SU imploding?

bluedolphin

So the Deputy President/Welfare Officer has handed in her resignation...

And it looks like four of the sabbat positions are going to be unnopposed...

Emmmm.............................


Uh-oh?

kaimera

Durr¬!??

/me turns on the sceptre-answer-quickly light.

Peteee

At least if it implodes, it will only hurt the people inside! :pac:

klong

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

kaimera

klong wrote: »

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

She will after tomorrow night I'd say! :pac:

ninty9er

bluedolphin wrote: »

So the Deputy President/Welfare Officer has handed in her resignation...

YA WHAT????:eek::eek::eek:

scary_tractors

As a former student and union-head I have to admit this is pretty depressing news.

Having met all this year's officers and known most of them beforehand I knew it wasn't going to be an easy ride but I have to say I didn't expect this. And certainly not from the DP/Welfare - I would've pegged her as the stubborn one who wouldn't give up.

I don't see what this letter achieves - by the nature of an SU it won't change anything, because next year is going to be entirely different anyway. If it had come earlier in the year, perhaps, but I can't help thinking this is a bit of a futile exercise, possibly done for drama value.

kaimera

cooperguy

klong wrote: »

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

+1

From the SU board:

Judith wrote:

To the Students of the University of Limerick,

I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Deputy President and Welfare officer of the University of Limerick Students Union with effect from Friday, 14th March 2008.

This decision was not taken lightly. There are many reasons why I feel that I must resign. The most prominent of these are as follows:

• Because I, along with one other Sabbatical Officer, were the only Union representatives that went to Galway to help search for the missing UL Student, Michael Hughes. Not only this, but other Sabbatical officers questioned whether this action was ‘necessary’, felt that dealing with media queries was sufficient and believed that attendance at university meetings was more pressing.

• Because of the problems with the boathouse – a priority issue for Clubs and Societies. The President didn’t see fit to inform me, or the other Sabbatical officers, about these until he was asked for his resignation from the committee last week.

• Because, in the aftermath of the alcohol policy – an issue championed by various Sabbatical officers - I am the only one who has been investigating and developing a Union initiative with the other stakeholders. The President did not even come to the update meeting.

• Because the Publications and Publicity officer has never written a press release; refuses to consider updating the website let alone making it accessible to people with disabilities; can’t seem to organise publicity for any event no matter how big or small as well as the obvious issues with regard to An Focal and Review.

• Because the President seems more concerned with selling bikes than running the Union; I have not received any leadership, direction, feedback or involvement from him. He has not been involved in organising and preparing any campaign, welfare related or not. I count myself lucky when he attends events that I, or other officers, have organised. He has not organised one training session (a key part of his remit) nor has he made any effort to create a team dynamic in the Union. He has not kept order whether chairing a meeting or with regard to sabbatical officers themselves.

On joining the Students Union I thought I would be working with a team of energetic, dynamic and motivated students who wanted to make a positive difference for the students of UL. Sadly it appears that most of them only want to make a positive difference for themselves.

I ran for election for the right reasons. Now I must resign for the right reasons. I have tried to address the issues, tried to resolve them, tried to tolerate them but to no avail. If I stay in office I will only be complicit in the incompetence and the inefficiency that has become the mainstay of Student Union activities.

Since taking office, I have worked hard on your behalf and done my utmost to make good on my elections promises. I would like to thank you for your support, your feedback, and the faith and responsibility that you put in me in when you voted me into this position almost one year ago.

Sincerely,

Judith Lynch

Sceptre what do you make of this point:

• Because the Publications and Publicity officer has never written a press release; refuses to consider updating the website let alone making it accessible to people with disabilities; can’t seem to organise publicity for any event no matter how big or small as well as the obvious issues with regard to An Focal and Review.

People were saying it isnt accurate on the SU forum. Comments?

ninty9er

Having read the explanation put forward by Judith, I can't say there's a whole lot of it that she's gotten wrong.

Seems to be another one of those communications issues on some points as I know there are things happening re some of her points.

