Posts by Rob Stowell
Last ←Newer Page 1 2 3 4 5 Older→ First
-
There are definite moves towards open source to counter this racket (consider that academics who are largely paid by the public to research, have to further dip into their research funds to get published by private companies who then charge university libraries (ie the public paying again) for very limited access to the research.)
Many universities have a repository for research papers. And there are more open source journals now. (I reckon academic publishing a la Elsevier could disappear in the next 10-15 years.)
Some academics at Lincoln and Canterbury universities talking on the benefits of open source (and how they use it). -
Hard News: Dirty Politics, in reply to Sacha,
Russell has written a fresh post about the Gwyn report.
And a remarkable report it is.
RNZ harping about the 'leaking' yesterday - maybe to avoid the obvious orchestration of getting this and the Collins report out on the same day? (Who set *that* timetable?) -
Hard News: Incomplete, inaccurate and misleading, in reply to Russell Brown,
Aaaand … here’s the Collins SFO report.
Looking simply at the 'conclusions' - no evidence of anything improper or even slap-on-the-wrist-worthy'.
Whitewash or not, for at least a moment, expect this 'vindication' of Collins to eclipse the Gwyn report. Collins back triumphant, PM 'seen to be scrupulous and careful' etc etc. -
Lovely post. Eclipsed by Slatergate today, doubtless, but lovely nonetheless!
-
Answers to questions around 'what did Key know, and when?' are largely in Ede's hands. It's been evident since he 'disappeared' (the day Dirty Politics' came out) he could likely sink Key. Despite having a slew of his online conversations, his character remains largely unexamined, there's only one photo, and his motives and loyalties are obscure. Lotta pressure on this dude ...
-
Paul Buchanan suitably scathing on morning report. Bad enough at any time. In the run-up to an election it amounts to subverting democracy.
Add the SIS ‘losing’ the recording of Key’s briefingon dotcom and the PMs involvement in appointing thehead of the GCSB and confidence in these institutions is gone.
Eta: ideological appointments into other public service top jobs and cynical abuse of OIA also seem rife. That may be the story of this govt. Good government requires a well run and independent public service. -
I feel a little saddened (and worried) the trio of Davids are so down-graded. There's a lot of talent sitting in that clump. Hope it's not wasted, or worse.
-
Hard News: News from home ..., in reply to Andrew Geddis,
I’ve been in a union long enough to know the reality, too.
Reckon we’re in the same union, but my impression is very different :) Not just democratic- delighted anytime any member is willing to put some passion, opinion, or elbow grease in.
I’m shocked at the ease with which union-bashing is part of this conversation. The days of big unions abusing their power in NZ are distant memory – at least in the vast majority of workplaces.
I know it’s always possible to have a bad experience- but mine has been overwhelmingly positive. If you don’t like the way your union is being run – get involved!
FWIW I didn’t vote for Little as first choice, but I’m now thinking he was the best choice. I like that he seems solid in an interview. I’ve not felt that in a Labour leader since Clark. Early days, but a good start :) -
Hard News: Garbage in, garbage out, in reply to Andre,
I was talking to an ex-colleague the other day who was running a team creating ‘native media’ that was larger than Mediaworks radio’s news team.
Any hints on what organisation this is? :)
-
Hard News: The Boom Crash, in reply to Hebe,
It may actually make sense for us to cash up and leave Auckland
Numbers of 'nearing retirement' Aucklanders have been doing this in Kerikeri and other parts of northland. Even in Keri, one of the better-off parts, house prices haven't really bounced back yet.
And Northland can be a fine place to wake up in the morning :)