Talk:Can the Inmates Help Run the Asylum
From LIS5313
This looks great already. Your information is very well organized, and I really like the images you have included. I also like the way you explain the democratic nature of folksonomies by pointing out that a tag created by a seven year old is treated the same as a tag created by a librarian--that example really helps illustrate your point.
As Chris pointed out, our instructions do specify that we are supposed to use in-text parenthetical citations to cite references instead of footnotes. The footnotes do look nice and clean and are less distracting than parenthetical citations, so maybe you can clear the use of your reference footnotes with Dr. Tripp.
I'm glad you point out that folksonomies and traditional taxonomic classification can work together to enhance library patrons' searching experiences. It is such an important point that I wonder if you can expound on it a bit. That is kind of nit-picky, though--this draft is really good! Caycev 20:42, 5 December 2007 (MST)
With the risk of being a "me, too" post, I think you've done an excellent job, Brian. Like Christopher, I was going to suggest that you beef up the disadvantages section a bit, mentioning not only synonym problems, but problems with singular vs. plural versions and spelling. I would also suggest adding to the advantages, such as the ability to use current vocabulary. We all know it sometimes takes LCSH a while to add popular words. Additionally, I would advise adding some information on how tags can be beneficial beyond retrieval, i.e., del.icio.us tags are portable and can be used by patrons beyond finding a book, like I tag potential gifts for people or to build a bibliography.
Really well done, though! Anneg 18:05, 5 December 2007 (MST)
Brian, I think you've done a really good job of providing all the necessary background information for your topic. I would, however, elaborate on the "Disadvantages of folksonomies" paragraph, describing some of the more specific problems associated with decentralized, bottom-up classification systems (for example, synonym control and problems associated when people use their own terms that, in certain contexts mean the same thing or similar things, like "cat," "kitten," and "feline").
And at the risk of sounding picky, I think Doctor Tripp said only to use footnotes for supplementary text and comments that might interrupt the flow of the report if they were included in the body. Instead of footnotes for references, then, just use the parenthetical method prescribed by Harvard Referencing.
Otherwise, it looks like you're off to a great start. You've covered the information well, and the pictures definitely complement the text of the report. Best of luck with revising and finishing up!
Chris W 20:28, 4 December 2007 (MST)
Brian, I really enjoyed reading your report since this is a topic I too find fascinating. I think both the content and images are well chosen and support the main theme of your report. I only have two suggestions: first it would be nice to have more links from the body of the report to the sources you are referencing. Its always nice to go right to the source about which you are writing. Second I believe a link to a larger photo of the tag cloud would make it much easier to see examples of possible tags. Besides that you've done some great work here! --Matthew R 11:50, 8 December 2007 (MST)
Brian, I enjoyed reading your report because it is not a subject I am very familiar with and you've done an excellent job of providing me with greater insight. Your graphics are interesting and the report is very well organized. Nicely done ---Jo D. 17:32, 12 December 2007 (MST)
