http://www.vanessameachen.net The Dedicated Dabbler Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:39:36 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I've decided that I really need to do something with this blog, like actually update it once in a while. The reasons for my long absence, in approximate chronological order, are: Heavier workload as a result of: staff at work leaving and being only partly replaced; the Black Saturday bushfires; the Treasury inquiry into ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2009/07/08/a-chilly-city-suits-a-troubled-soul/ So I've been busy. I went overseas (Paris and the UK; wonderful) on holiday and then came back to a conference, which had its own behind-the-scenes drama (but don't they all?) And of course, while I was away in September, the big credit crunch / economic crisis / whatever you ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/11/11/crisis/ I've just come back from doing grantseeker workshops in Canberra and Merimbula, and I'm off again this week for Sydney and Brisbane. I think it's two months since I had a week where I haven't hopped on a plane and spent a few nights away, apart from the week I ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/06/09/philanthropy-cant-do-everything/ It's been a while since I updated, hasn't it? That's due to a number of factors. I spent most of February travelling around doing workshops for the Not for Profit Network, and adding to my collection of travel horror stories (like having my flight from Perth cancelled, hanging round there ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/05/29/travel-tips/ For me a lot of the GiveWell/Metafilter controversy hit home because I believe passionately in philanthropy. I also believe passionately in online community. I participate in both. Philanthropy pays my bills, since I'm a paid philanthropoid, but I also believe in its potential. I believe in what it has achieved. ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/01/23/givewell-fallout-blogs/ When I was at Ben's party on Friday night, meeting the lovely Sam from Tunng, a question about Australians' attitudes to international poverty came up and Ben asked me my opinion since I work in the sector. After a bit of discussion, one of Ben's friends turned to me and ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/01/23/catching-bullets-in-our-teeth/ Why a serious blog? Couple of reasons. 1. I really want to have something where I can share links and interesting stories, etc, as well as travel details, with colleagues and family. Most of the other social networking sites I have are full of rants and rambles and silly games ... http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/01/22/i-are-serious-cat-this-is-serious-blog/ This is my first post. Pointless saying anything else, really! There, that's over :) http://www.vanessameachen.net/2008/01/16/hello-world/