Comments on: From Public Theatre to Public Theory

By: The Problem With Protest Rallies | Brian Frank

The Problem With Protest Rallies | Brian Frank — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:08:44 +0000

[...] will probably accomplish something, but they’ll also perpetuate the same old problem of politics-as-theatre that prevents genuine conversation and collaboration from [...]

By: What Exactly Was Being “Negotiated” in Copenhagen? | Brian Frank

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:25:37 +0000

[...] And consider how rallies on the streets can be interpreted as “negotiations” on yet another axis… another topic, perhaps, carrying on with the suggestion that what passes for theory is usually about theatre… [...]

By: Brian Frank

Brian Frank — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:29:41 +0000

It took me a year or so to "learn" how to comment on people's blogs and then even longer to get comfortable with it (I found the discussion at Dan Brown's blog the best place for that) -- and then even longer to get used to the snippet-y conversations that happen on Facebook and Twitter.

You're doing a lot better than I did (and probably better than I do now) so I wouldn't worry about it Jodi... I'd point to these exactly the kind of comments I'd like to see.

By: Brian Frank

Brian Frank — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:29:41 +0000

By: Jodi Simpson

Jodi Simpson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:59:25 +0000

I hear you but it many ways, it's also a natural extension of our day-to-day conversation don't you think? The silly water cooler chats that make us laugh and lighten our days. The amazing thing about this is that while you post incredibly thoughtful commentary and ideas, you also show us that you have a sense of humour and that you are – in short – like the rest of us.

Still after some thought, I think one of the biggest challenges we face is learning new ways to engage in meaningful conversation online. I read posts and tweets all the time that compell me to 'engage' but I have been reluctant to do so for a number of reasons – most of all because it's not currently built for that (yet). I'm only thankful that my tweetdeck allows for direct messaging. You're lucky. Your blog encourages and allows for a real, meaningful exchange.

I guess there are no easy answers between 'engagement' and meaningful dialogue and showing the world who we are too (in all of our glorified silliness) but I'm open to learning and figuring it out as I go.

By: Brian Frank

Brian Frank — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:32:31 +0000

Thanks Jodi…

I feel really dumb that at the exact moment you were typing this really thoughtful comment I was gleefully tweeting a link to a video about a 2120 calorie Whopper, starring 1.3 lbs of beef…

I've been feeling swamped by it all lately… but it's so hard to resist.

By: Jodi Simpson

Jodi Simpson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:11:12 +0000

Great post this morning Brian.

By the way, when I read the piece on the web as a distraction, I couldn't help to think of the phrase "look over there...shiny thing!"

But specifically on your thoughts of social media/web as a possible medium for discourse and deliberation...

Since I signed up with Twitter, I've never been so bombarded with information, perspectives and ideas (some great and some not-so-great). For the most part, it has been an amazing experience and I've been surprised to uncover the connectivity that is actually happening - The strengthening of community, friendships, engagement and collaboration, etc.

At the same time, I've never been so bombarded with so much noise that the task of extracting the meaningful from the mundane is becoming a permanent struggle. I also recognize that I've been a contributor to that too. So you're right. I think we can all do a better job to elevate this as a vehicle that generages real dialogue and deliberation.

Thanks