This morning, my friend from work read my post from Saturday about graduation and department politics. I am concerned that I came across in a way that I did not intend, because she knows me, knows what I am unhappy about, and knows my colleagues, but got a different impression from my post. I just want to clarify, in case there are others lurking around my blog who know me, but haven't revealed themselves.
First of all, that post was not intended to criticize any one person, group of people, or person's position/job. It was meant to bring up the issue of department politics, in general, in hopes of generating discussion. I really wonder how things are in other departments, other universities, etc. Second, I don't know that anything in particular has worsened recently- only that I can point to several specific situations/incidents/etc. related to goings-on since I've been here and before I arrived in the department and how certain people have "bad blood" between them -how vague is that sentence?! Some of these issues may have existed for a long time and I am only now seeing (becoming aware of) their full impact. Finally, I'm feeling a bit reflective about everything since I have been working at home and out of town all semester. The only time I have been around was to attend faculty meetings (maybe that's why I feel like things are in bad shape!)
I hope that clears things up. Although this is an anonymous blog, I intend to keep it at a level where I am not gossiping about anyone and that if someone from work found it and figured out it was me, it would not be a problem. My friend's concerns made me worry that I am not being clear and I want to avoid any misunderstandings.
On a happier note, I had a great walk this morning- I averaged 16 minutes per mile (I've been really slow lately) and walked 4.0 miles. I'm still not getting up early- I'll try it again tomorrow, because I really need that morning work time.
3 comments:
Good for you on your walking. Don't feel bad about the waking up early thing. I can't drag myself out of bed either!
I feel much the same as you concerning blogging about the untenured life.
Just curious....why do you make public the name of your school?
I enjoy your blog.
Cheers.
App Crit: Welcome! Good question- I noticed that most people talk about their disciplines, but not their universities. I actually don't think their method is very secure, since sitemeter and statcounter show locations and .edu addresses. That makes it pretty easy to see which university people are blogging from, anyway. I don't plan on writing about anything that would be damaging about Miami (or my department for that matter), so I don't feel it necessary to "hide" my location (which could be figured out by anyone whose blog I visit anyway!) I don't use my real name, because I wouldn't want someone I don't know (who is reading a manuscript or grant proposal, for example) to Google my name and find this blog! It's a little too casual for that sort of audience.
Thanks for the comment- I will check out your blog today!
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