Blame it on Society
This is the one you've been waiting for: Collective Action, Electronic Rights, and apparently, the Future of the Corps at Norwich.
The main points of this post were drawn from my observations at the Open Forum held last Friday. I went prepared to defend the honor of this publication ... a message that never needed to be delivered, surprisingly enough. I said not a single word (shocking as that may seem ... I was afraid to open my mouth to the effect it might not shut for a while). While there was no angry mob attempting to undermine my online witticism, there were several interesting topics. The best of which follow ...
First, YES - Jackman is all about reading Stalkerbook and SpySpace. Come now, it is public domain after all...
If you'll kindly flip to page 50 of the Glossary of the NUCC R+R (that's Rules and Regulations), you'll find the following:
Now, besides needing some grammatical attention, the first two words of that little paragraph are spoken in hushed tones. Rightly so, with the word DISMISSAL in the same sentence. There have been rumors flying left and right about Facebook groups, websites like this one, and the general parameters of the above.
Conclusion? Unless I was posting a 10-Step Manual on the Storming of Jackman Hall, or rallying troops for a coup d'etat, then it's good-to-go. This may raiseriots issues, but everything is spelled properly and written with a degree of respect to the individuals involved, and especially to the beloved institution.
The last question in this topic was responsibility. Are the creators of blogs or facebook groups responsible for comments left by others on them? The answer was a clear, "No, unless the owner claims responsibility themselves from the beginning." A stupid move when throwing college kids and keyboards the ability to type on the internet ...
Apparently I'm not the only one to cringe at comma splices and homonym mix-ups. A professor at the forum would not let this point die, however, going to far as to suggest some sort of ... sanction ... ?
Yes ... excellent idea! Four direct tours for spelling errors; only two for misuse of semi-colons. CC for starting sentences with 'but' or 'and.' Harsher penalties for those using "all of the sudden" and "per say." *shiver*
Hey, I don't like the middle school grammar either ... but that earned my award of the week. (which is impressive considering I watched the MSII's bumble around the woods all weekend and saw some GOOD ones ...)
Spellcheck, sir, will not fix the problem of admitting dumb students. I can tell you from being in the lab during mandatory sports teams' study hall (read as: internet games and chat rooms) and feeling the room's net IQ drop considerably, that you're admitting dumb people.
Maybe only dumb people are applying, and imposing stricter admission standards would put a squash on the expansion plan. Lesser of two evils, is it? Perhaps more targeted advertising? If you appeal to the masses, that's exactly what you will get.
I'm no admissions counselor ... maybe the entire college-age population "faled inglish." What do I know?
NEXT!
The rest of it was a big headache. It rattled on about Corps and Civilian tension with a "why can't we all just get along" undertone to it.
The biggest bomb dropped was a civilian claiming, "there's no difference between the Corps kids and the civilian students ..."
"There is definitely an inherent difference between students that choose the Corps and those that become civilian students. If there wasn't, there would be no reason for the Corps to exist," responded one cadet with what I consider the best remark of the evening. (congrats)
The best civilian suggestion? Educate incoming civi freshmen about the Corps ... first-hand. ;o)
And I get along with a ton of Civi's ...
My take? Cohabitation & coexistence will never equate to assimilation. F#ck the melting pot. The more Mexicans that jump the border doesn't make me want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We can live together, but you're not going to blur a divide that's, in someone else's wise words, inherent.
One seventh of one-percent attend a senior military college ... 65% of the college-age population is enrolled in higher education. (email me for questions of validity of calculations)
My advice for paving the road to a civil two-party system is to level the playing field. You'll never ease embedded tension until UNIVERSITY POLICY (note: that says "student," not just "Corps") is enforced UNIVERSITY-WIDE. Don't even try to tell me it is, because it is not. That is common knowledge on both sides of campus. The alcohol policy, Honor Code, and even common issues of respect like spitting on the UP or removing yourdoo-rags damn hats in the mess hall aren't addressed in equal force ... or even close. True story, no bullshit.
It's views like that which will kill the Corps. I'll address the Rook training in another entry, because that's the other thing contributing ... or maybe it really is just society producing less of "us."
NEXT!
This is for that guy who thought he was cool bringing a printed copy of this publication and never confronting me directly. The guy that accused me of speaking on behalf of the Army and possibly causing all sorts of trouble. For someone who printed it out, it's disappointing that you didn't even read the TOP part! I clearly and explicitly state that I am not speaking on behalf of the Army, right at the top. That being said, any statement beginning with "I think ..." (such as, "I think Kerry is a raging moron") is entirely within my scope of abilities to say, provided I am off-duty, out of uniform, and not violating OPSEC. Yes, I had those classes out of the Skill Level 1 manual, too! Apparently, I paid more attention. ;o)
Army doesn't like blogs? Hmm ...
The main points of this post were drawn from my observations at the Open Forum held last Friday. I went prepared to defend the honor of this publication ... a message that never needed to be delivered, surprisingly enough. I said not a single word (shocking as that may seem ... I was afraid to open my mouth to the effect it might not shut for a while). While there was no angry mob attempting to undermine my online witticism, there were several interesting topics. The best of which follow ...
