Garth Turner - New Age Outlaw?
There is an old saying that if your only tool is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a nail.
Looks like Garth is learning the limits of the digital medium - he clearly lost the "people" element.
People will write things they will never say face-to-face in a blog/comment etc. The attacks and retorts go either way - check out most of Garth's comment threads. (No links - "Expert" Tom used up our quota last post).
What's missing from the digital experience is the 2 way interaction based upon more that words - tone of voice and body language being the big 2!
For example - one of his critics changed their opinion of an issue just from a phone call with Garth. He had 7 posts and numerous comments on his blog about what he was doing with budget document and he did not really not get his point across until they talked on the phone.
Another example, is Garth change of heart after meeting face to face with caucus - as "they" say 90% of communication is non-verbal - he saw and heard enough to rethink
his entire strategy. This points out another issues with exclusively relying on the digital media - the tendency for develop an us against them bunker mentality that distorts the true picture. Also, instantly dispelled once face to face.
So any lessons learned - who knows? But you need more that a computer and an internet connection to communicate effectively.
Looks like Garth is learning the limits of the digital medium - he clearly lost the "people" element.
People will write things they will never say face-to-face in a blog/comment etc. The attacks and retorts go either way - check out most of Garth's comment threads. (No links - "Expert" Tom used up our quota last post).
What's missing from the digital experience is the 2 way interaction based upon more that words - tone of voice and body language being the big 2!
For example - one of his critics changed their opinion of an issue just from a phone call with Garth. He had 7 posts and numerous comments on his blog about what he was doing with budget document and he did not really not get his point across until they talked on the phone.
Another example, is Garth change of heart after meeting face to face with caucus - as "they" say 90% of communication is non-verbal - he saw and heard enough to rethink
his entire strategy. This points out another issues with exclusively relying on the digital media - the tendency for develop an us against them bunker mentality that distorts the true picture. Also, instantly dispelled once face to face.
So any lessons learned - who knows? But you need more that a computer and an internet connection to communicate effectively.
posted by pale at 11:26 AM
7 Comments:
a thoughtful, well expressed observation. nicely done.
I met Garth when he spoke at our AGM on Monday and was surprised. His voice was softer than expected and his views much less edgy. He praised the party and Harper, even saying that he thought Harper will be an exceptional PM and that he was proud to be part of the government and party.
This softer approach doesn't come out as well on his blog (well maybe until recently). Also, the media have been playing up his renegade status and our impression of him is somewhat tainted by it.
I do wish he would try to tone down his me vs them rhetoric though. Its ok to point out where you disagree with the party without attacking them or making broad assumptions about their motives and goals as MPs and their duties within the new Government.
my 2 cents...do I get any change?
Mr. Turner has turned out to be an embarrassment to the party. He wants the public attention pure and simple all in the name of openness. However, he is typical of the old PC party which aired its dirty laundry in public and stabbed the leader in the back thus convincing Canadians that the PC party was not fit to govern.It is only a matter of time before he steps over the line and gets the boot to indpendence.
Is there a difference between an old age and new age self absorbed media whore?
Expert Tom - I am the critic that changed her opinion after talking to Garth. I agree with you that on the phone (or in person as in your case), he is very easy to talk to and extremely polite and soft-spoken. He really does come across as trying to do his best in his own misguided fashion.
I think he would do better to just get rid of the comment section of his blog and stick to the party talking points, IMO.
BTW, what is AGM? Thanks.
Annual General Meeting for the Riding Association. And I didn't write the post just the comment. Its a group blog and Pale wrote the actual post.
I'm not sure he should stick to the party talking points, but I do think he should remember that his comments are directed at people like Chuck Strahl who is dying of cancer and has obviously no ambition of power for power sake. The party is full of genuine and good people that I think hes picking a fight with a strawman that he himself has created.
Ah-hah... Thanks for clearing up that bit of confusion for me, Expert Tom.
Yes, you seem to have a very acute perception of the whole Garth thing. Sometimes people need to take a time-out and really assess what's driving them. (Both Garth and the Liberal Party).
Post a Comment
<< Home