Timing is the essence of most everything!

Posted 11 Dec 2010 by Walaa Idris

I spent yesterday afternoon at the Blogginportal’s event which was held at our old Central Office in 32 Smith Square, ironically now the home of the EU in the UK. The event, one of the first to be held in their new offices, was about discussing the European Union in the British blogosphere.

The first reason I attended the event, which was divide into two sessions, was to better understand a few things about the EU – as I still find some areas a little complex – and was hoping during the discussions some will become clearer.

My general feelings towards the EU is that its an intrusive yet unconducive project, at least not for the UK- as I am still unsure, after all these years what we (in the UK) get out of it (the EU) as much as we put in it. And my logic asks why and says; if we are doing it to be charitable then we should be able to decide how much to give but if it is a business and mutual cooperation between partners than it has to be fair and on an even keel. The EU over all is a very socialist top down rigidly controlled from the centre system, which goes against everything I believe in. Plus it is a very expensive experiment that is failing. In my opinion, it should either be radically reformed or scraped all together and something more practical, workable and agreeable by most members put in its place – nevertheless, it should not be allowed to continue in its current state.

The second reason I went was to network, that went well as I meet many fellow bloggers. But when it came to understanding the EU better – well, how can I put it – those who support the idea and advocate its viability and those who work inside it plus those who write and report about it seem, similar to me, somewhat confused and unclear about huge chunks of it. They too have a problem with finding information and or the correct source to go to when they need that information – like with many leftish systems it clearly has too many Indians and not enough Chiefs when it comes to who and where to best source out reports.

The general feeling was that reporting is not “sexy” enough to make headlines and grab attention, and not detailed enough to inform but at the same time they (the panellist) felt reporting and writing about the EU is too tedious to be sexed up in the first place as for the details unless you are an expert, then God help you!

Like many of these events, there was a clear right left divide – and although the event was advertised as non partisan both panels were very heavy on the left and the right was barely represent on the second panel, but its the EU so I was not terribly surprised by that.

The discussion was very bizarre yet an accurate reflection of why the EU is not a success. The content was very much Europhile and pro – but the method and the format of delivery was a huge indictment to the system over all and a reflection of its attitude towards debate, democracy and consultation. The panel was first asked questions by the chair then they talked amongst themselves (discussion) while we (the audience) watched them go at it but were not allowed to comment, interject or ask questions until the floor (almost an hour later) was opened for questioning by which time the moment has well and truly passed – and they wonder why it’s not sexy!?

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7 comment(s)

EuroGoblin

EuroGoblin
11 Dec, 19:34

Hi Walaa,

I’m not sure your criticism is fair. We worked hard to balance the panels, and it’s not right to say they were biased towards the left. If the second panel had more lefties on it, then the first panel was mostly “right-wingers” (though I find that to be a slightly artificial distinction – Bruno Waterfield is very critical of the EU, yet he said on the panel he’s very leftwing).

As for the format of the discussions – it was divided in half with 45 minutes for a panel discussion and 45 minutes for questions from the audience – which means we divided the time 50/50, and which I think is fair. We also got plenty of questions – so I don’t agree that people weren’t interested.

But I am sorry if you didn’t enjoy the event. I thought it went quite well!

Joe Litobarski

Gawain Towler

Gawain Towler
12 Dec, 00:02

I would put Rennie on the right, and Matts, and even Nosemonkey so oddly the first panel was definitely right heavy.

The second, well no, three one, but as you say different perspectives of left.

Elle

Elle
12 Dec, 06:20

Few seminars devote fully half the panel time to questions from the audience, as this one did. Also, it’s quite standard to have the discussion time after speakers’ presentations. When it comes to an issue as emotive as the EU, it seems people often only see what they want to see.

russellw

russellw
12 Dec, 10:30

Looking forward to your take on Anthropogenic Global Warming !

Demetrius

Demetrius
12 Dec, 14:46

European Unity worked very much better when I was in the British Army of Occupation. Since then it has all gone down hill and down market.

Walaa

Walaa
12 Dec, 17:57

Joe – My intention was to comment on what I observed and hopefully leave you with a constructive though – mainly allowing the audience participation after each question – in my experience I found it to be more vibrant and engaging.

Elle – the time allocated for audiences’ question was ample – the method however I found not too conducive – I could say the same about people hearing what they like to hear but it’ll be a cheap shot.

Russellw – maybe one day soon ;-))

To all of you thank you for your comment – they are greatly appreciated.

EuroGoblin

EuroGoblin
13 Dec, 22:53

Hi Walaa,

I take your criticism, and I suppose I was just a bit disappointed that what I’d thought was quite a balanced event (which an equal number of pro and critical views expressed) could still be called “very heavy on the left.”

On the other hand, we also got criticism from other people who thought it was too biased towards the Eurosceptic point of view – and you know what they say: if both sides are criticising you, you must be doing something right! ;-)

Anyway, I’m glad you could make it – and I’ll take your point about mixing in more questions from the audience.

Cheers,

Joe

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