[Its.an.education.project] Ivan's latest blog entry on OLPC

[Pamela Jones]

Please let me give you an example, Javier.  I thought about saying these 
things in an article. I also thought about saying them in a comment on 
Ivan's blog, under the article, to try to undo some of what I viewed as 
damage. But I decided not to, out of respect for Ivan. I never put 
causes ahead of people.

Here, I feel more comfortable to express my concerns.

To me,  it's a matter of human empathy and figuring out what is useful 
and what is not. I don't think that can ever be wrong.   I do the same 
with Groklaw. Some things just don't need to be said, because they are 
unkind. Or they can be expressed in a way that doesn't disrespect a 
fellow human totally.  Some things have to be said, no matter what, of 
course, but in truth, not many.  So what I am saying is that there is a 
time and a place and a way.  If Ivan's purpose was to make sure no one 
ever helps OLPC again, that is different. For sure he will have a 
considerable impact in turning volunteers away. Was that the goal?

I guess it depends on what your goals are.  If that seems the right way 
to go, then what he did was effective. But I doubt that was his actual 
purpose. But I fear it was his effect.  A disagreement about goals is 
serious to the participants, but in the bigger picture, it may not carry 
the same weight.

To me anything that hinders laptops from reaching those kids is 
counterproductive.  I love the educational aspect of the project, and 
I'm deeply disappointed at all that has happened, but I still want 
laptops -- even the worst in the world -- to get there by hook or by 
crook.

I also factor in all the pressures the project has been put under by 
Intel, Microsoft, and drive-by litigious scammers.  Negroponte has to 
feel those pressures. Having been subjected to years of intense and 
chronic pressure from those determined to beat Groklaw down, I know how 
pressure can affect a person in charge of a project, and I can empathize 
with how painful it must be for him to see Classmates, those 
abominations, trying to supplant the XOs and to have so many unable to 
even grasp his vision or even be determined to undercut it.  It would 
not surprise me if that is the compelling factor that is driving him out 
to an extreme edge. He doesn't want to see his dream die, naturally. The 
Intel marketing machine is  awesomely awful.  And I know quite a lot 
about the Nigeria litigation, and it's simply sickening.  Might that not 
be why he has altered course, in the emergency, as he probably sees it?

And finally the simple truth I have learned is that the more people who 
know you and respect your work, the more responsibility you have to 
think before you speak or act, because others *will* be influenced. It's 
a serious weight, and there is no way to remove it from your shoulders 
and "just be yourself" and let your hair down in public.  It's an 
inescapable burden.

Of course, that's just me. I always leave room for others to come to 
different conclusions, even with the same facts.







info at olpc-peru.info wrote:
> Pamela Jones wrote:
>> So, I think you did damage to those children by airing your personal 
>> views, which are  probably quite accurate as to the facts but that I 
>> don't think the world needed to know in such detail.
>>
> Sorry Pamela but... there is something called FOIA (Freedom of 
> Information Act) in the U.S., and we have similar law in Peru.  
> Furthermore, in Peru we have a government's organization in charge of 
> "checking" all what the NGOs develop in Peru.  IF the things (any thing) 
> are done in the name of the children, if many million of dollars are ask 
> as donation from the public, IF there is a ton of volunteer efforts then 
> WE, all, need to know EVERYTHING that happens.  In the biggest possible 
> detail.  If OUR private acts can not stand up and keep alive in the 
> front of the eyes of the public opinion then something is wrong, deeply 
> wrong with our acts and behavior.
> 
> This is not romantic.  It is just a normal and correct way to do the 
> things.  It is a cultural issue too: as far as I know Scandinavian 
> countries have more power in the hands of the people (assemblies) and 
> they have put less power in the hands of politics or bureaucrats.
> 
> I say this with the deepest respect for all the other things that you 
> have speak about in your mail message.//
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Javier Rodriguez
> Lima, Peru
> 
> 
> 
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