More about our conversation last week.

HI Everyone,

I've thought a lot about our conversation last week and I want to thank you for bringing your concerns to me. I have a few things to add:

1. Whether you realize it or not, I saw evidence that some of what we talk about in class in the last round of projects. So it is seeping in. However, I have been a bit taken back by what I perceive to be a lackadaisical attitude to producing work. Remember that this is an upper level research seminar, you are expected to bring your studio practice to class. It shouldn't be my responsibility to prod you into making work in a conscientious way. I hope that you will all take your final projects more seriously than any of the previous ones. Sloppy or half hearted work will be graded punitively. We will have the rest of the semester to work on these projects. If you choose not to take advantage of mid-progress critiques there is nothing I can do to help you.

2. Education is not Entertainment and it is part of your job to as a student to make the leap towards the material rather than the other way round. I'm sorry if not all parts of the course have been interesting to each of you personally, however they were never meant to be, so tough. When I ask you to consider the internet's structure or culture in light of the theory we have read it means exactly that. That is the class, that is the work I want you to do. If it does not interest you to do it, or if it conflicts with an idea or value you already hold, well, that's too bad. I made it clear in the syllabus that this class would involve reading primary sources and doing primary research in relation to digital communication culture. I also made clear that we would not be looking at many artists. There may be graphic designers doing interesting design work for the internet but this class is not about cool visuals.

3. I set myself the task of introducing to you some of the major considerations of 20th century media studies which have had a profound influence on artists, e.g. the notion of the disciplined society, how to negotiate alterity, what constitutes an Image in a contemporary culture replete with images. These are not petty concerns, and they are definitely not "filler". Simply because they do not speak directly of the twinkling lights and dazzling gew gaws of internet culture does not mean they have no application. In fact, these are large and enduring issues which outlive any particular technology. In fact my other task for the class was to identify whether and how these concerns have been transformed by the new conditions of this most recent industrial revolution and how these can transform your work. I think we have made some progress there.

I look forward to seeing your presentations next thursday.

SL