My next idea for a sketch inspired by the A215 audio CDs is likely to be open to accusations of leaving behind the realms of parody and just being a bit of comedy.
Partly for this reason, and for others, I have decided to recast the milieu in which all this nonsense is set in a new institution. From now on, there will be no references to the OU (other than by mistake). We will instead follow the doings and sayings of the academics and students at the Social Public University Enterprise, or SPUE.
Here is an extract from some of this institution's publicity material. It is a transcript of a speech by the eminent Reader, Cuthbert Dry-Monotone.
"Since SPUE started in the 1960s, it has grown from strength-to-strength. Lampooned all those decades ago as a mere intellectual curiosity, it has now become part of the economic sinews of the nation, as well as a major contributor to its intellectual and cultural life.
"As both a former student and a full-time member of the academic staff, I want to project SPUE in new directions. I think that SPUE should be visible in as many households as possible throughout the UK. I want to see SPUE not just in every household, but in every room in the house: SPUE in the bathroom, SPUE in the kitchen, SPUE in the sitting room, and SPUE in the hall."
[Jenny Artydrone, slightly off-mike.] "Like after your last undergrad party, you mean?"
[End of extract.]
In keeping with my determination to get the most out of A215, I now embark on my first ever marketing exercise. I have already written Part 4* of this series, but I don't intend to post it in return for nothing. Part 4 will only appear if it receives at least 5 votes (in the form of comments posted under this message).
*This is not true, but I have some very good ideas.
Comments
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Swiftian overtones in this blog are a dead give-away that this writing is from Planet Ultrabrite and they are trying to discredit our lovely home grown sprOUt where green learning is available to all who have the greenbacks.New comment
I'd like to hear the next episode, and so would three of my friends.New comment
I'm not smart enough to understand terms like 'Swiftian Overtones', but I dig it William. Keep it coming.New comment
So cynical its fantastic. But seriously where did you get your inspiration from?New comment
Yay I'm number 5! Go for it, dying to know what happens, so please SPUE in my direction.
ps I've got that grammer book thing, cos I grammer not know (wishes this was a joke)
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Sold!Where did I get my inspiration from?
It started with the A215 audio CDs themselves. I thought they were interesting and useful, but (as you may have gathered) there were certain things about them that struck me as unrealistic or open to accusations of pretentiousness.
I worked for Leeds University for 7 years, in the School of Chemistry. Scientifically, my academic career was a success. In terms of personal advancement, it was a hopeless failure. I suppose I am re-living some of the frustration I felt through the character of Cuthbert Dry-Monotone.