Dear Jaques

I thought your description of the ways in which these discussions tend to
unfold was spot on. Speaking as someone who tends to be a little 'off the
pace' with the list (and in life generally!), I find that, just as I feel
engaged by a topic, it has already degenerated into a mysterious and arcane
world of academic point scoring and I suddenly lose the will to live.
Nevertheless, I have learned much from the list as a listener/lurker and
agree that it should not be split, certainly not split between 'PhD issues'
and 'down-to-earth issues relating research to practice' as Teena Clerke
rightly points out.

Best wishes

Martin Salisbury
Reader in Illustration
Anglia Ruskin University
Cambridge
UK


On 25/8/09 11:17 pm, "Jacques Giard" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> All,
> 
> Given that my recent comments have precipitated a reaction on the part of
> some readers that perhaps the list should be split I thought that a response
> from me would be appropriate.
> 
> Clearly, the breaking of the list would be an unfortunate and unintended
> consequence. When I made the comments that I did a week or so ago my
> intentions were modest: Assist in creating an online environment that would
> encourage a broader participation of diverse voices rather than the somewhat
> narrow discussions that often occurs when one person or another takes issue
> with a certain key word or concept. What led me to take this step and post
> my message was the realization that there were over 1,500 members on the
> list and yet we only hear from fifty or so members at best. More than that,
> there were times when I wanted to engage only to withdraw when the
> conversation became too narrow for me. I believe that I used the word
> Œarcane¹ in my original post. It was at these same times that I sensed that
> I was not the only person in this position. Everyone should be mindful that
> what I am expressing is very much a personal opinion. In support, several of
> you responded offline that you shared my thoughts.
> 
> I very much enjoy the discussions but do admit to turning off when it
> appears to reach the level of a 'family feud,' i.e., my philosopher is
> better than your philosopher. That said, I agree with the general sentiment
> that the list should not be split.
> 
> Jacques Giard, PhD
> Professor and Director
> 
> MSD/PhD Programs
> Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
> Arizona State University
> Tempe, AZ 85287-2105
> 
> P Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to.

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