Reflections on the puddle of life

I hate to hear you say you're having a rubbish year. That's my line. Kidding. I am so sorry, Fifth. I can only imagine your disappointment. I know I would feel exactly the same way. In fact, I am angry and disappointed for you.

They started out OK, but it is so puzzling that they have devolved into chaos. Should you chalk it up to inexperience? Perhaps. It was a huge undertaking-maybe too big, but I am puzzled about all the activities in London which you seem to be excluded from. And your name isn't on the list at your local library?

At that point, like you, I think I'd walk away in disgust.There is simply no good reason for all these things to go wrong. If they are going to do something of this size you'd think they'd have people who are experienced in coordinating events of this magnitude. Otherwise they should have started out small and grown "organically" as they say.

Thanks Qimi. I'm beyond frustrated at this point. They simply don't answer anything. Too busy organising their Graham Norton kiss a** event in London which will probably present the impression that the whole event is a triumph, which is total rubbish. Most of the volunteers don't know what they're doing. Their e-mail system has failed. For example, the volunteers are supposed to apply an unique reference number to each book but many volunteers have not been able to obtain this because they've not received the e-mail they were supposed to get, or can't access their impenetrable website. On the WBN site they've said 'the onus was on the volunteers' to do this and 'it was inevitable some would fail to do so'. Many volunteers are incensed about this; you only have to look on their facebook page to see how desperately people have been looking for help and getting no reply. They can't even take accountability for their own failures. It's a shambles.

As to the London event, this was only ever really open to people living in or around London because you had to go to London the day before and pick up a wristband to gain you access. So if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, or really most places north of Birmingham the event was never really open to you anyway. In my case, as I've received absolutely no communication from them since 10th Feb, I simply didn't get any details of it. But from a practical point of view, there's no chance I could have gone anyway.

It is a big event to organise I'm sure, but they've basically abandoned the volunteers to figure it out for themselves. It was supposed to be about the books, but now it just seems to be about the TV event. I wonder if they'll actually manage to give 1 million books away? I doubt it. I wonder if anyone will ever hold them to account on that point? I honestly feel like writing to all the publishers to let them know what's been going on. If the books aren't really getting out there, what was the point?

Anyway, I shall stop ranting. It doesn't help. Thanks for your kind comments Qimi. You're always a good friend

Sounds like education. You think I'm kidding?

I can believe it!

That sounds really frustrating: I mean, you get all geared up to help the community, to give to the community and it's like the community pushes your help aside due to its lack of organization and seeming apathy. . . . .I hope your year improves, Fifth.

Wow! Nothing irks me more than poorly treated volunteers. I bet you are right that the focus has shifted to the glitter of the TV and not the event itself. Someone should report a story on the failings of the event. Why not keep someone else accountable besides teachers?

I know you're cross and this probably doesn't help, but I love reading your stuff, fifth.

Thats strange... A friend of mine is doing it in Cambridge. I've even seen his sponsor page.

Thanks all. The day has come and gone and no books have arrived. I think I've drawn a line under it now. It's a shame. I'd have loved to have been out there last night, putting books in unsuspecting people's hands. I'm sure it was amazing for those that did take part.
Niamh - many people did get their books and were able to hold events, but there are a lot of people still without books and without any means by which to communicate with WBN. Even e-mail doesn't work now - their mail server just bounces everything back. I hope your friend had a better experience than I did.
prendrelemick thanks you made me feel better, if nothing else.
jersea I know what you mean about holding people accountable. Believe me, I'm trying. My experience is that many people are held accountable for their actions, other than teachers. I work in the insurance industry, and we get a fair battering too.
Comedian thanks. You nailed it right on the nose. Thanks for your insightful comments, as always

I'm so sorry to hear that. When I read your first blog on this, I was rather jealous! Seems like an amazing idea. I wonder how anybody can send you a confirmation e-mail, and then you're not even on the list? Strange. My sympathies.