I wish her the best of luck in whatever she chooses to do.

scary_tractors

Oh come on. I know she was probably having a hard time but I don't think it's fair on her fellow officers to do something like that - nobody said it was going to be easy. Teamwork isn't easy and the real world isn't easy. (not that I'm suggesting for a moment that the SU is the real world). But it's about being an adult and doing your duty for the people who elected you. A lot of people think the SU is a doss year. I can tell you it's not, but it's very much a character-building experience!

dedon

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done. It has become (as it should be) an uncensored (libel excepted) student outlet for anyone who wishes to use it.

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

rmacm

cooperguy wrote: »

+1
From the SU board:
Big long yak from Judith person

Her first point is a bit odd. Forgive me if this touches a nerve with anyone but the Sabbatical officers were elected to run the SU not to search for missing persons in Galway. While it is sad that a UL student has gone missing you can't just drop everything to go look for someone.

dedon wrote: »

Well An Focal is a total mess this year. Its a disgrace

I read one issue online and personally couldn't see anything wrong with it. Would you care to elaborate on what exactly about it is a mess as you put it.

ninty9er wrote: »

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done.

While I know you're being humourous Smods aren't above critisism.

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Indeed and after 4 years of trying to stay out of it I leave UL and end up on the front page

mrmanire

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Cannot disagree with that. I think Judith's resignation may be the best thing that happened the Union in years. A bit of shock therapy can't do any harm. I certainly have not felt very well represented the last few years.

Peteee

I'll add a plus one to what Rory has said, as for once I agree with him!

Onikage

ninty9er wrote: »

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires? Stuffing under creaky, draughty doors? Emergency loo roll?

Sad to hear the SU is having problems, knew many cool people who worked hard in various positions over the years.

Otacon

Onikage wrote: »

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires?

No, you see, all you needed there was some Zip, polish coal/wood and to open the flew correctly!

Onikage wrote: »

Sad to hear the SU is having problems, knew many cool people who worked hard in various positions over the years.

IMO, over the years, the SU has done some fantastic work. I can't say I agree with what Judith has said but if thats the way she feels, I think it is right she has left.

Peoblem I have is the open letter she has sent. That will achieve nothing but more unrest.

PeakOutput

right this might be off topic but since september iv noticed one or two odd things

while im only a wee first year(granted a 22yrold one) i do find the student union a bit odd as in not very visible. presumably as students we are all members automatically so should we not be getting updates on meetings etc automatically.

also i know the ents soc does good work but should there not be a sabbatical ents officer position like(afaik) in trinity and ucd the university is defo big enough to be honest with the lack lustre line up for rag week ( i assume its ents that runs all of this) a full time worker is what is needed and with at least 3 courses now somewhat geared towards that area there would be no shortage of candidates.

obviously i dont know how the election was fought and won last year but if people get free rides into a sabbatical position this year im going to be fairly pissed off (just to clarify i assume a sabbatical means a paid year off college to dedicate to your position if im wrong correct me)

finally maybe its just me but i dont recall ever being given any information on how to actually become active in the union so what is being done to bring in new blood who dont already have political aspirations

im a wee bit drunk as it is rag week after all so feel free to point out were im misinformed with usual boards harshness i wont get insulted

ninty9er

It's quite easy to get involved, be a class rep, be a writer, get involved in clubs and societies and get involved in campaigns, though we haven't had a general student population campaign this year. Walkout Wednesday was a bit C&S geared. Seriously, you won't be turned away if you wnat to get involved in anything.

On the Ents side of things, in Trinity and other smaller places like DKIT it's basically getting paid to go socialise, get pissed and get cheap drink and bands on campus.

Having a private company do it serves us much better, particularly now that they have an office in the SU.

dedon

ninty9er wrote: »

To Seamus' defence (beware because he's an SMod here dedon:p:p) he promised to give over more of An Focal to C&S. Which he has done. It has become (as it should be) an uncensored (libel excepted) student outlet for anyone who wishes to use it.

