IF YA SMELL WHAT THE HOCK IS COOKING??!!

Memories...

Friday, November 24, 2006

I was just thinking to myself.. that its kinda disappointing to see neither the Welfare surveys and Dirty Laundry being held so far, nor the 1st issue of Insomniac. I always feel its important to actively seek feedback from the student population, even if their demands are unable to be met by the university administration, but that does not mean faculty clubs or NUSSU stop trying.

I rem last year's Dirty Laundry being a relative success (thanks to lace and bit) where we received numerous feedback, many of which i tried to bring it up to the administration. Issues such as students' claims for more water-coolers to be installed, library being too cold, extension of canteen hours during exam and study week, too many mosquitoes around study benches at night, crap lecturers, clamours for reinstallation of full recess week etc etc.. all surfaced during the Dirty Laundry. Of coz there were the usual criticisms of student clubs and the union as well, but at least, i take it optimistically as the fact that students even bothered to criticize, instead of just being indifferent.

I rem that the event received a lot of positive feedback, even from those who dunch noe the club at all. It ll be saddening to see this event go down the drain, as well as the Welfare surveys, after years in which a couple of past MCs didnt have the will to push them through. But of coz, there might always be better ways and avenues of seeking feedback, though i dun think putting a board outside the clubroom without any publicity at all wud work. And i was thinking of the dialogue sessions promised by those who were running for office during elections then, and still waiting.

There is also a reason why Insomniac's 1st issue is traditionally published in the 1st sem. Most Publications directors, writers, editors, layout artists dun have experience when they stepped up, and they need to learn fast becoz when the 2nd sem starts with another 3 issues coming, there isnt much time to learn. Put it in another way, the 1st issue gives more allowance for mistakes, and for Pub Directors to assess the quality of printing, writing, editing, and the ability of the Pub team and writers to meet deadlines. This will clearly improve the quality of future issues. As the age-old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Publications is an important component for any professional organization, and shud never be underestimated. But then again, perhaps coz Insom is going online, thats why there re delays i m not sure.

Studies may be important, but never lose focus of why u decide to run for office and Management Committee in the 1st place. Becoz if u do, u re doing a great disservice to your friends, to your faculty and to your student population, who entrusted their electoral votes and mandate in u.

**The views as expressed above are of the author's own as an individual, and in no way representative of any club or organization.

The Incredible Hock