Facebook, Jackman, and Collective Action: The Breakdown
First, YES - Jackman is all about reading Stalkerbook and SpySpace. Come now, it is public domain after all...
If you'll kindly flip to page 50 of the Glossary of the NUCC R+R (that's Rules and Regulations), you'll find the following:
"Collective action. Collective resistance to a system of discipline is far more serious than resistance by an individual and will not be tolerated. Participants will be subject to disciplinary action to include dismissal. A student will not enter into any written or oral agreement to violate or evade the Norwich University Rules and Regulations. A student will not conspire to or join with others in any act contrary to the rules of good order.
Note: It is not collective action for a student to respectfully raise an issue or ask a question or attend or participate in any University sponsored event, club, forum, or meeting on campus."
Now, besides needing some grammatical attention, the first two words of that little paragraph are spoken in hushed tones. Rightly so, with the word DISMISSAL in the same sentence. There have been rumors flying left and right about Facebook groups, websites like this one, and the general parameters of the above.
Conclusion? Unless I was posting a 10-Step Manual on the Storming of Jackman Hall, or rallying troops for a coup d'etat, then it's good-to-go. This may raise
PS - the Take Back the UP group was mentioned as an example, and given the "OK" by the brass ...
The last question in this topic was responsibility. Are the creators of blogs or facebook groups responsible for comments left by others on them? The answer was a clear, "No, unless the owner claims responsibility themselves from the beginning." A stupid move when throwing college kids and keyboards the ability to type on the internet ...
On Spelling ...
Apparently I'm not the only one to cringe at comma splices and homonym mix-ups. A professor at the forum would not let this point die, however, going to far as to suggest some sort of ... sanction ... ?
Yes ... excellent idea! Four direct tours for spelling errors; only two for misuse of semi-colons. CC for starting sentences with 'but' or 'and.' Harsher penalties for those using "all of the sudden" and "per say." *shiver*
Hey, I don't like the middle school grammar either ... but that earned my award of the week. (which is impressive considering I watched the MSII's bumble around the woods all weekend and saw some GOOD ones ...)
Spellcheck, sir, will not fix the problem of admitting dumb students. I can tell you from being in the lab during mandatory sports teams' study hall (read as: internet games and chat rooms) and feeling the room's net IQ drop considerably, that you're admitting dumb people.
Maybe only dumb people are applying, and imposing stricter admission standards would put a squash on the expansion plan. Lesser of two evils, is it? Perhaps more targeted advertising? If you appeal to the masses, that's exactly what you will get.
I'm no admissions counselor ... maybe the entire college-age population "faled inglish." What do I know?
NEXT!
Cadillians ... Our Future?
The rest of it was a big headache. It rattled on about Corps and Civilian tension with a "why can't we all just get along" undertone to it.
The biggest bomb dropped was a civilian claiming, "there's no difference between the Corps kids and the civilian students ..."
"There is definitely an inherent difference between students that choose the Corps and those that become civilian students. If there wasn't, there would be no reason for the Corps to exist," responded one cadet with what I consider the best remark of the evening. (congrats)
The best civilian suggestion? Educate incoming civi freshmen about the Corps ... first-hand. ;o)
And I get along with a ton of Civi's ...
My take? Cohabitation & coexistence will never equate to assimilation. F#ck the melting pot. The more Mexicans that jump the border doesn't make me want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. We can live together, but you're not going to blur a divide that's, in someone else's wise words, inherent.
One seventh of one-percent attend a senior military college ... 65% of the college-age population is enrolled in higher education. (email me for questions of validity of calculations)
My advice for paving the road to a civil two-party system is to level the playing field. You'll never ease embedded tension until UNIVERSITY POLICY (note: that says "student," not just "Corps") is enforced UNIVERSITY-WIDE. Don't even try to tell me it is, because it is not. That is common knowledge on both sides of campus. The alcohol policy, Honor Code, and even common issues of respect like spitting on the UP or removing your
It's views like that which will kill the Corps. I'll address the Rook training in another entry, because that's the other thing contributing ... or maybe it really is just society producing less of "us."
NEXT!
For That Guy!
This is for that guy who thought he was cool bringing a printed copy of this publication and never confronting me directly. The guy that accused me of speaking on behalf of the Army and possibly causing all sorts of trouble. For someone who printed it out, it's disappointing that you didn't even read the TOP part! I clearly and explicitly state that I am not speaking on behalf of the Army, right at the top. That being said, any statement beginning with "I think ..." (such as, "I think Kerry is a raging moron") is entirely within my scope of abilities to say, provided I am off-duty, out of uniform, and not violating OPSEC. Yes, I had those classes out of the Skill Level 1 manual, too! Apparently, I paid more attention. ;o)
Army doesn't like blogs? Hmm ...