The previous 2 years it wasn't so much a student paper as a portfolio to be used in attaining gainful employment in journalism. THAT'S NOT WHAT AN FOCAL IS FOR.

Firstly, just because the PPO is a Mod here doesnt mean I am afraid to state my opinions and I dont take kindly at being insulted and treatened in that manner.

Secondly, An Focal is boring, poorly written and just plain rubbish this year. Saying that the the C&S is responsible for the poor quality is a bit lame. The Editor has a job to sort it out.

General opinion around the college is that the Paper is very poor this year. Ask anyone about it. It not up to date on matters and the number of spelling and grammar mistakes are crazy. Esp, the Rag Mag which had a least 9.

It is quite obvious the PPO is not up to much this year and it is not suprising that Judith left

cson

dedon wrote: »

Firstly, just because the PPO is a Mod here doesnt mean I am afraid to state my opinions and I dont take kindly at being insulted and treatened in that manner.

Secondly, An Focal is boring, poorly written and just plain rubbish this year. Saying that the the C&S is responsible for the poor quality is a bit lame. The Editor has a job to sort it out.

General opinion around the college is that the Paper is very poor this year. Ask anyone about it. It not up to date on matters and the number of spelling and grammar mistakes are crazy. Esp, the Rag Mag which had a least 9.

It is quite obvious the PPO is not up to much this year and it is not suprising that Judith left

In fairness to Ninty9er, he used this smiley ":p" and I'd hazard a guess it was a tongue firmly in cheek reply.

As regards An Focal, its not bad but it does need some direction as to where its headed. Some pieces strike me as being a vehicle for the authors self publication. The layout could do with a bit of a change too.

dedon

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

The PPO is NOT SUPPOSED TO BE A JOURNALIST. If you don't like An Focal, don't read it, but there's very little different this year to the previous 2 years that I've been on campus. Unless you can point to some particular issues. The same Sub-Editors and proof readers are doing the jobs as last year. I know there have been a number of issues with the designer this year ( I know because I ended up driving the PPO on a 50 mile return trip to drop it to the designer). He's publishing student aimed articles as opposed to previous editors who have been more than willing to take what university departments gave them and put them in. This years' PPO does thi only if there's not enough student submission or news to put in.

It's also worth noting that An Focal had about €30k funding from Ulster Bank in AY 06/07 which pretty much dried up for AY 07/08.

dedon

Sorry but he is the Editor?????
Come on just ask the general student population what they think of the paper this year ans the majority will say it is poor. You are obviously biased so I dont trust your opinion.
the issues are , its very boring, very bland design and poor quality of writting. Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

ninty9er

dedon wrote: »

Sorry but he is the Editor?????

Yes and from having worked with both this and last year's PPO, he does a hellofalot more editing where D would have just told people to go shove the article (which she was probably right to do as it really helped deadlines). A lot of the stuff that's submitted is exceptionally sub-standard and need to be individually edited

dedon wrote: »

Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

That's what happens when a deadline is a week before publication date. It's the same everywhere and has always been that way here.

Peteee

dedon wrote: »

Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

Possibly because it's published every two weeks?

And as for the spelling mistakes...Attach-gate! Tbh, the proof reading has always been a bit dodgy with An Focal.

dedon

I quote the outgoing Welfare Officer

"Because the An Focal has frequently been published late rendering the information content (particularly when relating to events and campaigns) largely useless."

And I agree totally. A shambles.

dr.bollocko

An Focal has always been a bit of a shambles. But hell it birthed Dr. Bollocko. What more do you want in a newspaper? Some day when An Focal is long gone, its one claim to fame will be the origin of moi. Oh and the Clapping System.
Its a pity that the SU and student politics in general tends to get mired in in-fighting, communication issues, and the cliqueishness. This relates partic to Class rep and SU meetings that are so formalised, I nearly fell asleep and never went again. Any attempt I ever had to get involved in the SU or student politics... oh it's just a headache. I pity anyone who has to take the **** they go through on board.

