Comments on: Cloud computing and labor disputes: University locks striking profs out of their coursework and email http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Wed, 22 May 2013 03:54:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: alanp http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1267429 alanp Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1267429 "Myself, and some fellow faculty and students quickly produced a blog and Twitter feed to combat this censorship." I am happy this person isn't teaching English, or anything to do with written communications. Atrocious grammar. This person has never lost a job where within the space of minutes you may lose permanent access to the email system, your computer, all documents, contacts, etc. That teaches you to keep business and personal email separate, and to find ways to backup work content to your personal computers. At least this disruption is temporary. When he and his fellow teaching faculty go back to work, they will be able to access email and blackboard. “Myself, and some fellow faculty and students quickly produced a blog and Twitter feed to combat this censorship.”

I am happy this person isn’t teaching English, or anything to do with written communications. Atrocious grammar.

This person has never lost a job where within the space of minutes you may lose permanent access to the email system, your computer, all documents, contacts, etc. That teaches you to keep business and personal email separate, and to find ways to backup work content to your personal computers.

At least this disruption is temporary. When he and his fellow teaching faculty go back to work, they will be able to access email and blackboard.

]]> By: Lea Hinchcliff http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265979 Lea Hinchcliff Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:52:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265979 Support to SIUC faculty!   Support to SIUC faculty!  

]]> By: davidasposted http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265326 davidasposted Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:23:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265326 Agreed, universities are not about to make case-by-case or department-by-department rules for what constitutes necessary use of their e-mail systems. Interestingly enough, in my experience adjunct faculty rarely have this problem as universities do not consider them <i>real</i> employees and therefore often neglect to issue them official e-mail accounts. Where I work, while I must send class-wide notices to students' university e-mail addresses, if they respond using a personal e-mail address we can continue our conversation without a problem. And I have used my personal e-mail address as my primary contact for students for years without an issue. Agreed, universities are not about to make case-by-case or department-by-department rules for what constitutes necessary use of their e-mail systems. Interestingly enough, in my experience adjunct faculty rarely have this problem as universities do not consider them real employees and therefore often neglect to issue them official e-mail accounts. Where I work, while I must send class-wide notices to students’ university e-mail addresses, if they respond using a personal e-mail address we can continue our conversation without a problem. And I have used my personal e-mail address as my primary contact for students for years without an issue.

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265315 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:10:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265315 Yes, in many cases professors are not binding the university as a purchasing agent might be. They may in some H.R. contexts and others. As for the second one, things like grant accounting review are sometimes important motivators. The thing is, there are lots of different scenarios in a faculty body. A number of them raise issues that make it important to have access to email. It is impractical to make different rules for each member of faculty and update it continuously. Yes, in many cases professors are not binding the university as a purchasing agent might be. They may in some H.R. contexts and others. As for the second one, things like grant accounting review are sometimes important motivators.

The thing is, there are lots of different scenarios in a faculty body. A number of them raise issues that make it important to have access to email. It is impractical to make different rules for each member of faculty and update it continuously.

]]> By: davidasposted http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265309 davidasposted Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265309 Actually, while there are reasons for why universities often require that profs use their e-mail clients, the first reason you give generally do not apply. Profs are generally not regarded as "acting on behalf of the company" -- this serves not only to protect the academic freedom of profs, but also immunize the university from PR problems (see: the Ward Churchill case). You second reason is closer to the truth; interestingly, one of the primary motivations relates to privacy laws re: students. Actually, while there are reasons for why universities often require that profs use their e-mail clients, the first reason you give generally do not apply. Profs are generally not regarded as “acting on behalf of the company” — this serves not only to protect the academic freedom of profs, but also immunize the university from PR problems (see: the Ward Churchill case).

You second reason is closer to the truth; interestingly, one of the primary motivations relates to privacy laws re: students.

