Please read this

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Please read this

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Way to go, Jen.

As another member of the "PR Spin Team," or whatever we are called these days (there are *so* many names), I feel I must respond. Thank you in advance for allowing me to speak.

I wanted to tell the board posters what I've been doing the past few weeks, just as you have told them what you've been doing.

I cover the College of Health. I love every person there I've worked with because they are kind, timely and helpful. I cannot do my job right now because a simple surgery April 13 that would cost me a week out of work turned into a complicated one that has me barely moving here at home. So, instead of doing my job, I'm home healing for six weeks.

And, what is my job? Well, let's see...

Instead of getting with some nursing students to talk to them about the great things they are doing in our community, I'm on the couch, conspiring on how to get the puppy out of her crate without bonking her head ... again.

Instead of calling about story ideas to Dr. Exline, who is a joy to work with and doesn't deserve the horns put upon her, I'm thinking of ways to secretly add sugar instead of Equal to my coffee. Will anyone notice that the sugar bowl is significantly lower than earlier today? Can I tear the packet straight? What willl it mean if the packet is torn crooked?

Instead of organizing Newsmakers for the upcoming Update, that radical faculty newspaper I work on, I'm lying on the floor, gleefully wrapped in soft pillows, typing up faculty news to send to my co-workers so we make darn sure we miss someone's accomplishments and get them upset that we left them out on purpose. (Ever so much fun! I love apologizing!)

Instead of being in my office writing stories, or creating brochures for the powwow (God bless and heal Joe and Joyous), or moving around my PRAM PR award ("Best liar and instigator, 2004") on my desk, I'm at home, discussing via a two-radio (uh, my cell phone) ways to make someone on campus miserable by writing a story about their latest award.

And last, instead of being there when my director needs a story done on a student who has done well for himself, I'm at home picking through one of Jody's preprepared chicken teriyaki dishes, bought and paid for my evil, wicked boss who knew I couldn't feed myself in my condition. I'm sure it's poisoned! Should I check the other preprepared dishes in the freezer?

People, I read your board. It's well done. It's readable. It's interesting. And yes, it's necessary. The Internet is a wonderful thing - a valuable tool. But you give us way, way too much credit. Most of you know us. Most of you have worked with us. And most of you like us. C'mon, admit it.

And, because of all that, you know we are not a part of any conspiracy. In between working at our jobs and working on our graduate work, we sit and watch and wait, just like y'all do, hoping for a good outcome to all this, if that's possible.

We want the best for all. Why? We love Southern Miss. We respect Stringer and Glamser. We work here. We live in this community. And, because most of us here are journalists, we embrace the truth.

Whatever the truth is, let it come. It will. I'm not saying stop your research - of course not. But be a little more fair to us, the people most of you know personally. Stop being so personal with your insults. Keep your rath on what you know to be the truth, not the physical characteristics of people. It's not seemly.

Just stop making us into demons. You're gonna make me pop a stitch.

Angela H. Cutrer; Assistant Director of Marketing and News; Southern Miss; 266-5568; angela.cutrer@usm.edu

P.S. - Forgive any typos; I'm on my elbows typing, people. Thanks.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Angela:

Care to tell us what your opinion of all this mess is?

Date: Apr 21, 2004

angela and jenny:

the reason I ask is because, while I understand what you said in your posts, both of you used some familiar code language like "the truth will come out in the end," so I'm interested in where you stand. I realize it would've been easier to tell me had you originally posted under a handle instead of your actual names, but that opportunity has passed now. I was wondering if you now care to elaborate on your opinions of this whole matter.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: home.sick
"Way to go, Jen. . . . . Forgive any typos; I'm on my elbows typing, people. Thanks."

Thank you Angela and Jen. You are absolutely right -- it is easy to see conspiracies everywhere. Thanks for your kind corrections . . . .

(PS: I actually really do like the new site. Thanks.)