PeakOutput

ninty9er wrote: »

ing.
On the Ents side of things, in Trinity and other smaller places like DKIT it's basically getting paid to go socialise, get pissed and get cheap drink and bands on campus.

i wont argue on the tcd side even tho i disagree(particularly as i dont see anything rivaling the trinity ball) but the ucd ents officer is basically guaranteed a job in promotions after if they want one for the simple fact that they spend the year organising top quality gigs for their student body. for example the year i left school groove armada were the headliners at the freshers ball/week in september were as for this years RAG week(biggest event/week of the year) there is not a hint of an international act

kaimera

I'm wondering if Shay has any comment to make on all of this

rmacm

Onikage wrote: »

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires? Stuffing under creaky, draughty doors? Emergency loo roll?

While it can reliably do all three I'd hazard a guess that it's for reading.

PeakOutput wrote: »

but if people get free rides into a sabbatical position this year im going to be fairly pissed off

That's the way things happen some times, our current president got what you could term a free ride into office as no one stood to oppose her.

dedon wrote: »

Firstly, just because the PPO is a Mod here doesnt mean I am afraid to state my opinions and I dont take kindly at being insulted and threatened in that manner.

Would you ever come off it, no one threatened or insulted you.

dedon wrote: »

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

Hmmm it's ironic that someone complaining about the amount of spelling mistakes in a student news paper could produce the master piece above.

dedon wrote: »

Come on just ask the general student population what they think of the paper this year ans the majority will say it is poor.

Have you actually gone and asked the general student population what they think of the paper? If not then you cannot definitively make the statement above.

Mossin

rmacm wrote: »

While it can reliably do all three I'd hazard a guess that it's for reading.



That's the way things happen some times, our current president got what you could term a free ride into office as no one stood to oppose her.



Would you ever come off it, no one threatened or insulted you.



Hmmm it's ironic that someone complaining about the amount of spelling mistakes in a student news paper could produce the master piece above.



Have you actually gone and asked the general student population what they think of the paper? If not then you cannot definitively make the statement above.

+1

scary_tractors

dedon wrote: »

Ya self-publication is one of the main problems of this paper. The amount of people writting for the paper just to try ans show off is ridiculas. But show off what I might add. The standard is very poor. I picked up the NUI Galway paper a few weeks ago and it was FAR superior

Can I point out that NUIG has a full-time editor who is not elected but appointed based on their training and experience, and can also design the paper.

The PPO is not a full-time editor, or shouldn't be. The PPO has many duties other than An Focal, whereas in NUIG the editor's only responsibility is the paper.

In NUIG, also, there is a dedicated journalism course, which means good writing from people who are trained. Whatever the debate about An Focal "not being for baby journalists" (as, I'm sure Ogra FF is just a society and "not for baby politicians"), you cannot deny that people who are trained in what they are doing can produce better, more attractive and readable articles. The reason the standard of writing in An Focal is often so bad is precisely because the people writing are not trained to do it. They don't know how to write news, don't know what structure to use, and are often lucky if they have a decent grasp of the English language. BECAUSE of the policy of opening the paper to anyone who wants to write.

If you're going to advocate letting everyone who wants to write in the paper do so, then you have to put up with a certain amount of crap. A paper for students by students is not going to be the standard of the poorest professional newspaper, because students do not know what they are doing unless they get training. Which they generally do not get.

ninty9er

PeakOutput wrote: »

i wont argue on the tcd side even tho i disagree(particularly as i dont see anything rivaling the trinity ball) but the ucd ents officer is basically guaranteed a job in promotions after if they want one for the simple fact that they spend the year organising top quality gigs for their student body. for example the year i left school groove armada were the headliners at the freshers ball/week in september were as for this years RAG week(biggest event/week of the year) there is not a hint of an international act

Organising the event isn't actually the issue, it's finding somewhere big enough. The biggest place within 50 miles is the South Court, and the Co-Op/Christmas Ball or the Freshers Ball aren't really that big, but they pack the place with less than 600 people. Travelling to Cork is really out of the question as getting 1000+ twisted students back to Limerick at 5am on a Friday morning is something no company is going to sign up for after the Halloween ball in Ennis.

