Where next

I'm now firmly convinced that Atom (or quite probably any other weblog software) will do what I want from it in terms of publishing. After listening on the Atom list for a while, I'm beginning to think about what else it is, or could be, used for. As a wrapper for asynchronous transfer of some XML payload? We know it works for audio (podcasting), and I believe video is on the cards, or in use, so I guess multi-media is a close follow on? Extensions seem to be the hot topic even before the ink is dry n the IETF... draft or whatever they are called.

Lauren Wood did a piece supporting the use of weblogs in industry which made real sense, but omitted politics from the equation. I feel sure that politics take precedence over common sense, if common sense is indeed common in management today. We'll have to ask Len Bullard about that one! Anonymous blogs in-house? Would you believe your IT department if they told you they were anonymous? Seems pointless though. If truly anonymous, then what's the point of giving everyone the chance to be really evil? If not anonymous, it does provide an opportunity to reflect for a few seconds prior to posting. It could be your last post in this job. I like the chance to speak my mind on work matters. If it's not listened to, then OK. If I'm way off line, or plain wrong, chances are that I'll be put right. Doing it in the right way is the hard bit.

Ever tried three sixty degree feedback? Sat there telling the director how you think he's done over the last 12 months? Some don't take too kindly to that. I can see lots of organisations picking up on the theory, but finding it hard when they respond to a juniors comment whilst in a bad mood, or just after being roasted by their own boss. Perhaps a case of theory and practice not quite meeting in the middle?

Someone called it a possible reflection into the intranet of what already goes on in the smoking room? If you have been a member of that community, then you'll appreciate it as the fastest communications channel in most organisations. If senior management can see blogs as overheard smoking room gossip, treat it accordingly and move on, then fine. Same way they could respond, casting cold water on bad rumours, confirming unconfirmed good news etc. I'm sure it could hold benefits on both sides. Feedback channels would offer even more chance to respond appropriately.

Summary? I like blogs.

Appropriate. Quick look in my email inbox, and IETF have approved Atom as an proposed standard. See IETF for the document itself.