]]> By: Thorzdad http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265306 Thorzdad Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265306 I, for one, would consider being locked-out of Blackboard a positive thing. I, for one, would consider being locked-out of Blackboard a positive thing.

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265287 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265287 I see your point. On the other hand, the professors are striking against someone, and that someone seems to be acting on behalf of the body politic in its administration of the school. I think that doesn't really change the analysis. The professors are the one group I *know* does not own that little piece of the cloud. In any case, memory is so cheap now that this should be a non-issue. If material in the cloud had been backed up, there would be no issue at all. Even material fed into Blackboard is usually (often, maybe) created elsewhere. I see your point. On the other hand, the professors are striking against someone, and that someone seems to be acting on behalf of the body politic in its administration of the school. I think that doesn’t really change the analysis. The professors are the one group I *know* does not own that little piece of the cloud.

In any case, memory is so cheap now that this should be a non-issue. If material in the cloud had been backed up, there would be no issue at all. Even material fed into Blackboard is usually (often, maybe) created elsewhere.

]]> By: davidasposted http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265282 davidasposted Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:45:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265282 I totally agree. The sooner we help academics understand the range of options out there (e.g. alternatives to Blackboard, which is one of the worst platforms I've ever had the pain of using) everyone -- students, profs, etc. -- will benefit! I totally agree. The sooner we help academics understand the range of options out there (e.g. alternatives to Blackboard, which is one of the worst platforms I’ve ever had the pain of using) everyone — students, profs, etc. — will benefit!

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265279 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:44:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265279 (1) When you are acting in the scope of your employment the corporation is bound by your actions. The corporation needs access to what you "said" to people inside and outside the corporation. After all, you are acting on behalf of the company. (2) Similar but different, corporations are legally expected to have control over their communications. Because (despite what the Supreme Court says) corporations are not people, corporate communications are made via individuals. If the corporation faces either a lawsuit or a regulatory inquiry it is obliged to produce its communications. It cannot do that if they are all on your gmail account. That's two for the price of one. Frankly, it strikes me as beyond question that when you empower someone to act on your behalf you want ready access to their actions. That is email in many cases. (1) When you are acting in the scope of your employment the corporation is bound by your actions. The corporation needs access to what you “said” to people inside and outside the corporation. After all, you are acting on behalf of the company.

(2) Similar but different, corporations are legally expected to have control over their communications. Because (despite what the Supreme Court says) corporations are not people, corporate communications are made via individuals. If the corporation faces either a lawsuit or a regulatory inquiry it is obliged to produce its communications. It cannot do that if they are all on your gmail account.

That’s two for the price of one. Frankly, it strikes me as beyond question that when you empower someone to act on your behalf you want ready access to their actions. That is email in many cases.

]]> By: Steve Miller http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265264 Steve Miller Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:36:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265264 The university may be a business-like activity. It isn't a business. This is a public school, therefore the administrators do not own the institution but work as caretakers for the public. The rationale for public education is the betterment of the body politic, not the creation of political fiefdoms. That said, an academic should know better than place all control to course materials, publications, and other IP in the hands of anyone else. There isn't much to be done about email accounts or required course management systems, other than back-up what can be copied. The university may be a business-like activity. It isn’t a business. This is a public school, therefore the administrators do not own the institution but work as caretakers for the public. The rationale for public education is the betterment of the body politic, not the creation of political fiefdoms.
That said, an academic should know better than place all control to course materials, publications, and other IP in the hands of anyone else. There isn’t much to be done about email accounts or required course management systems, other than back-up what can be copied.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265257 Antinous / Moderator Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:33:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265257 <blockquote>There are about a million good reasons for this</blockquote> ......................................................................................  .....  ... ..? I don't require all million of them, but not even one?

There are about a million good reasons for this

…………………………………………………………………………..  …..  … ..?

I don’t require all million of them, but not even one?