scary_tractors

PeakOutput wrote: »

i wont argue on the tcd side even tho i disagree(particularly as i dont see anything rivaling the trinity ball) but the ucd ents officer is basically guaranteed a job in promotions after if they want one for the simple fact that they spend the year organising top quality gigs for their student body. for example the year i left school groove armada were the headliners at the freshers ball/week in september were as for this years RAG week(biggest event/week of the year) there is not a hint of an international act

Question: how often do you see ANY international act playing anywhere other than Dublin? Comparing Trinity and UL is just not fair - not because UL isn't an equally good university (which it is) or because the SU isn't as good (which it is - if you think the infighting is bad in UL find a sabbat in Trinity who doesn't hate their fellow officers, at least that was my experience).

TCD has a way bigger student population and it's in the middle of the country's capital. UL is in Limerick (not a city noted for its huge world-class gigs) and, at that, it's not even in the city. It's in the county.

The issue here is student politics and whether they are still relevant. Having been involved for many years I would say they aren't. Most students these days are middle class, have part time jobs to fund their drinking and are happy enough to just get through college with a degree and enjoy themselves. True, there is still a huge problem with access, but because student politicians are the ones who got in (and therefore have not experienced this problem) it's not something they are bothered about, with some exceptions. The ones who are bothered about this get flak from their electorate for not organising a brilliant RAG week, because they're busy campaigning.

Like the majority of the Irish population, students are largely uncaring about anything that happens outside their own immediate bubble.

bluedolphin

klong wrote: »

Do you not have any interesting gossip to report bluedolphin?

Yes I'm the new PPO-elect as of 5pm yesterday evening as there were no other candidates for the position. I'm now suffering a terrible hangover, so my responses may be a bit dodgy in grammar and punctuation, etc...I apologise in advance so please, no one haul me up on this at the moment in my very delicate, shaky state...

mrmanire wrote: »

Cannot disagree with that. I think Judith's resignation may be the best thing that happened the Union in years. A bit of shock therapy can't do any harm. I certainly have not felt very well represented the last few years.

I think Judith's resignation marks a very sad occasion for the Union overall. I'm not going to comment on the event as I'm a member of this year's Executive and a sabbatical officer elect. I don't think it would be appropriate for me to pass remarks.

Onikage wrote: »

After 4 years in UL I'm still not sure what An Focal was for. Lighting fires? Stuffing under creaky, draughty doors? Emergency loo roll?

It's the Union newsletter, essentially, communicating with its members aka the students.

PeakOutput wrote: »

while im only a wee first year(granted a 22yrold one) i do find the student union a bit odd as in not very visible. presumably as students we are all members automatically so should we not be getting updates on meetings etc automatically.

This is one of the main issues that I will attempt to combat when I take up office. I will be working very closely with the CSO (Damian Cahill - also elected unopposed) to undertake a widespread just general information campaign, hopefully ongoing throughout the year. I want to make the Union accessible and visible to the general student who is not involved in any SU related activity (eg Class reps, Clubs and Socs...etc)

PeakOutput wrote: »

also i know the ents soc does good work but should there not be a sabbatical ents officer position...

The CSO is responsible in co-operation with Eightball to co-ordinate Union ents.

PeakOutput wrote: »

obviously i dont know how the election was fought and won last year but if people get free rides into a sabbatical position this year im going to be fairly pissed off (just to clarify i assume a sabbatical means a paid year off college to dedicate to your position if im wrong correct me)

I suppose as I was elected unopposed I have just gotten a 'free ride' into a position... But no one went against me; that's not my fault. I was more than willing and ready for a campaign. I had everything set to go for a campaign and was really geared up for one. I had posters designed, a slogan, gimmicks, colour, sweets, etc, etc., etc... No one ran against me though. I'm still going to run an information campaign anyway, regardless. I'll have a stand in the main canteen and will be more than willing to answer any questions that anyone has.

dedon wrote: »

Secondly, An Focal is boring, poorly written and just plain rubbish this year. Saying that the the C&S is responsible for the poor quality is a bit lame. The Editor has a job to sort it out.

