Saturday 6 August 2011

Back to Basics of Informing: The INIS Principle

an article by Bob Travica (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada) published in Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management (Volume 6 2011)

Abstract

The term “information” pervades both the mundane and technical vocabularies to the extent that it resembles an infomantra. It is argued in this article that despite the wide spread of this infomantra, the term “information” does not communicate well to the client of informing since the informer uses it arbitrarily and without regard for the effects of informing. Conceptual in character, this argument is complemented by evidence from (1) evaluating user interface of Websites and (2) analyzing academic articles. A reified concept of information and an informer bias are identified in both domains as the antecedents to infomantra. In self-defense, the subjugated client may seek shelter of the INIS principle (It’s not information, stupid!). However, opportunities for escape are also identified in Website design and in possibilities of deeper theorizing of information.

Full text (PDF 20pp)


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