I had a miserable experience a few days ago in a Finnish language class. It wasn't the learning of Finnish itself that caused the misery, (although it's not something I'd recommend you doing, unless you really, really have to), but rather the way it was taught on that particular day. After my initial irritation (OK, more like borderline psychotic rage) wore off, it made me think more generally about the right and wrong ways of sharing knowledge.
The main problem was the way the teacher's attitude set up a clear distinction between herself and the class. She had knowledge that we didn't have and therefore she was superior to us. We lacked the knowledge and therefore were stupid and inferior. The knowledge was grudgingly transmitted and there was no attempt to engage us in the process, or make us excited to know more.
This approach seemed so at odds with all my other learning experiences recently that it came as a real shock to think that there are people out there still stuck in this terrible, out-dated mindset. (The fact that some of these people are teachers beggars belief.)
Much of my time recently has been spent online, firstly building this website, then trying to spread my music around, and all the while connecting with people and joining in conversations.
In all these activities I've been struck by how open, sharing, and helpful most people are. All the best people on the web seem to give freely of their time and advice, with the understanding that if they're sharing their knowledge then other people will reciprocate. OK, clearly there's some financial aspect on occasions, but even then the transaction feels more like an "I'm sharing this with you, would you like to share some of your money with me?" kind of situation, rather than a "pay me for my knowledge" model.
One vital aspect of all these successful and satisfying knowledge-sharing relationships is that they're relationships between equals. The best communicators seem to be saying - sure, in this instance I might know something you don't, but there's bound to be plenty that I can learn from you too, so let's share information for all our sakes.
One music-related thought about relationships between equals: in my opinion it would be a very good thing if the facebook pages and ReverbNation-type models would stop referring to people who like a musician as "fans". This perpetuates the idea that it's a one way communication, from "up here" where we musicians are, to "down there" where you lowly fans are. As an independent musician the reality feels very much the other way round! I'm the person asking for some moments of your time, amid the clamour of all the other people asking the same, and I'm always hugely grateful for any time you give me :)
OK, I'm off to organise this year's Chris Bestwick Fan Convention - BestCon. It'll be £500 a ticket, obviously. For £600 you can touch me.
Chris
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