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Strange thread. Want to sympathize --- show me the way. it's a little bit blurry right now.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

My opinion? Hum ...

I'm a grad student (an old one!) in the School of Mass Communication and Journalism. Dr. Mayo, Dr. Haque, Dr. Goff, Dr. Wiggins - I love them dearly and have learned so much from them. I have two bachelor's from Southern Miss, and finish my master's in a few weeks. I'm debating on whether to become a doctorate student this fall, so, I have a lot invested in this university. My child attends and works here. My granddaughter is only 17 1/2 years away from being a freshman!

I just want the best, as you do. And I want it OVER. One day, I'm going to be a professor, too, so I'm learning from all of this.

This entire thing is so stressful for us all. We writers are paid to write and design, not to do administrative duties. So, we do our jobs and duck upon hearing "INCOMING!" Our boss is nothing but respectful to us. We have no complaints. We can't change a thing about what's happening, so we just wait and watch.

I've taught my children to fight for what they believe in. I believe in that, too. But until everything is on the table, I don't know all the facts. I just have to wait.

I hope I've not disappointed you in my answer.

Angie

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Theoretically, you're at odds, and historically, you fall in the domain of most students at this point in your studies. What I can promise is - unless you want the Blessed Word of the Dominating Majority of those who hide behind the Guise of Academia - you will beome brainwashed into a society who has never thought for themselves. I called a person who I still contend to be an esteemed colleague with some knowledge of the South, and her best advice to me was to WEAR LIPSTICK at Turtle Creek Mall.

Kate Green

Jan Drummond --- where the hell are you????

Date: Apr 21, 2004

In regard to all y'all's posts:

Thanks, but I don't want your sympathy. Well, about my surgery, maybe. It hurts!

But otherwise, we are fine. We are doing what we can to keep good news about Southern Miss coming out. For some, it's not important, but for us, it is. We were hired to spotlight the good. That's not a bad thing. Just because there are other things happening at the university doesn't mean we can't keep reporting about the good.

And, if I used any "catch phrases," I'm sorry. It was totally unintentional. I just typed and that's what came out. But on that topic, I don't know everything going on ... so I can't make any decisions until I DO. It's just the way I am.

And I used my real name because I believe in what I am saying and have no shame in signing my name. I understand why some cannot, but I could so I did.

Jenny has been complaining about the Web site for months and months. She thought it was ugly. It wasn't - it just needed a wee bit of tweaking to be more attractive, that's all. Jen is too hard on herself - she does good work and all of us tweak our own work after a bit of time.

Thank you all for being civil and not jumping on us. I'm ashamed to say that I thought y'all would. Thanks for proving me wrong.

Angie, finished with her sugar-ladened coffee

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Angie:

You didn't really give me an answer. You want to wait for all of the facts to come out, which is what Shelby and those in the dome have been saying. Well, I don't have all of the facts about what happened to O.J.'s ex-wife and her friend, but I'm pretty sure who did the dirty deed and will express that opinion to anyone.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: home.sick
"In regard to all y'all's posts: Thanks, but I don't want your sympathy. Well, about my surgery, maybe. It hurts! But otherwise, we are fine. . . . . Thanks for proving me wrong. Angie, finished with her sugar-ladened coffee"

Gosh, maybe another happy outcome in all this is some new communication and understanding among staff, faculty and students. I feel like I suddenly know a bit more about some people I didn't know much about before -- and maybe underestimated and maybe made assumptions about. Thanks for speaking up --

I don't always agree with everyne on this board -- I do know that except for the most poisonous writers just about everybody on here cares a lot about the university. This won't last forever and at some point that is the thing we will all need to build on.

Thanks for the reminder . . . .

Date: Apr 21, 2004

What would you have me do? You want me to say whose side I am on?

How can I take sides? I haven't seen the charges. I've not interviewed anyone about this. I can't have a definite opinion on something I don't know enough about. I can't make a decision based on a message board or based on any other opinion. As a journalist, I have to find out for myself what the "truth" is, and I'm not in a position to do that.