This entry brought to you by various representatives of Jackman Hall, forum attendees, the Grammar Police, Norwich University Corps of Cadets, your humble WebMistress, my imaginary underground militia and by viewers like you.
posted by Spitfire at 5:58 AM
13 Comments:
Hmmm... it's interesting that you are so opinionated, since you didn't utter a WORD at the open forum. Way to go! Taking down notes and ranting about them later is cool, but seriously... It's time that people actually grew some balls and spoke up for what they think is right. Not just stabbing people in the back, which is exactly what this blog of yours is doing... on a daily basis.
On Civilians vs. Corps: personally, I think that there are shitbags within the Civilian population as well as the Corps. You don't have to single the Civilians out. You, better than anyone, know that there are more than PLENTY of people out there whose uniform isn't SOP and there are those that don't even take their covers off when in academic buildings. When you are comparing true shitbags, ohhh, trust me, there are a lot more of them in the Corps.
And you know what? You will probably not post my comment, which is Ok. That will just show me how miserably skewed your blog is. Fair's fair, but you are not.
Cheers!
hmm ... did you read the first few paragraphs at all? Or were you just too excited to comment on me (read as: insult) that you skipped the actual text part? Apparently you haven't read past posts either, since they all centered around Corps "issues." More reading, less gum flapping. PS - you have to wear a uniform to inspect one? hmmm? ;o)
PS - Whose back is being stabbed?
PPS - People with "balls" leave their name
"Cheers!"
Lastly, for hating this blog so much, you certainly left your comment within 1/2 hour of my new entry ... check it often for thinking it's so awful, don't you?
um it takes more balls to write shit on the internet where the whole damn world reads it than saying something in a room with 10 uninterested people in it, champ
I've been waiting for this post for a few days to see if you actually took away anything from the forum. Sadly it seems like you hardly listened to a word uttered and just decided to make stuff up about what was said. If anything, there was an acknowledgement that the students who come here as Cadets or civilians are different but that each side should be more respectful of the other...but of course, that would not draw the ire of your readers like saying "Jackman spys on us (even though everything we are doing is in the most public of places), wah wah wah"
Way to not say a word the entire time, leave before it was done, and then write a post that manages to completely miss the point entirely. Well played.
I left before it was over ... because of an FTX I had to run for the sophomores (which I was nearly late to) ... something you wouldn't understand. ;o) Again, you didn't read much.I didn't say anything because there was nothing that wasn't being said - on either side! What was that about missing the point?
To me it seems this person has a stick up there ass...Get a life! I enjoyed the blog and see it in no way degrading to any civilian student.
SO CHEERS!
By the way, I have been saying that for years...Way to take it ASS!
I think it's a good thing internet tools like FaceBook, etc. weren't around when I was at the Wick. There would have been a lot more heads on the chopping block (and tour strip) back in the day. The author of this site is trying to get opinions (be it her's or others’) out to students, alums, and friends of the university. Not once has she disrespected the school, and has stood with grace while facing some of the rudest feedback on the 'net...which is quite an achievement. I'm pretty sure SF doesn't need Alumni to defend her, but I will say that the majority of views expressed on this site 1, haven't changed in over a decade, and 2, are shared by far more students than some would like to admit.
There hasn't been one single thing on here which hasn't been the opinion of the writer, nor has anything been exceedingly defamatory towards anyone at the Wick. In order to make an accurate assessment of Norwich, counter these arguments with well thought arguments of your own. That way you're actually addressing the issue and not just bashing the writer. (read: Wasting your breath and my time.)
Awesome post. Aylward, your my hero.
...and just decided to make stuff up about what was said
Care to share with us any examples of this? Or are you just going to rant away with no substance to you're argument? I was there. Nothing in this post is made up.The only thing thats made up are the claims in your pissy little comments.
PS...HEY LOOK MY REAL NAME!!!
I wanted to say good for you and thank you for writing this post. After I read it I wished I had gone to the forum, unfotunately I had mroe pressing things to do.
I wanted to say that while I feel the spelling thing is minor, now that I know that it may be bothering so many people I will definitely try to check it more closely. The main reason why I am posting is to say that I agree that Jackman has taken things to far. There is such a thing as freedom of speech, however disturbing it may be at times. Facebook and Myspace are simply places for people to express their own opinions and in no way could this be construed as collective action. I for one am upset by the fact that during football games, Jackman feels the need to force us to stay there so they can go around, open our rooms, and check to make sure they are clean. I mean my room is my personal space. Don't they trust the cadets whose job it is to inspect rooms. Let us run the Corp they are always claiming is ours instead of trying to treat us like little military puppets.
Finally I wanted to say I agree as far as civilians go. In no way are we the same. Maybe the civi who said that should try going through a year of rookdom....atleast how it was 3 or 4 years ago. Thanks for bringing to peoples attention several issues. I may not always agree with everything you have to say, but I think much of it needs to be said. Thanks!!!
Hey, I meant to tell you I put a link on my blog for your Kerry article. I think it would be good for all people to read. Hope that was ok.
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