opponents, down the road.
>>
>>
>>
>> A little fear or anxiety about incessant broadcast messages might not be
>> misplaced.
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone know of any program presenters who could give instruction and
>> advice on the effective uses of Facebook?
>>
>>
>>
>> James B. Casey
>>
>> Director
>>
>> Oak Lawn Public Library
>>
>> ALA Council Member
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>
>
>  --
> Marsha Howard
> Poetry in The Branches Coordinator
> Poets House
>
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