The transcript from the hearing will be what helps me understand everything that's going on. After that, I will have to decide where I stand, and go from there.

Would I be a better person if I shout from the rooftops something bad about the administration, even though I don't have proof of it? Would that make me "OK" to you?

I can only tell you who I am, and it's not a demon. Why would my opinion matter to you, anyway?

Angie

Date: Apr 21, 2004

I just thought you would say what your opinion is. If you have to have all of the facts, I'll assume you've never voted in an election (given than no one can gather all of the facts about an election, yet people have to vote). BTW, you work in a PR department, so calling yourself a journalist is not exactly appropriate, that is, until you join the media. Lastly, since when are journalists truth seekers (have you ready any of Janet Braswell's stuff? I assume you have since someone in your office wrote it for her).

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: home.sick
"What would you have me do? You want me to say whose side I am on? How can I take sides . . .

Broker: I think it is fair to allow someone to be able to withhold her judgement until she has seen what she needs to see. I think home.sick has indicated that she hasn't taken sides: given where she works I think that itself shows a huge amount of integrity.

We all get where were going at different rates -- and we all have different parts of the story that lead us to take one side or the other, or wait until we hear or see what we need to see to convince us that one side is right.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Present professor:

Thanks for being open minded.

I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. Some people think me flighty and shallow because I'm so, I don't know, down to earth. It's not that I am dumb, it's that I was raised to be conversational and not act like a smart ass. My daddy used to pop me on the back of the head when I smarted off. One never forgets that lesson.

All the things I've said on here are real and truthful. Anyone who knows me will tell you that the way I spoke on this board is how I am in real life. Talky talky.

I hate taking up space on your board, but I wanted those who thought we are all involved in deception to know it's not so.

I'm a writer. I write. It's the only thing I've ever really been able to do. So, when I got the chance, I wrote. It really is that simple.

Thanks again, Angie

Date: Apr 21, 2004

My mother is an English professor and my boss has been nothing but nice to me. I am the single mother of a four year old boy with a good job that I enjoy. I believe I said before "I refuse to chose sides." It would not be fair to anyone, especially my son, if I were to pick a side. And, truthfully, I have no idea what to believe. This whole situations seems so out of control and monumental that I am overwhelmed by it all.

I don't know that sympathy was my goal, necessarily, but I do appreciate the kind commentary in response to my post.

I was simply frustrated because I tried to do something nice by changing the Web site and then read that my actions were severely misconstrued. I felt I should clarify.

Here is one thing that I DO believe:
in a situation where people seem to have been treated unfairly, isn't it hypocritical then to turn around and treat others who have nothing to do with the situation unfairly in return?

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: swissmiss
" . . . Here is one thing that I DO believe: in a situation where people seem to have been treated unfairly, isn't it hypocritical then to turn around and treat others who have nothing to do with the situation unfairly in return?"

Yes. It is.

But I think the hypocrisy isn't inherent in those of us who are on this Board. A lot of it is worry . . . It is really easy for any of us to get caught up[ in the moment, believingin the rightness of our cause, and then to forget that there are lots of people with other lives who are caught in the middle.

Maybe that is the saddest thing of all -- that none of us can really do our jobs right now very well, and that there is so much distrust.

We need to try to remember that there will be a tomorrow and whatever we say today can either make the healing easier or it can make it more difficult. I am a natural hothead, quick to anger and to self-righteousness, and I have to remind myself of this every day.

Jen and Angie: I think FS would agree that it is your Board too.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: broker
"I just thought you would say what your opinion is.

But I did - it wasn't one you liked, that's all.

If you have to have all of the facts, I'll assume you've never voted in an election (given than no one can gather all of the facts about an election, yet people have to vote).

