Wow - just discovered we were nominated for the 2011 EduBlog Awards Best Use of a Social Network. Stunned. Didn't expect that! Hoping people recognize that the power of Cognitive Dissonance is inside the game and not on the pages of this blog. Our social network is the MMORPG. Coming up on our 4th anniversary this month - I could not be more thrilled that the guild continues to live on and touch so many. It's an amazing group of self directed learners that I have had the honor to be a part of. And it is all of the cogdis members that make us what we are. Thank you. Now - pass it on, vote often!

http://edublogawards.com/2011-3/best-educational-use-of-a-social-network/?nominee=9v7rxf 

Stepping up to the plate comes to mind each time I do something to better the institution that I work for. It is part of the responsibility I have to contribute what I have to offer and, since I choose to be a part of the team, further the values of the institution. I am guessing this can be applied to almost any affinity group we belong to whether that be social, recreational, personal or professional. 

CogDis has been this incredible part of my life over more than three years now. I have met some incredible people and have done some amazing things both in and out of Azeroth because of it. It has been a very passionate and emotional learning experience and I would not trade it for anything. 

Running CogDis can not be done alone. I have over time watched many people venn in and out of leadership responsibilities both formal and informal in the guild. I have asked many times for your help and support. With the onset of Cataclysm and the evolution of the guild it is important now more than ever that each person find their way to strengthen CogDis through offering what they can of their time and expertise. 

My personal and professional life may be keeping me from dedicating as much time as I had in the past to being in game, but that does not mean that I don't think about and carry CogDis with me every moment. We together created something wonderful to be proud of: a learning community. I thank everyone for being a part of it, and especially thank those who stick with us and give their time and their heart to the family of CogDis as it grows and evolves to meet the needs of everyone. 

I started a google doc. I realize there were others that were started and I appreciated that. This one allows my mind to wrap around the thoughts I needed to put down from the various emails. Please access it and add to it so we can go further on our journey:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XZpQvR5KRa2CV-DcPl7Kp-jEWuz5oGcZm72EQyQ7ibU/edit?hl=en&authkey=CMCd8v4E

Cognitive Dissonance is important to me (as it is to many of you). Not many people outside gaming understand that, but it has grown to be a learning space for so many, an extension of our pln's, and a social outlet for others. For me, a leadership challenge I have been more than willing to take on. Over close to two and a half years the guild has evolved as players come and go. Most recently we have seen steady growth due to publicity, as well as changes to players based on personal choices.

For some, those personal choices are private matters that that needs to be honored and respected and kept, well, private. Even if we don't have all the information we need to understand.

Marciage has agreed to help me out a bit. I have promoted him to grand council. I respect and trust his perspective and approaches. I have been honored to have him as part of the guild leadership structure, and humbled to have him agree to assist me in this way.

There are a few other items that I need to address. I am coming to a point where writing and my dissertation will take over my WoW time for a while. I need people to be patient and understanding with what may be perceived as my "not being around a lot at times". It is not that I don't want to be here, it is that I have a life goal that needs to be completed and I have to set priorities for myself and my family.

I also need players that are willing to take on a few challenges. I am looking for someone(s) to manage 10 man raid content within guild. Those of you who know what this entails recognize it is a commitment, and I would be more than grateful for someone who stepped up to grow this aspect of CogDis. I am looking for someone to become a PvP captain, willing to help and manage and explain this aspect of the game to players in the guild who want to learn more. I am looking for player-teachers who are willing to formally mentor new players to our ranks. There is a wide span of game goals across the guild, and I would like to know that our newest are getting the support and attention that they need. I am also looking for someone willing to develop website content and facilitating forum discussions - including linking to resources for players or gaming research helping us all become empowered learners. If you are up for any of these challenges, please contact me in game and we can plan a strategy that works for everyone.

Thank you all for being part of CogDis, each of you is important to what we are and will be. May Elune be with you!