**UPDATE** This post really struck a nerve. I want to thank everyone who has read it and shared with others. Now you can get a take home pdf version, just download it here. I really think that you should blog. That whatever is getting in your way, you should shove it aside and just write something. […]
Computer Simulation in Evaluation
Wouldn’t it be great to uncover some of the trouble spots in a program’s design before that program was implemented? At last year’s evaluation conference, I was able to attend a session put on by Jeff Wasbes and Jonathan Morell. The result: I’ve had “attempt computer simulation” on my todo list for the past year. […]
16 Blogging styles for researchers and evaluators
I dislike the term blogosphere. It sounds like some kind of all-encompassing entity. One made up of personal gripes, margarita recipes, and silly cat videos. It would be like grouping together grocery store flyers, credit card applications, and heartfelt letters. We would see it on the news… The anchor would say, “hey, what did the […]
12 blogging mistakes made by researchers and evaluators
Blogging is like everything else, when you first start you’re going to make a lot of mistakes. Eventually, if you want to improve, you’re going to need to stop making the same mistakes over and over. I’ve been working with fellow bloggers for years now, here are some of the mistakes I see repeated time […]
The secret to high response rates, 5 follow-up cartoons
The secret to high response rates: follow-up. If the mass email doesn’t work, send an individualized email. If that email doesn’t work, call. If calling doesn’t work, mail. Everyone responds differently, perseverance is the key. It also helps to stand out a little. I’ve developed this set of cartoons to do just that, stand out […]
Evaluation Ethics Fails, 7 illustrations
Today’s cartoons were inspired by a silent collaborator who sent me four ethics related stories. Since the stories are based in reality, the evaluator asked for their name to be left off to protect the identities of those involved. So when you read the stories picture a silhouette with a garbled voice like you might […]