I've voted in every election. I gather my facts from reading the newspapers, watching television and surfing the Internet. I watched debates, I listened to all sides, I made up my mind and I voted. And guess what? No one knew what my opinion was about the candidates because my vote was done privately. I work hard before I vote. I make up my mind on what I believe from gathering all the facts right up to voting day.

BTW, you work in a PR department, so calling yourself a journalist is not exactly appropriate, that is, until you join the media.

My goodness - no one told me I "left" the media! I'm a member of SPJ - is that OK? My degrees are in journalism - is that OK? I've worked as a reporter, writer, page designer and managing editor for almost 15 years. Yikes - three years as a PR write makes me not a "journalist?" Oh, dear, what to do?

Lastly, since when are journalists truth seekers (have you ready any of Janet Braswell's stuff? I assume you have since someone in your office wrote it for her). "

Say what! Who wrote it? I've been here at home, so it wasn't me! When you were in this person's office, did you ask him or her why he or she was writing a story for Janet? I have no idea who wrote Janet's stories - I wasn't there when it was crafted, but geez ... don't be so ugly about this!

You are barking up the wrong tree when you want to say I'm not into truth. I left a job in Missouri because my publisher wasn't into the "truth" side of journalism. One can be a journalist AND a truth-seeker. You watch too much TV, me thinks.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: home.sick
""

BROKER:

This interrogation/accusation isn't productive.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

If you are in PR, you are a flack, not a journalist. About elections, use of the word "facts" is not appropriate. Assuming you spend as much time on it as you say you do, you aren't gathering "facts," only "information." Lastly, I have seen the press releases coming from USM and I have seen Braswell's articles reporting on those stories. Oftentimes, she simply prints the pr without adding much of anything to them. In that sense, you all wrote her article for her. I don't blame you for that --- it's her. If I'm in PR and the media is willing (or lazy enough) to print my releases, then that's absolutely wonderful.

My real sense is that you both came to this board today to create "dirt in the ears" of everyone here, which is what the Thames people want. I hope others on the board recognize that.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

I found these two women to be honest, earnest and as frustrated as anyone else. I wish a board like this had gone up two years ago when this disaster started and perhaps we would know more about what was going on on every level. While many of us in the University community find it perplexing that a person would need any more facts than we have gained already regarding the enrollment scandal, faculty handbook, kentucky buck hunters, and the mere interview fiasco that was shelby thames, it is informative and enlightening to hear sincere remarks from all angles. Thanks Angie and Jenny.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Broker,
For your information, I come here EVERY day to read what's going on. It is one of the best sources of information around right now and I believe it is important to look at all sides of every situation. (If I chose not to participate, generally, I think everyone but you understands why.)

All I wanted everyone to know is that the Web changes were not part of some devious plot.

I also think you are unnecessarily mean spirited and as I said before, it'll all come back to you karmically in the end -- so good luck to you!

I think enough people at this university know me and my family well enough to know that my intentions here are pure.

Jenny

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: swissmiss
"I happily leave the rendering of decisions of that magnitude to the judge and mediators. "

Jenny, what you have to understand is that BECAUSE of this website (what you call 'a bunch of conspiracy theories'), many REAL stories have seen the light of day. It may very well be because of this website and others who felt strongly about protecting academic freedom at USM that Reuben Anderson was appointed to oversee the hearing. Many good things have come from this website and message board. Sure, some people (myself included at times) go over the top, but we are just as passionate about justice being served in this case as you are passionate about how much you love your job. I have quite a few old friends from my 10 years working at USM who are still there, still doing their jobs, and I applaud them for it. This website/message board does not negate them (nor you), nor their jobs (nor yours).

Sorry if the criticism got out of hand, in your opinion, but when bios mysteriously disappear from the USM website, people's titles start changing on departmental webpages, etc. etc., people are going to notice. And comment. Try not to take it too personally.

And, I like the new website design, too. Much better pics of Joe Paul and Tim Hudson. Good work!

Date: Apr 21, 2004

I have to agree with broker and truth4usm here.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Thank you, Truth...

