Dr. Neil Hair

Another really interesting horror story from the world of online social networking. Oxford Dons now using facebook to build evidence of incriminating evidence against students. The practice of 'trashing' - a kind of substance abuse involving the wearing of detritus thrown from fellow students after exams is causing clean up problems in the city centre. So, evidence is harvested from those amusing tagged photo's and fines imposed. What I dont understand is how this can be classed as evidence in a traditional sense. Problems include but are not limited to the following; 1. This practice is highly unethical and clearly not in keeping with their intended use (entertainment). 2. Permissions are normally required for their use and takers of the photograph retain copyright for their usage. 3. There is limited evidence of a time frame for the photo (this could have happened last year right?). 4. There is limited evidence that this is actually you and not cousin Frank who shares a remarkable family resemblance (err Dad?) 5. In the case of alcohol related issues (such as drinking it) - there is no evidence that the funnel and shoot transferred anything to you, nor that it wasnt filled with a delicious soft drink. 6. Have you heard of photoshop?

Seriously though, take note facebook users. This might all be irrelevant if a potential employer decides that your favourite habits of 'smokin blunts with the homies' or 'shooting caps into whitie' as this Times article notes - is incompatible with the values of the organization. Your personal brand is damaged beyond repair. Period. Watch those photo's, restrict access to certain features, go professional when in job search mode, tone down the rhetoric, and continue to show that you are fun to be around.

I encountered something very strange whilst teaching back in the UK which hasn't happened before now. My first class of only 6 students. Barry (said Boorey), Laura American, Jazm'na, Elise, Laura Canadian and Darryl were all charged with facing an intensive class with me (poor things) over 5 weeks, three three hour sessions a week (very poor things). So, after two sessions it was clear that the usual style - must have powerpoint notes replete with reflections as a consultant operating in the area - were out of the window (into it must be said, a very nice looking window leading directly into a 15th century moat covered with flowering white, yellow and pink waterlilies). In its place, action learning specific to the client focusing on the international marketing. I was initially skeptical of the process. 6 sessions in - I'm delighted with the results. More client specific primary research than I have ever seen in a traditional class (5 different stakeholders interviewed totaling over 100 individuals), class time devoted entirely to client related interaction (you just cant do this with 5 teams of 5 students), a camaraderie I've seen in only a few previous teams, and MOST importantly, lots of fun to break the hard work with (there is an expectation at the international study centre that you interact with students outside of class - this has unfortunately resulted in conversations on the nature of work in the Castle pub, at breakfast, lunch and tea time - the latter incidentally is English for evening dinner). The downside of this approach is of course that it is intense, very intense. Its not for the faint of heart and of course not for classes larger than 6. I'm really pleased with the way in which things are going and the client will really benefit from this radical change to the way in which I am used to teaching - which is pleasing, as the client is the owner of the Castle - Queens University Canada's International Study Centre.

So, for the summer I decided that it would be a great idea to swan off to England and teach on an international program for Queens university. One of the benefits - teaching in a 15th century castle. My office overlooks the courtyard from the top floor shared mostly by pigeons which have taken to standing on the battlements outside my window. The program itself is great - you sit two classes over a 5 week period (one of them quite possibly mine) interspersed with a number of field trips to London, Oxford and so forth. The entire affair is intensive yet strangely laid back where you get to share meals in the Oxbridge like dining hall, a beer or two in the pub contained within the castle, or a seminar somewhere in the grounds. Living accommodation is also worthy of note - Im lucky to be in one of the new suites. For the rest there is Bader Hall - comfortable living for students and faculty. Next year, if youre bored with life in the States, I'd very much recommend it to you as a change. Im also teaching a class you cant get from me at RIT - International Marketing - something else to look forward to!