When I first launched the “Substantial Disruption” blog more than a decade ago, it was to fill a void. My colleague Scott McLeod had published a blog dedicated to bullying prevention in schools and called it “The Schoolhouse Gate,” based on language from the famous First Amendment case “TInker v Des Moines.” When Scott took down “The Schoolhouse Gate,” I launched this blog. I might not have approached the quality and thoroughness of Scott’s work, but I did what I could and my efforts seem to have been well-received. As my career transitioned from K-12 education to the adult workplace, I changed the format and added workplace bullying to subject matter of articles I would publish. The blog was originally designed as a “clip blog,” consisting of excerpts from current information about bullying, including news articles and research results.
Two events took place that prompted me to modify the basic format of the blog. First of all, the International Bullying Prevention Association, of which I am a member and former Director, launched its own blog. That seemed to address the same need I had addressed. In addition, I revisited my online political column that I had written previously for the radio show “Instant Track’s” web site. More recently, my column appeared on the “Southern Arizona News Examiner” website. Unfortunately, my old and dear friend Emil Franzi, who was the force behind both the radio show and news site, passed away last year and it was not possible to keep the website viable in the absence of its creator and inspiration. I decided to focus on my opinion column on the website and abandon the news and research information I had previously included.
I have decided to return the blog to its original purpose — sort of. The Association’s blog has been online for some time now and I’m convinced a clip blog would not compete with it. I also believe a clip blog, which was well-received, fills a current void for current information about ongoing events and research. So, I’m going to try to update it on a daily — or near daily — basis. But here is the “sort of” part: I enjoy writing the opinion column too much to give it up. I will keep writing it as I feel the urge, hopefully once a week. But my column will no longer be the singular focus of the blog. From this date forward, you will also see regular updates on events related to bullying, with an emphasis on workplace bullying.
I appreciate every visitor and welcome any comments, concerns or suggestions you might have. I hope you check in on a regular basis and, if you find my efforts worthwhile, that you will recommend it to others.
Mike Tully
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