I’ve been putting my thoughts on this blog for seven years now. When I started (19 Feb 2004), the term blog was not exactly mainstream and one media “guru” said blogs were on their way out. Today, my blog is still the main part of my “outboard brain” and I can’t see how I could manage my sense-making processes without a blog as home-base.
I have tried to keep this blog true to my principles and beliefs but still professional and courteous. I cannot say the posts here have a neutral point of view. I was an advocate of open source software before it was popular with the mainstream. I have commented on oligopolistic practice, suggested that the LMS is not the centre of the universe and have advocated for de-schooling. While not radical, this blog has not been corporate mainstream either. Of course, there is always a price to pay for that, as I continue to learn. However, I cannot see how I could remove myself from my online life. For instance, I never comment online under a pseudonym. My writing reflects me and nobody else, though I try to be restrained and provide balance. I allow negative comments and only delete spam.
If you want to know what I think, read my blog. If you’re surprised by my behaviour, you may not have read enough.
Blog post #1,865
Image: Seven Beggars
Apologise not. I have been following your blog for some time, and value it highly. As a keen subversive of the last century’s management and education model, you act as both bellwether and reference point.
Churchill once said “if you want to lead the English, find out where they’re going and walk in front of them”. That’s what you’re doing. Keep going.
Thank you, Richard!
I love your blog H – I also use mine as much as for me to work out stuff – Thinking in public
There is no other blog I know of with whose author has the same combination of openness, integrity, thoughtfulness, courtesy, candor, and approachability that you do.
I great admire (and benefit from) your willingness to act as a connector and an encourager of a spirit of community among people whose work connects with your intersection of work, learning, and technology.
Thank you Rob and Dave. You guys make it such a nice community to be part of.
I do not read too many blogs, but I read do read yours regularly. I appreciate that you share and synthesize other other people’s thoughts and ideas, and it is through this synthesis that I come to know yours.
Thank you for this service.
Thank you for your kind words, Ken.
Harold, I’ve only came across your blog and, indeed, your work in the last few months. It’s always a pleasure to read someone so obviously in love with the idea of learning.
“Life in perpetual beta” is one of my favourite quotes ever.
Thanks, James :)
Hiya Harold! Finally, finding a stable connection, while I am travelling, to drop by and leave a short message… Yes, indeed, living the perpetual beta! Congratulations on such a huge achievement, Harold! Very few people out there can be proud they have got a blog up and running for so long and still producing lots of gob-smacking content worth while reading, pondering and digesting some more! To me, it’s been quite an amazing experience reading day in day out your insights through your blog and I do appreciate you letting the window open in that brain of yours, so that can have a look and peek through it! Amazing journey so far!
Here’s to another 7 years of successful and prolific blogging and hope we’d have another opportunity to work together on some other cool event! I know where to find you, of course! ;-))
Keep having fun!
Hey Harold,
Your thinking, ideas and creativity is why I continue to visit this site.
Connecting theories to the real-world is something you excel at.
Being an outsider is something to cherish. I only wish that one day we can work on something together.
One day … perhaps if I’m a true outsider like you.
Thanks; I hope so too, Dan.