Ahh, some good news to update my previous post. IT has agreed to unblock two of the three sites at work that I had been prevented from reaching for a few weeks. The third, because it is linked to a podcast, is still blocked for concern that its “streaming media” will impact our network. Small steps forward, with more to come.

Although my second podcast posted on Friday, I didn’t get the chance to mention it until now. I’ve spent the better part of the weekend finishing several house projects. Time to take a break and pass along information about CommaKazi Speek Show 2.

I spend about 15 minutes with Grant Rowson, CGA, manager of Technology Solutions at BDO Business Technology Solutions, Inc., Thunder Bay Ontario Canada. We discuss the need to balance security, productivity and the desire of employees to seek information on the Internet. I recently wrote a blog post about my experience with blocked web sites at my employer.

I hope the podcast generates some discussion here.

I was caught trying to go to those sites again at work. I felt so dirty when my attempt to satisfy myself resulted in the stern company “ACCESS DENIED” page filling my computer screen. What if anyone saw that I was trying to reach these nefarious sites?

• http://blog.holtz.com/ — The oh-so-tempting site operated by the “infamous” Shel Holtz. Why would I even THINK that my IT Department would consider an IABC and PRSA Fellow and long-time communications expert worthy of visitation?
• http://www.nevillehobson.com/ — This one is my “guilty pleasure.” Neville Hobson’s sound judgments and real-world solutions to communications challenges—the stuff that makes a communicator’s blood boil! But he is often seen in the company of Shel Holtz, so what was I thinking?
• http://trafcom.typepad.com/ — Oh, don’t despise me, I can’t help myself. Donna Papacosta almost forces me to frequent her site. The smart advice and tips about podcasting, the links to helpful resources…how could I resist?

But that is the situation I face now at work. I suppose that I should thank my IT Department for making me go “cold turkey” and avoid these sites–and so many others. What reason does IT offer, to comfort me? Security concerns with blogs and streaming audio/video. That’s what I learned when my craving to have at Shel’s, Neville’s and Donna’s sites made me temporarily insane. How insane? Insane enought to try to reason with IT. Stop laughing. I suggested that blocking these kinds of sites gives the appearance that IT doesn’t “trust” employees. But this has nothing to do with trust, my colleagues assure me. It is about security.

Special thanks to communications consultant Steve Crescenzo, who spent some time talking with me about “cutting through the clutter.” Our conversation occurred just before Steve’s Jan. 17, 2007 lunch seminar of the same name, organized by the Chicago Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

I recorded our conversation and used it as my first podcast. Let me know what you think.

I’m still in the process of moving to my new home on WordPress. Please pardon the ongoing renovations, as I tweak. I still plan to change the main graphic, but all in due time. So far, I will simply thank another Tom who created the Mandigo theme.

I also will be posting podcasts there, linking to my Libsyn account. Again, still finishing the first podcasts–a lot for a newbie to learn–as many of you have already experienced.