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265222 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265222 There may very well be intellectual property that belongs to the professors "in the cloud." But the university owns that little piece of cloud. When you stop going to work, they stop making their resources available to you. That isn't fascist. That's reality. The university gets to control its property, the professors theirs.  There may very well be intellectual property that belongs to the professors “in the cloud.” But the university owns that little piece of cloud. When you stop going to work, they stop making their resources available to you. That isn’t fascist. That’s reality. The university gets to control its property, the professors theirs. 

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265216 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:04:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265216 You do realize that in most companies you are required to use corporate email for corporate business, right? There are about a million good reasons for this, and most of them apply to universities as well. Maybe they ought to just use their university email for work and private email for other email . . .  You do realize that in most companies you are required to use corporate email for corporate business, right? There are about a million good reasons for this, and most of them apply to universities as well.

Maybe they ought to just use their university email for work and private email for other email . . . 

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265208 ChicagoD Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:59:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265208 If academia is not business why are the high priests of academia in a union and striking? It *is* a business and this is how business goes. If academia is not business why are the high priests of academia in a union and striking? It *is* a business and this is how business goes.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265187 Antinous / Moderator Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:34:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265187 <blockquote>I think the real outcome here is that professors everywhere are going to stop using university mail accounts.</blockquote> Until the Universities make it mandatory. Since you can't demand to foster your vassals' children anymore, institutions have to get create with hostage taking.

I think the real outcome here is that professors everywhere are going to stop using university mail accounts.

Until the Universities make it mandatory. Since you can’t demand to foster your vassals’ children anymore, institutions have to get create with hostage taking.

]]> By: libcc http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265171 libcc Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265171 Exactly.  A half-witted sys admin could have it all locked out (with incredible granular control) almost instantly.  In fact, I'd bet that it is harder to work with external 3rd parties to effect the kind of changes that you want on these systems. The problem isn't that the servers are off-campus. Exactly.  A half-witted sys admin could have it all locked out (with incredible granular control) almost instantly.  In fact, I’d bet that it is harder to work with external 3rd parties to effect the kind of changes that you want on these systems.

The problem isn’t that the servers are off-campus.

]]> By: PhosPhorious http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265144 PhosPhorious Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265144 "<i>They're not suckers. . . </i> True enough.  My sympathy and support are with them.  I didn't mean to belittle them so much as point out that there are many ways around these restrictions that they should be encouraged to explore. “They’re not suckers. . .

True enough.  My sympathy and support are with them.  I didn’t mean to belittle them so much as point out that there are many ways around these restrictions that they should be encouraged to explore.

]]> By: regeya http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265119 regeya Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:30:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265119 When I was a STUDENT at SIU-C, I didn't rely solely on my @siu.edu or @cs.siu.edu addresses.  I learned too much about SIU-C to do that. :-> When I was a STUDENT at SIU-C, I didn’t rely solely on my @siu.edu or @cs.siu.edu addresses.  I learned too much about SIU-C to do that. :->

]]> By: Layne http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265100 Layne Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:16:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265100 In other news, Universities stopped being tolerant or open to free opinions about a bazillion years ago. This is just one instance where the intolerance is happening to the profs and not the students in attendance.  And yeah, when you stop showing up for work, they're probably going to take the keys and the email too.  In other news, Universities stopped being tolerant or open to free opinions about a bazillion years ago. This is just one instance where the intolerance is happening to the profs and not the students in attendance. 

And yeah, when you stop showing up for work, they’re probably going to take the keys and the email too. 