I did NOT in any way mean to imply that the entire board is a bunch of conspiracy theories, please understand!

It was only that thread in particular that bothered me because it said things like "Lisa Mader's office must be working overtime" and such, and I don't think anyone appreciates being lumped in a category without his/her say in the matter.

As for the bios -- I am concerned now that I was not careful enough in my reconstruction and may have deleted important information...yikes -- I'll have to look into that. (Although it was such a mish-mash of old files that I might have gone a little over-board in my desire to clean up -- there were three or four there still for Dr. Fleming...)

Thanks for the appreciative comments -- the Web team is really to thank for the new design, and I will pass your comments on to them.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: swissmiss
"Thank you, Truth... I did NOT in any way mean to imply that the entire board is a bunch of conspiracy theories, please understand! It was only that thread in particular that bothered me because it said things like "Lisa Mader's office must be working overtime" and such, and I don't think anyone appreciates being lumped in a category without his/her say in the matter. As for the bios -- I am concerned now that I was not careful enough in my reconstruction and may have deleted important information...yikes -- I'll have to look into that. (Although it was such a mish-mash of old files that I might have gone a little over-board in my desire to clean up -- there were three or four there still for Dr. Fleming...) Thanks for the appreciative comments -- the Web team is really to thank for the new design, and I will pass your comments on to them."

Jenny, you're a good egg! Must be that English prof mom of yours that raised you right.

Are there going to be new bios of Homer Coffman and Gregg Lassen up on the new website soon? Seems like Gregg's info should be up by now, but maybe they were waiting for the new web design.

Oh, and I am the webmaster for the Faculty Senate site at Vanderbilt, so I know exactly what you mean about trying to keep a handle on all the files, etc. Must be daunting to do all of that for the USM site.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm
" Jenny, what you have to understand is that BECAUSE of this website (what you call 'a bunch of conspiracy theories'), many REAL stories have seen the light of day. It may very well be because of this website and others who felt strongly about protecting academic freedom at USM that Reuben Anderson was appointed to oversee the hearing. Many good things have come from this website and message board. Sure, some people (myself included at times) go over the top, but we are just as passionate about justice being served in this case as you are passionate about how much you love your job. I have quite a few old friends from my 10 years working at USM who are still there, still doing their jobs, and I applaud them for it. This website/message board does not negate them (nor you), nor their jobs (nor yours). Sorry if the criticism got out of hand, in your opinion, but when bios mysteriously disappear from the USM website, people's titles start changing on departmental webpages, etc. etc., people are going to notice. And comment. Try not to take it too personally. And, I like the new website design, too. Much better pics of Joe Paul and Tim Hudson. Good work! "

Good point. No, a lot of great points - and something for us to think about, for sure. We don't mean to be so sensitive. Must be something in the air today, I guess.

And I've thought about the "flack" comment. I have to say that perhaps that's correct, in as much I do "promote" the university. I'm not sure why that's something I should be ashamed of, though.

I think that most everyone is "right," and few of us are wrong, on this board. I enjoy reading it for the most part: It's upsetting when I get to the giggling posts about someone's appearance and such. I would hate for someone to make fun of me in such a way. Bad childhood stuff, I guess.

And chaz, thanks for understanding. I know that it seems strange that some of us are holding out our opinions in light of some of the things revealed, but we are between a rock and a hard place and we don't have much wiggle room.

I know that working on the Web redesign program as university proofreader for the last two years was a nightmare. Files were SO old - it was a mess trying to get many to even update their pages. I got a lot of criticism for some of the VP pages - but I wasn't in charge of going to pages and telling people to fix them. I only proofread them when they were printed out and sent to me. Most of the VP pages never were - we could't find out who was "in charge" of those pages and I still don't know.

And there is one person on this board who named me "Word Police," which morphed into "Word Nazi," during my tenure as proofreader. It was a disgusting way to show one's disapproval of the proofreading process the university uses. It's that kind of ugliness that's depressing, especially when someone strikes out at you through your child.

