The afternoon on Monday included a pretty hefty section of other technology sharing.

Folklorists rely on technology heavily. For example, in the past a field worker might need to bring--what amounted to--a recording studio into the field for conducting interviews. The advent of digital recorders and laptops reduces the difficulty in transporting these needed tools. Amongst the group were many digital cameras, iPods, digital recorders, and laptops. The direction the field is headed includes embracing new technologies in the service of preserving traditional culture.

The highlights included the UT Arts Council's transition from use of a FileMaker Pro database to Past Perfect for collections management. The Western Folklife Center have been engaged in Podcasting and have released 10 podcasts so far. The ND Arts Council have been creating enhanced CD's. This has led to funding and interesting collaborations and partnerships ranging from Fish and Game to Indian Reservations. The content has become curriculum for classrooms. Artists have used these CDs as an entry point for artists to get into AIE (Arts in Education) programs.

This morning I gave an overview of Web 2.0. It turned into a lively conversation ranging from the technology to ethical issues surrounding the immediacy of the Web 2.0.

I'll post the slides from the presentation later this evening or tomorrow.

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This post represents stream of thought as the conversation unfolded. At some point, I may carefully recraft it.

How can folklorists pro-actively communicate what they have to offer in policy making contexts. What kinds of mechanisms and opportunities do folklorists need to make such contributions.

Three broad areas we looked at this morning include:

1. Training
2. Marketing
3. Outreach to other fields.

You must be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that out there.

There is a personality in the field of "subversiveness".

This post represents stream of thought as the conversation unfolded.  At some point, I may carefully recraft it.

The questions discussed were What IS policy, who are the policy makers, what do policy makers need to do their best work. What do folklorists offer in these contexts.

This morning's meeting revolves around public policy. The workshop is being moderated by Maria-Rosario Jackson of the Urban Institute who is engaged in comprehensive community planning and neighborhood revitalization.

Introductions had us talking about what issues we want to discuss by way of public policy. There about 26 of us here today.

I spent the afternoon in the Mount Rushmore National Park. I've posted roughly 60 photos on Flickr and eight videos on REVVER this evening.

REVVER

FLICKR

The monument is a pretty amazing feat--quite different than seeing it on TV or in a movie. I recommend that if you can manage it, visit the park.

More, focusing on the conference, will be posted tomorrow.

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I am on my way to Rapid City, SD for the annual gathering of Western States Folklorists. Normally this meeting takes place somewhere in the in the West. This year the meeting is in the Midwest and Folklorists form the MidWest have been invited to participate.

WESTAF supports this gathering each year and sends a representative. This year, that person happens to be me. I will be doing a little presentation of The Ties That Bind web site that I've been working on. The site has a few cleanup items, but is for the most part complete. I'll also be doing a workshop on Monday on Web 2.0.

Flickr

Blogger

WordPress

YouTube

Blip.TV

REVVER

GOOGLE Maps

AWSF FLICKR FEED