In our research projects we’re constantly aware that the independent gifted amateurs are using all kinds of tools – some of which are reviewed here to make themselves more efficient and extend their reach.

By contrast, the corporate sector gets ever more controlling – so that people who are locked inside their firewalls are falling behind in understanding how the rest of the world is working.

We have 2 classic examples that have cropped up in the last few weeks. My main research colleague now has to do all her internet related work from her own machines because anything the University controls is completely locked down. Even though she’s responsible for teaching Internet use at Masters level.

Secondly an old Business Link colleague of mine (IT / e-business adviser)  tells me that the organisation that has taken over the Franchise that he works for has policies that not only prevent him looking at the web sites of some of the people that he’s advising (because the name is deemed “inappropriate”)  but also prevent him from naming the site in an e-mail to his boss complaining about this piece of control freakery.

What is the matter with these people? Don’t they realise that if you prevent people doing their jobs it can hardly work to the organisation’s advantage?