]]> By: Andrew Clausen http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265023 Andrew Clausen Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265023 I'm actually a student at Southern Illinois University and I honestly did not expect a piece, not on the strike, but on the frozen Blackboard and gmail provided @siu.edu email accounts to come around. Here's a few tidbits to add to the fire; on top of having their Blackboard accounts frozen, professors who have chosen to strike have had university officials with instructor privileges added to their blackboard classes.  As I was told, there was no warning or note for this, one theory is that they have been added to keep watch over the students as instructor level access gives power to monitor what goes through Blackboard. As for their email accounts being frozen, our @siu.edu emails are just what the whole university body uses, its what everybody uses because they are easy to track back to the person who sent it, there is no anonymity like with a yahoo address.  And yes, the instructors on strike have had to create new emails to use. The university Facebook page is a running riot, it you are to post anything that the moderators don't like, they'll remove your post and ban you.  Some people are having a fun time posting something and seeing how long their comments will last, as I heard in the hallway some aren't even staying up for a full six minutes, then going in seconds and now commenting has been outright dissabled.  Our paper, the Daily Egyptian ( http://dailyegyptian.com/ ) wrote a piece on this ( http://dailyegyptian.com/2011/11/04/students-dont-like-censorship/ ). If you ask me, the situation has been handled poorly, but there isn't a guide manual for dealing with social media and conditions like this.  I've posted this message with my own @siu.edu email account, with the way the university has been playing I'm wondering if I'm going to pick up any flack for this post.  Cheers! I’m actually a student at Southern Illinois University and I honestly did not expect a piece, not on the strike, but on the frozen Blackboard and gmail provided @siu.edu email accounts to come around.

Here’s a few tidbits to add to the fire; on top of having their Blackboard accounts frozen, professors who have chosen to strike have had university officials with instructor privileges added to their blackboard classes.  As I was told, there was no warning or note for this, one theory is that they have been added to keep watch over the students as instructor level access gives power to monitor what goes through Blackboard.

As for their email accounts being frozen, our @siu.edu emails are just what the whole university body uses, its what everybody uses because they are easy to track back to the person who sent it, there is no anonymity like with a yahoo address.  And yes, the instructors on strike have had to create new emails to use.

The university Facebook page is a running riot, it you are to post anything that the moderators don’t like, they’ll remove your post and ban you.  Some people are having a fun time posting something and seeing how long their comments will last, as I heard in the hallway some aren’t even staying up for a full six minutes, then going in seconds and now commenting has been outright dissabled.  Our paper, the Daily Egyptian ( http://dailyegyptian.com/ ) wrote a piece on this ( http://dailyegyptian.com/2011/11/04/students-dont-like-censorship/ ).

If you ask me, the situation has been handled poorly, but there isn’t a guide manual for dealing with social media and conditions like this.  I’ve posted this message with my own @siu.edu email account, with the way the university has been playing I’m wondering if I’m going to pick up any flack for this post.  Cheers!

]]> By: ultranaut http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265009 ultranaut Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:46:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265009 They aren't locked out of resources belonging to a business. They are locked out of resources belonging to a public institution of higher education. Being academics engaged in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge is an entirely different thing. Academia is not business! They aren’t locked out of resources belonging to a business. They are locked out of resources belonging to a public institution of higher education. Being academics engaged in the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge is an entirely different thing. Academia is not business!

]]> By: trackofalljades http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1265001 trackofalljades Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1265001 I don't understand what this has to do with "cloud computing" at all.  The fact that strikers are being locked out might be newsworthy (after all, outside academia this would be commonplace).  There's nothing uniquely "cloud" about this though.  The localized infrastructure of any university could just as easily be locked down.  In fact, it might be easier that way.  After all, if all these professors were using e-mail accounts at Google or similar, would the ISP obey some order from a school official to lock them out?  Perhaps not. I don’t understand what this has to do with “cloud computing” at all.  The fact that strikers are being locked out might be newsworthy (after all, outside academia this would be commonplace).  There’s nothing uniquely “cloud” about this though.  The localized infrastructure of any university could just as easily be locked down.  In fact, it might be easier that way.  After all, if all these professors were using e-mail accounts at Google or similar, would the ISP obey some order from a school official to lock them out?  Perhaps not.

]]> By: jerwin http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264975 jerwin Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264975 www.arxiv.org has an extensive database of suckers.  http://www.arxiv.org has an extensive database of suckers. 

