Influence - The TTW Effect
May 22nd, 2006Back in March 2003, I met this long-haired guy with a goatee. He was sitting at a table with his Mac at the Hilton in Washington D.C. “You rock”, he said excitedly as I passed his table and glanced his way. “Thanks”, I replied, and a friendship started. You see, Michael Stephens had just seen me present my “Keeping Current in 40 or less, guaranteed!” shpeal at CIL and he (as Jenny says) “got it”. The next week, he started blogging and we’ve had many drinks, dinners, and long talks since.
The reason I mention this story is that where ever you look in the library blogging community these days, people thank Michael for getting them started on blogging. Here’s just two of the blogs I came across this week that credit Michael (There are many more):
+ Librarian on the Move - “I just attended a workshop by Michael Stephens on “Library 2.0″ His presentation got me thinking about possible ways we can increase service to our patrons. Check out his blog including his description of his tour of MN doing these presentations Tame The Web: Libraries and Technology…I plan to do multiple postings over the next few days about some of the trends and some of the web tools that Michael talked about.”
+ The Crookston Library - “The Crookston Library definitely needed a blog. In March we heard Stephen Abram speak on technology. His blog is here Stephen’s lighthouse Then, last week Michael Stephens challenged us to go forth & blog. His blog Tame the Web talks about his Minnesota tour.”
Michael is an inspiration and has and will heavily influence our profession for years to come (as an educator and technology evangelist) with his ever present smile and enthusiasm. He doesn’t get caught up in controversy, personal attacks, or any such nonesense. I have learned so much from Michael technologicaly of the years, but what has stuck with me the most is, everytime I talk to him on the phone or we exchange e-mails, he always asks, “How are YOU”? Caring, generous, and friendly.
I still can’t believe what I put him and many others through. The wounds have just about healed, and I’ve only recently ripped off the bandaids on my scarred reputation. I’m back to doing what I love to do: Write about really cool stuff librarians are doing, with a twist of humor. No more controversies for me. I’m taking the TTW approach. Thanks Michael.