As I’m sure was obvious to all who read this blog and most of those who know me, I recently jumped onboard as a conductor of the gravy train — I’m not only a representative of Student Services Finance Committee but I’m it’s Secretary, which entails such monumental tasks as posting minutes, agendas and producing open records requests. This certainly prompts a lot of questions as to what the role of this blog is and how I’ll function having switched (at least partially) from a member of the press to a member of ASM. So let’s answer them, while I’m on vacation and have the leisure to do so.
1: This blog will go on, hopefully, with some extra voices.
The whole purpose of ASM Watch was to keep people updated on ASM matters, point out examples of extreme incompetence or failure, encourage pragmatic action of the body and, most simply, post up-to-date information from all committees and SC. Since I now have access to the server, I think the last one of those will become extremely easy. However, the others may get tangled up with my own duties and seem more political than journalistic by their very source. (I will strive to observe political battles, but avoid them. After all, the position I’m in requires neutrality, albeit in a slightly different realm.)
So, that being said, I’m looking for non-affiliated writers. If anyone from the Herald or Cardinal wants to jump onboard, come on by. I know their time is limited though, so if anyone from the J-school (or outside) wants to join this ship and help cover ASM, university issues and any related madison or state issues that come up, please, don’t hesitate to ask. I promise, I won’t relegate you to restaurant reviews.
I’ll still liveblog SSFC meetings, but they’ll be strictly stenographers’ notes, no commentary in the midst of meetings. I may comment on SSFC as time goes on, but it is unlikely I’ll say anything about the groups’ applications or presentations — VPN is extremely important to me and I aim to keep it that way.
2: For the time being, I’m staying on SSFC – no other ASM involvement.
I know that there is an open seat on SC in the grad school category, but my focus should be on grad school, figuring out what research I’m going to focus on for my thesis, etc. Plus, my girlfriend was put through nearly a year and a half of me putting the Herald before her — her patience deserves some reward. So my present to her is keeping ASM out of her life.
I may help out with other ASMers if they absolutely need it and I’ll likely be around next year to step up a bit more before I leave, (or stay around longer for another reason.) but let’s just see how this year goes, OK?
3: This blog will not be limited to ASM, so perhaps the name will change. And maybe the blog, too.
I realized when this blog started that focusing on ASM would probably be limited enough to garner a smaller audience. Well, I grew out of that and I think it’s time this blog did too. I’ll have an end of the year wrap up of UW and other events, as well as a reflection on my time at the Herald to start this blog off on the right foot.
There’s more to discuss, but it’s nearly 3 a.m. in Naples, Fl right now. I think that’s all that’s required, for the time being.
