Dear Dave and list-members,
I'm replying on impulse and from the heart. No, that's not what academia is
about! Such people exist in every sphere of life, but they're a tiny
minority. Look at all the contributors to this list who are habitually
mannerly, respectful, tolerant and generous in sharing their knowledge and
enthusiasms. And then count in those of us who lurk politely in the
background.
During my academic days I had a comparable experience that shook my
confidence to the foundations (and it still hurts to think of it), but on
reflection I was warned (subtly) about the person in advance. Yes, such
people can do admirable work, but they also garner an unenviable reputation.
One of the great things about this list is how rare such upsets are. I for
one really appreciate it.
All best,
Ruth
On 12/02/2013 11:40, "David Green" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear list-members,
>
> I thought that I would share this with you. Since the deletion of Prof Robert
> Segal following his many spats with N.W. Azal, I have received a number of
> increasingly abusive offlist rants - to which I won't reply because they are
> pompous, self-regarding and hysterical - regarding his disbelief that he was
> deleted. This is his latest (and thought I would share because this is clearly
> what he thinks of the contributors here):
>
> "Your list seems to attract C-listers: nonacademics, career PhD students,
> and staffers at former polytechnics.
>
> You never did recognize the difference between disagreement and bigotry. It
> is you who should have been apologizing to me.
>
> Our paths will never cross again.
>
> RS
>
>
> The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683."
>
>
> Ironically, he sought my advice about setting up his the myth JISCMAIL list
> because of the positive experiences he had on here. I like the man as an
> academic, though I often disagree with his takes on Jung and Campbell, but
> honestly, is this what academia is about? It's just depressing ...
>
> Dave
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