WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE DONE

If you are proposing to do something out of the ordinary, a little unusual, that contests the status quo, that involves change or even something quite simple, there is bound to be a whole list of reasons as to why in cannot, should not, must not, will not, be done.

The Auxiliary Museum is attempting to build an online ‘exhibit’ of these reasons given for NOT doing something in a museum. Indeed we are attempting to compile a definitive list so that people who come across idea blocks can recognize them for what they are – bureaucratic stalling devices. If as a musing visitor you are wishing to encourage the unexpected, the atypical or some other curious outcome, or even some other laudable outcome that challenges ‘the norm’ we hope that we can help you  muse upon these things when you hear them or bump up against them in some way. If you find a new manifestation please let us know.

Any unwelcome, extraordinary or unexpected initiative from an outsider or cultural activist can be delayed until after the next meeting, sustainability conference, review session, whatever, by a bureaucrat or functionary somewhere via a 'multi stage and multi facted' delaying process:

1. Informal discussions with appropriate people;
2. Draft proposal developed by suitably qualified people;
3. Preliminary study formatted to meet the required standards;
4. Discussion document drafted to meet the need of the appropriate authorities;
5. In-depth study investigating the concerns of appropriate authorities;
6. Revised proposal that addresses the issues identified in the earlier studies;
7. Policy statement that accommodates the issues identified in previous reports and studies;
8. Strategy proposal towards delivering the anticipated outcomes;
9. The assessment of human resource capacities and needs
10. Discussion of strategy to ensure that the process is as inclusive as required by key stakeholders;
11. The application of fiscal resources
12. Implementation plan circulated to ensure that all impacted upon by the proposal are included in the process;
13. Revised implementation plans to accommodate unanticipated issues;
14. Authority agreement to proceed conditional upon any new factor that may have arisen

NOTE: The funding agency does not work out what is needed and then think how to raise the money. It pitches for as much as it can get away with from wherever it can get the funding and then it thinks how to spend it.

If you have experienced, or are experiencing, other inhibitors please email zero@7250.net for our records and where possible for any assistance we are able to supply.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: This list draws upon Antony Jay's and Jonathan Lynn's 'Yes Minister' tweaked somewhat to fit the MUSERSworld