Nasty.

But that's another story ...

And broker - you probed, felt around, stuck us with pins a bit, all to see how we'd react. When we didn't run screaming into the streets, pulling our hair and yelling "Death to Thames," you decided we must be trolls or just plain troublemakers. All because we didn't do ... what? The only dirt thrown around this particular thread is that which you dug up yourself. Does your anger over this whole thing mean you must be angry with everyone who doesn't hold your same opinion completely?

I can honestly say that Dr. Thames doesn't know me from Adam. He couldn't pick me out in a crowd. He couldn't shake my hand another 20 times and introduce himself and remember me. But then, it's not my job to be in any spotlight. I don't mind, though I do find it disheartening that I'm so unmemorable.

As for Janet - I don't know her either. And yes, it's upsetting to work like a dog on a story only to find it in the HA under "Special to the American." Uh, no. It was written by ME (or one of our other writers). I have no idea why they won't credit us. Other newspapers do - bylines and all.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

"Instead of organizing Newsmakers for the upcoming Update, that radical faculty newspaper I work on, I'm lying on the floor, gleefully wrapped in soft pillows, typing up faculty news to send to my co-workers so we make darn sure we miss someone's accomplishments and get them upset that we left them out on purpose. (Ever so much fun! I love apologizing!)"

"Instead of being in my office writing stories, or creating brochures for the powwow (God bless and heal Joe and Joyous), or moving around my PRAM PR award ("Best liar and instigator, 2004") on my desk, I'm at home, discussing via a two-radio (uh, my cell phone) ways to make someone on campus miserable by writing a story about their latest award."

In my department we used to write our own PR stories because the pre-Mader PR team usually butchered the facts and names so badly. Now, it turns out, we don't even have that option (which is fine by me since the new PR team seems much more competent). Our new dean has ordered us to send everything through PR, get all of our accomplishments publicized in the UPDATE, etc. Every effort is to be made to publicize all accomplishments as widely as possible, he/she says. Now here we are being made fun of because we do what we are told. Its enough, on top of everything else, to make one just a little bit angry. And, please, DO NOT APOLOGIZE!

Date: Apr 21, 2004

I'm sitting far away in another state and I am very saddened by what I read. I love Southern Miss and I love Hattiesburg, but it is tragic that what has happened ripped apart such a wonderful community. It appears it will take years for the wounds to heal.

I think this also shows that drastic measures need to be taken to remedy the situation before too much damage is done. I only hope that the powers that be realize that this patient is bleeding from the top. When an organization starts to fall apart like this and it begins to impact everyone involved, the top administration must be held accountable. If this were the corporate world, the board of directors would have the CEO out on his fanny in no time.

No matter what happens in the hearing next week, it is abundantly clear that changes MUST be made immediately to put USM back together again. It would be too sad to continue down the same path.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Now here we are being made fun of because we do what we are told. Its enough, on top of everything else, to make one just a little bit angry. And, please, DO NOT APOLOGIZE!"

I wouldn't dream of apologizing. I mean, for what? People are made fun of 24/7 on this board. If we complain, we are 'too sensitive.' Does that go for you, too?

And I'm just "doing what I'm told to do," too, but that wasn't good enough for some people on this board. Why different rules for some?

Perhaps I went overboard - in the grand scheme of things, it was a silly thing to even bring up. But humor is not such a bad thing sometimes, especially when all around you the sky is falling. (And that's how I feel most days at work.)

Usually if something's left out of Update, it's because the info was sent to the wrong place. The senders aren't sure where to send things. That's our fault. This summer, things will change, as we are working on making the process better. Well, I say that, but it's what I hope to have happen. We'll see.

We just need a better system because when a Newsmaker isn't in an Update issue, not only do I get an earful, usually the person who sent it in gets one from co-workers, too. And she or he did what she was supposed to do.

