One of the highlights for me at this past weekend’s Podcamp Toronto 2010 was Robin Browne’s session on Mobile Social Media (audio available here). To me, the impetus for the session, the way it came together, and the way it was conducted were indicative of what a Podcamp session was meant to be.

Robin put together the session because he didn’t see anyone else putting one on for this topic, and he wanted to learn more. He did not have a presentation planned, and crowd-sourced some tech assistance, and then facilitated a great discussion in the room. There were great questions and answers, and the discussion did not end at the formal end of the decision, and people in the room made new connections to explore this exciting field further.

Informal. Ad Hoc. Involvement. Enthusiasm.

Everything that makes up a great Podcamp presentation, and it certainly made this “old school” attendee happy to attend and participate!

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Today I went downtown to pick up my new passport. I had last been in the passport office on the 29th of January to submit my application. Although I had to pay extra for expedited processing (needed for a trip to New Jersey tomorrow) the passport was done in about 10 days. This was my third passport, and each time the process has been faster and more streamlined. Everyone passport office employee I’ve dealt with has been very pleasant and helpful.

During the current spat of TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) incidents and complaints, a number of people have said “What else would you expect from unionized government employees but laziness and a sense of entitlement?” as if any other kind of behaviour would be impossible.

Well, the Passport office proves that being staffed by unionized government employees doesn’t mean that “Service with a Snarl” is inevitable., so i don’t buy the concept that the TTC cannot improve as long as a government and a union are involved.

Instead of treating the hapless TTC rider as their common enemy, both management and employees of this troubled organization need to stop pointing fingers.

Unless they’re in front of a mirror.

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