General opinion around the college is that the Paper is very poor this year. Ask anyone about it. It not up to date on matters and the number of spelling and grammar mistakes are crazy. Esp, the Rag Mag which had a least 9.

RAG Mag was not done through the office of PPO. Eightball were responsible for a lot of it.

cson wrote: »

As regards An Focal, its not bad but it does need some direction as to where its headed. Some pieces strike me as being a vehicle for the authors self publication. The layout could do with a bit of a change too.

One of my main plans is to completely overhaul its appearance (layout/design).

scary_tractors wrote: »

*stuff about professionalism/journalism*

There will be a BA and an MA in Journalism starting in September. I hope to coordinate closely with the Department of Languages and Cultural Studies (under which the courses will come) and to tap into the potential that these new students will have. I will also look into serious training for current writers because I feel that they need to be rewarded for their input into the paper, but also it would have a further benefit for the paper in the long run.

mrmanire

bluedolphin wrote: »

I think Judith's resignation marks a very sad occasion for the Union overall. I'm not going to comment on the event as I'm a member of this year's Executive and a sabbatical officer elect. I don't think it would be appropriate for me to pass remarks.

Who was it that started and named this thread anyway? 'SU imploding?'. Please correct me if I'm wrong but that sounds like a remark to me.

justfortherecor

A justifiable remark to be honest though. Looking at all that happened recently and the in-fighting which culminated in the publication of the now famous letter, I think it could be referred to as an 'implosion'.

Edit: Oh, and to answer your question, I think it was bluedolphin who referred to it originally as an implosion. I discovered that little nugget of info by going back to page 1 of the thread and seeing who posted the first message.

mrmanire

Thanks for letting me know how to use the message boards there. I wasn't trying to make a point with the last point or anything crazy like that. never

cooperguy

dedon wrote:

Sorry but he is the Editor?????
Come on just ask the general student population what they think of the paper this year ans the majority will say it is poor. You are obviously biased so I dont trust your opinion.
the issues are , its very boring, very bland design and poor quality of writting. Most of the articles are two weeks out of date and what they call 'old news'

I would love to know where you got this opinion from? The paper hasnt dropped in standard in the last few years at all. If anything id say it has gone in the other direction (though not by a huge amount). Headlines like "Student Attached" havent been seen in quite a while. Its a student paper written by students and as such has an acceptable quality of writing. And as for your comment about being out of date simple issues like funding dictate how often a paper can be published and this cannot be helped.

bluedolphin

Yes I understand it was a remark by calling the thread, 'SU Imploding?'. But it was not a remark on Judith's reasons nor saying whether I agree or disagree with her decision. Also, when I started this thread I was also commenting on the fact that at the time there were four positions going uncontested. As it turned out, three sabbatical officers were deemed elected yesterday as they were unopposed.

The thread title refers to the fact that the Union seems to be in a bit of disarray at the moment. This is the first time that a sabbat has resigned and it does signify that there is a real underlying problem.

I also had a question mark at the end of the title.

mrmanire

Corrected I do stand. Looks like you are inheriting some mess for next year. I wish you luck.

bluedolphin

mrmanire wrote: »

Corrected I do stand. Looks like you are inheriting some mess for next year. I wish you luck.

I know.