So, we're working on it, trying to get better.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Angela:

It seems you came to the wrong place to say you work in Mader's PR machine and then want sympathy for it. There are many reasons for faculty resentment. This administration has grown on the backs of faculty lines. Thus, you and your colleague are taking home income that once funded faculty positions. I have yet to hear the argument that USM is in dire need of more PR positions. I guess you know we are down close to 150 faculty slots at this point. I realize this is not your fault, but it's the hand you'r dealt. You see, this administration seems to think that self promotion is their most important focus. It's what any empty dictatorship is all about.

You can come on the board and try to tell everyone that Lisa Mader is really a nice person if we would give her a chance, and then follow that up with an "I'm still waiting for all the facts..." position. It's tiresome at this point for most of the regular posters on this forum.

Sorry that you took some heat, but you probably should've anticipated a little.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: leslie
"Angela: It seems you came to the wrong place to say you work in Mader's PR machine and then want sympathy for it. There are many reasons for faculty resentment. This administration has grown on the backs of faculty lines. Thus, you and your colleague are taking home income that once funded faculty positions. I have yet to hear the argument that USM is in dire need of more PR positions. I guess you know we are down close to 150 faculty slots at this point. I realize this is not your fault, but it's the hand you'r dealt. You see, this administration seems to think that self promotion is their most important focus. It's what any empty dictatorship is all about. You can come on the board and try to tell everyone that Lisa Mader is really a nice person if we would give her a chance, and then follow that up with an "I'm still waiting for all the facts..." position. It's tiresome at this point for most of the regular posters on this forum. Sorry that you took some heat, but you probably should've anticipatetle."
another WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAmbulanxw

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: leslie
"Angela: It seems you came to the wrong place to say you work in Mader's PR machine and then want sympathy for it.

Leslie, I never said or implied any such a thing.

...Thus, you and your colleague are taking home income that once funded faculty positions.

Leslie, my position has been included in the PR department's budget for decades. We have cut out positions, never created positions. The titles may have changed, but the department has not grown. Where do you get your facts? Are you saying that faculty members are the only ones who deserve a salary? That support staff is nonessential?

I have yet to hear the argument that USM is in dire need of more PR positions.

Because there is no argument. What in the world are you talking about?

I guess you know we are down close to 150 faculty slots at this point.

Yes, some say due to problems with someone other than myself.

I realize this is not your fault, but it's the hand you'r dealt. You see, this administration seems to think that self promotion is their most important focus.

I never wanted to self promote myself, just show another side. I felt the need because of the constant comments about the "PR machine."

You can come on the board and try to tell everyone that Lisa Mader is really a nice person if we would give her a chance, and then follow that up with an "I'm still waiting for all the facts..." position.

Are you actually reading what I wrote? Again, I never said anything about anyone else liking Lisa Mader and giving her chance. You are responsible for your own decisions about things. It's not my place to tell you who to like or not. I said I'm waiting for more information for my own opinion - and I only said that in response to a question about it.

It's tiresome at this point for most of the regular posters on this forum.

The "regular" posters? Does that mean only anti-Thames people are welcomed? Yes, I thought so.

Sorry that you took some heat, but you probably should've anticipated a little.

I did. And I said I did. And I said I was pleased that most people posted information that was valid and meaningful and didn't strive to do anything but that. And the heat? I tan well. I'm not worried.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Kate Green -- where aRE YOU????

Date: Apr 21, 2004

From the point of view of an outside observer who knows hardly anyone at USM personally, I am sorry that this thread has taken the turn it has. Surely most of the people opposed to the present administration know that not everyone currently employed as a staff member by that administration endorses the administration's conduct. And surely the staff employed by the administration must realize why frustration with senior figures (e.g., Lisa Mader)sometimes spills over into seemingly broad-brush attacks on the departments such persons head. I suspect that when people refer to the "PR machine" they really do not mean the particular staff members who must take direction from senior administrators. I wish the best to all good-heated people at USM, of whom there seem to be many, including many who are currently staff members at the university and may therefore not have the liberty to speak or act freely.