]]> By: Justin Case http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264972 Justin Case Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264972 What about the other part of the story... the uni's deletion of pro-union comments from their facebook page? What about the other part of the story… the uni’s deletion of pro-union comments from their facebook page?

]]> By: davidasposted http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264968 davidasposted Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264968 These folks are not necessarily suckers. Many older profs were ushered somewhat reluctantly into the e-mail era when university departments began to communicate primarily through that medium, rather than an office telephone or a letter in the mailbox. Because many universities require profs to use their university e-mail account for all official communication between them and students, administrators, etc., many profs use that account as their primary--and in some cases, only--one. They're not suckers, many simply do not regard checking multiple e-mail accounts as common practice. We need to help them set up a Gmail account (or what have you) and teach them how to forward e-mails from their university accounts for ease of use. Unfortunately for them, this labor action has expedited the need. These folks are not necessarily suckers. Many older profs were ushered somewhat reluctantly into the e-mail era when university departments began to communicate primarily through that medium, rather than an office telephone or a letter in the mailbox. Because many universities require profs to use their university e-mail account for all official communication between them and students, administrators, etc., many profs use that account as their primary–and in some cases, only–one.

They’re not suckers, many simply do not regard checking multiple e-mail accounts as common practice. We need to help them set up a Gmail account (or what have you) and teach them how to forward e-mails from their university accounts for ease of use. Unfortunately for them, this labor action has expedited the need.

]]> By: Hugh Stimson http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264954 Hugh Stimson Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:51:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264954 I'm smart about computers therefore those people should have known better and have no right to complain. I’m smart about computers therefore those people should have known better and have no right to complain.

]]> By: Michael Langford http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264947 Michael Langford Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264947 I think the real outcome here is that professors everywhere are going to stop using university mail accounts. I think the real outcome here is that professors everywhere are going to stop using university mail accounts.

]]> By: liquidstar http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264942 liquidstar Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:41:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264942 By the same logic shown here in the many disappointing comments above, the U.S. Postal Service should own all mail sent to it, or by extension, Purolator etc.  Private work may in fact not be owned by the university, may in fact be an intellectual copyright for authors.   Universities do not necessarily own the work of the professors working there simply by dint of supplying equipment.  The Universities action here may be outright theft in fact.   This aside from the fascist moves made by a supposedly intellectual institution of restricting and censoring information.  Of course abuse of power comes as no surprise. By the same logic shown here in the many disappointing comments above, the U.S. Postal Service should own all mail sent to it, or by extension, Purolator etc.  Private work may in fact not be owned by the university, may in fact be an intellectual copyright for authors.   Universities do not necessarily own the work of the professors working there simply by dint of supplying equipment.  The Universities action here may be outright theft in fact.   This aside from the fascist moves made by a supposedly intellectual institution of restricting and censoring information.  Of course abuse of power comes as no surprise.

]]> By: PhosPhorious http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264926 PhosPhorious Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264926 Arguably, the problem is that their computing wasn't "cloudy" enough. . .  it was dependent on the university (Blackboard, for example, is licensed only through universities.) Only suckers depend on university supplied e-mail addresses and such. Arguably, the problem is that their computing wasn’t “cloudy” enough. . .  it was dependent on the university (Blackboard, for example, is licensed only through universities.)

Only suckers depend on university supplied e-mail addresses and such.

]]> By: Guest http://boingboing.net/2011/11/08/cloud-computing-and-labor-disputes-university-locks-striking-profs-out-of-their-coursework-and-email.html#comment-1264924 Guest Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:28:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128094#comment-1264924 I think the uni would be within their rights to provide hard copies of any intellectual property which is not theirs but which is stored in their cloud. Strikes are playing hardball. Turnabout is always fair play. I think the uni would be within their rights to provide hard copies of any intellectual property which is not theirs but which is stored in their cloud.

Strikes are playing hardball. Turnabout is always fair play.

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