As part of next year's team going forward I think we need to examine the issues that are facing us... There are a few... :rolleyes::(

PeakOutput

bluedolphin wrote: »

I suppose as I was elected unopposed I have just gotten a 'free ride' into a position...

twas nothing personal obviously i know its not your fault no1 else ran i just think that its a bit stupid that in theory i could have got 50 names handed them in and all of a sudden have a job for next year looking after the welfare of a few thousand students

edit; and i know damo well so im glad he will be around next year and will work his ass off

rmacm

I wonder will that dedon fella come back I want someone to argue with...ninty9er and that digiking fella aren't really entertaining for me to harass any more.

bluedolphin

PeakOutput wrote: »

twas nothing personal obviously i know its not your fault no1 else ran i just think that its a bit stupid that in theory i could have got 50 names handed them in and all of a sudden have a job for next year looking after the welfare of a few thousand students

edit; and i know damo well so im glad he will be around next year and will work his ass off

I am of exactly the same sentiment as you, and it's something that will bother me for the duration of my term: my legitimacy and my mandate from the students, and I'm sure it will hang over the other two who were unopposed as well. Meh. I have a lot of concrete ideas that I've been thinking about for sometime so I am glad that I have this opportunity to try to put them in place to better student life at UL.

I know Damien quite well myself as well and I'm confident that he will do a very good job and that together we can boost Union morale and raise it from its current low.

Now there's the slight matter of the remaining five weeks of college and, oh, exams. Sniff, only five weeks of college, sniff sniff...

ninty9er

rmacm wrote: »

I wonder will that dedon fella come back I want someone to argue with...ninty9er and that digiking fella aren't really entertaining for me to harass any more.

I knew he'd come around to me in the end:pac::pac: He'l vote FF for the rest of his life now ya know:p:p

dedon

scary_tractors wrote: »

Can I point out that NUIG has a full-time editor who is not elected but appointed based on their training and experience, and can also design the paper.

The PPO is not a full-time editor, or shouldn't be. The PPO has many duties other than An Focal, whereas in NUIG the editor's only responsibility is the paper.

In NUIG, also, there is a dedicated journalism course, which means good writing from people who are trained. Whatever the debate about An Focal "not being for baby journalists" (as, I'm sure Ogra FF is just a society and "not for baby politicians"), you cannot deny that people who are trained in what they are doing can produce better, more attractive and readable articles. The reason the standard of writing in An Focal is often so bad is precisely because the people writing are not trained to do it. They don't know how to write news, don't know what structure to use, and are often lucky if they have a decent grasp of the English language. BECAUSE of the policy of opening the paper to anyone who wants to write.

If you're going to advocate letting everyone who wants to write in the paper do so, then you have to put up with a certain amount of crap. A paper for students by students is not going to be the standard of the poorest professional newspaper, because students do not know what they are doing unless they get training. Which they generally do not get.

I have to disagree with you on your last point. This is a third level Uni of a very high standard with very intelligent people. I am sure that we can create a paper that is very good if it is managed by a very good and capable person.

You have stated that students do not know what they are doing unless they get training??? Are you for real?? I think many of us have the ability to put a good article together. They do not all need to be trained on how to write a great article. If it is interesting and topical and informative then it should be sufficent. The editor has a responsibility to release a paper that us students should be proud of. We should aim to have the best college paper in Ireland and not simply blaim it on the fact that students in a third level institution are not capable to do this due to lack of training.

dedon

rmacm wrote: »

I wonder will that dedon fella come back I want someone to argue with...ninty9er and that digiking fella aren't really entertaining for me to harass any more.

Harass??? Anyway, just expressing an opinion here really to be honest. I am not going to keep going on about An Focal because I feel we will disagree the whole time. However I would love to see a poll done in the paper asking students what they think of it.

Furthermore, I have to agree with previous posters that Judith's resignation will provide a much needed shake up in the SU. Throughout my six years in UL, I can safetly say that this is the most interesting thing to happen. I havent felt well represented at all. Peolpe have the opinion that the SU is for self gratitude and this applies to the position of PPO more so than the others over the last few years. A scapegoat to journalism etc

rmacm

bluedolphin wrote: »

I know.

As part of next year's team going forward I think we need to examine the issues that are facing us... There are a few... :rolleyes::(

Congrads on the new job.

ninty9er wrote: »

I knew he'd come around to me in the end:pac::pac: He'l vote FF for the rest of his life now ya know:p:p

Ah sure what can you do things just wouldn't be the same if I didn't I think I'll pass on the voting for FF for the moment though