Ructions: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 17:23, 20 November 2007

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amended corporate style

Jonathan

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 The first problems came due to the debate over the playout of [[URY]] in campus bars, long an ambition of the radio station. Whilst out of the country, James had been in contact with Tim Bateson and [[Matt Fullerton]] of URY (who was not an active member of YSTV at this point) about proposed plans for URY to be broadcast in campus bars using [[Rediffusion]]. James had responded on behalf of YSTV stating that "it would be unfair for URY to be allowed to broadcast in campus bars", not unreasonably suggesting that it would cut off YSTV's main distribution medium.
-[[Richard Ash]] contacted a number of active members stating "James Flinders didn't seem to think the rest of you needed to see the attached email", forwarding on the previous correspondence.  Richard also sent a message to URY pointing out that initial response had been without internal consultation, something that any major decision such as this would require.  Whilst few would doubt James had good intentions, his methods were seen as somewhat undemocratic and not in the spirit a democratic society.
+[[Richard Ash]] contacted a number of active members forwarding on the previous correspondence.  Richard also sent a message to URY pointing out that initial response had been without internal consultation, something that any major decision such as this would require.  Whilst few would doubt James had good intentions, his methods were seen as somewhat undemocratic and not in the spirit a democratic society.
 ===YSTV Corporate Style===
-James' next controversial move was to suggest the introduction of a 'YSTV Corporate Style'. He initially sent an email about this to some officers ({{unsure|the team leaders I think}}) saying:
+Another move was to suggest the introduction of a 'YSTV Corporate Style' on emails, initially sent to team leaders.  This was poorly received by most due to appearing slightly patronising, even if presumably well-intentioned, and also due to it being apparently in response to YSTV's "poor image" on campus - something that was certainly debatable if not also bad for station morale.  In addition there were concerns that voluntary members of a society were being told to do something without consultation or debate and also worries about multiple references to YSTV's structure as if it were a hirearchy of command to be followed to the letter (such as "listing officers in order of seniority").  Finally there were instructions on basic punctuation and grammar, something that few if any members had problems with.  Once again it wasn't doubted that the intention was simply to improve the image of the station (which had certainly had its problems in preceding years), just that the methods used were misguided and at odds with the casual and team-oriented style of YSTV organisation and management.
-''Here's an e-mail explaining the new corporate style. What do you think. It would include two basic templates (one for officers, one for non-officers). Is it okay? I tried to make it funny. Not sure if it worked.''
-The email was widely regarded by those to whom it was sent as misguided and patronising. For example, it started by saying ''YSTV has a poor image amongst other societies and students'' - this was not regarded as a great way to inspire confidence and morale. The message continued:
-''In order to combat this, and to show these people what a fun & funky society we really are, I've decided to introduce a corporate e-mail style. From now on, use the style for all e-mails you send that are YSTV-related.''
-Apart from the suggestion that a 'corporate style' doesn't sit well with a 'fun and funky' image, many felt that '''telling''' the members to use a certain style was overly heavy handed, and not a good way to address the voluntary members of the society. Multiple references to YSTV's organisational structure as a hirearchy of command were seen as against the team ethos of the society, for example the email said that when addressing multiple officers, the sender should list them in order of seniority, with the ''most important person first''. Further, the email gave instructions which were seen by some as patronising, verging on rude. Examples include:
-* Explaining how to separate paragraphs with blank lines
-* Stating there should ''NEVER be double line spaces''
-* Telling people how to write their signature: ''...we want your title, not your life story...''
-* Explaining use of capitalisation
-It is important to note here that most would agree that James' intention was indeed to improve YSTV's image, however (within the knowledge of this article's author) every person who read this message thought it at worst insulting and at best misguided. It seemed to many to be obviously misaligned with the casual and team-oriented style of YSTV organisation and management.
 ===The Constitution===