~ There have been some really interesting responses from a variety of people regarding my involvement with CeBIT this year. I’m finding it quite fascinating, and have even been called a “cool kid” which, for someone who’s always been the quintessential library dwelling nerd, is fun to hear.

“If you never change your mind, why have one?”
— Edward de Bono

Here are some things that inform my thinking and writing …

• This is a personal blog, I’m not a journalist and I comment on things that interest me, there is no real overarching theme.
• I’m always willing to critique things (companies, people, policies) that  I don’t like or with which I disagree. Some folks like to call this ‘opinionated‘.
• If the evidence changes, new evidence is brought to light, or I’m just plain wrong then I’m willing to change my position.
• Very rarely do I seek to close down the dialogue between myself and others – even if we disagree.  Although sometimes we have to simply agree to disagree.
• My opinions are merely opinions. Sometimes they are based on facts, sometimes they are based on hearsay, and sometimes (because I’m human) they’re based on prejudice. When possible prejudice on my part is brought to my attention I listen and often (but not always) change my opinion.
• I value dialogue over monologue because without it relationships cannot grow. Collaboration, innovation and creation are all possible due to the interconnection of ideas and people.  Debate, dialogue and some kind of dialectical process drive them.  Shutting down possibilities by refusing dialogue means shutting down potential opportunities.
• From time to time I argue just for the fun of it, and have been known to argue for points of view with which I disagree. Arguing from an opposing viewpoint can be a useful way of understanding issues.
• I don’t waste energy on hating anyone or anything.  Although some people or things may really annoy me.
• Sometimes I enjoy subverting hierarchy & deconstructing traditional institutions – it’s all in good fun & not intended for evil (keep any eye out for some flash mobs or similar). This is because I believe that humour can often be a force for revelations of truth about what we do and the need for change. It is also why LOLcats rule.
• All of the above makes complete sense given my MBTI type = ENTP 😉