In the past 3 years the Chronicle of Higher Education has published 53 stories that mention blogs and blogging. Of those 53, I have been asked by other scholars for my take on only two of them - first there was the "Scholars Who Blog" article from 2003, and now "Bloggers Need Not Apply."

The "Scholars Who Blog" article was mostly an introduction that there were academics using the new technology in their work and teaching. The questions I got were usually along the lines of "Did you see that article? Others are blogging too."

But the tone of the questions is different around the most recent (7/8/05) article. "Are you worried that your blog might hurt your chances of getting a job?" My answer an emphatic "NO". The reasons are simple. A department that would worry about my "over" commitment to technology wouldn't be interested in hiring someone with my specialty in the first place - I am by definition "over committed to technology."  I doubt a non-progressive department would even schedule an interview.

If they are concerned that I might say things they won't like well any applicant might do that. Daaaa. Past practice is the best indicator of future performance...and old HR maxim that is very true in any field. I keep my opinions on my colleagues pretty close to the vest...one of those things you learn in almost 20 years in the professional world. I don't talk personal stuff on my blog, not lots of it anyway, and that includes my own and anyone else's. It's just not how I work.

So will my blog hurt my job search, I don't think so because the positives far outweigh the negatives. My blog is part of my commitment to collegiality and to teaching. I share my research, my experiences, my thoughts on my subject, and my teaching. I share my bibliographies with others so they can have access to information that might not be available to them otherwise. I make contacts with scholars around the world who are interested in similar topics. I have lost track of the number of emails I get from students and scholars who ask for information or contacts based on their having found my work though this blog. 

danah is right, our blogs help create our brands. We, as scholars, are our own product and our blogs help us market that product. Of course not everyone will want to buy, that's just fine by me. I don't want to work everywhere...just that one great place where my work is appreciated and I can add to a good team. That place will appreciate that I blog, and that my blog has been a positive in my life and a help to other scholars as well.

p.s. At least one other person is wondering if the actual article is on the up-and-up. Check out tygar-blog.com for an interesting examination of the possibility of trolling in the Chronicle.

Amendment made on 07/13/05: For a great take on the entire debate read On-a One Hand, On-a 'Nuther... at Free Range Librarian. Karen has the right take on it all.

Posted by prolurkr at July 12, 2005 10:21 PM

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