By the way, I hope you feel better soon, home.sick!

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"I wish the best to all good-heated people at USM"

Of course I meant "good-hearted," although I suspect there are lots of folks at USM right now who are also a bit heated!

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Staff members are in a very difficult position right now. With no employment security, it is not reasonable to expect them to take a public position on the administration. Private conversations with staff reveal a great deal of fear and insecurity. They also reveal a great deal of support for the faculty. If we get regime change, there will be great joy among the staff. Of that, I am confident.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

Linda Smith, if you ever read this board, Let me be the first to say on this board that Dana Thames underpaid you, and when you tried to stand up for yourself - she let you go. Shame on her.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Flash Gordon
"Staff members are in a very difficult position right now. With no employment security, it is not reasonable to expect them to take a public position on the administration. Private conversations with staff reveal a great deal of fear and insecurity. They also reveal a great deal of support for the faculty. If we get regime change, there will be great joy among the staff. Of that, I am confident."

This sounds totally reasonable; it is exactly what I would have expected. I hope that staff will bear with the anti-SFT folks if their rhetoric sometimes gets a bit passionate and imprecise. In their minds (and I agree with them totally), they are fighting a battle which, if successful, will be to the long-term benefit of everyone, including everyone presently employed at USM. (Well, ALMOST "everyone"!)

Date: Apr 21, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
" This sounds totally reasonable; it is exactly what I would have expected. I hope that staff will bear with the anti-SFT folks if their rhetoric sometimes gets a bit passionate and imprecise. In their minds (and I agree with them totally), they are fighting a battle which, if successful, will be to the long-term benefit of everyone, including everyone presently employed at USM. (Well, ALMOST "everyone"!)"

So many people are hurt, and being hurt. I wish the best for you all.

And thank you for the well wishes. I appreciate them.

Date: Apr 21, 2004

These plainspoken visitors are a breath of fresh air here on the board, but I can't help but remember that they are teh tools that Shelby is using to try to sway public opinion, to put out his ugly, truth-free spin on the events of the moment. Now I understand that they have no choice--write and publish the spin, or get a new job, but they might could be a little less giddy about it. SwissMiss imagines that she's being true to her son by coming on here and defending the Thames PR machine--well, maybe, if only in the sense she has to keep him in Sugar Smacks. But there's something wrong with abdicating the responsibility for Lisa Mader and her 101 henchmen in the smear and stpidity campaign that Thames has been running since March 5. Wait for the facts? you say? The facts are that instead of initiating a cause of action through appropriate channels already extant in the university governance system, Thames tried to take a unilateral action and fire two professors without due process. Maybe SwissMiss's mother should have explained that to her? And the other person with the "I'm just a poor writer" and "I'm not the sharpest knife i the drawer" rhetoric, well, I hardly know what to say. Get your head out of the sand and look at what's going on around you. Thames is running the university into the ground and you are helping him by writing the PR c**p that fills the daily so-called newspaper.

We can all continue to do our jobs here while we wait for the outcome of the hearing, and IF there is anything that Stringer & Glamser did that rises to the level of illegality, well, they should take their lumps. But this board and this crisis are about so much more. Thames is a tyrant who doesn't have the wit or imagination or intellectual range to run a university. He a terrible victim of small man complex with a history of bad judgment and a singular disregard for ethics, intellect, education, and plain old people.

I am waiting for the IHL board to give him his walking papers. I came to USM 7 years ago, when Aubrey Lucas was still running the show, and it looked as if this was a university on the rise, but over the last few years the opposite has been true and getting truer.

Date: Apr 22, 2004

I agree with PostPaid.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

I think everyone has had their say on this thread. Glad that USM PR was able to get their message out, and that FS message board members were so nice to them.

Closing this. IF USM PR wants to spread the "good news," they can do it on another website.

FS, MOD