On 12 Jun 96 at 10:45, Duncan Fuller wrote:
> surely we should be looking for ways to encourage the widest
> possible interest and contribution to radical and critical
> geography. My gut feeling is that any beneficial effects the
> conference may have to this end may be compromised by the costs
> involved, which the majority of possible interested parties will not
> be able to afford.
>
Duncan raises an important point. A few thoughts in response
I don't see it so _either/or_ . If there is a good conference in
Vancouver, great. That is no reason not to pursue other activities be
they on the net or in the form of local conferences.
I don't think Vancouver will be a _jamboree_ attracting thousands. I
think it will be an interesting more focused gathering than the sort
of Tweed-fest of the old IBG. It is a pity if people who want to go
can't, but Liisa has started by suggesting some funding avenues to
which can be added Alumnii funds, university grants and so on. I
suppose I am saying I don't see it as an event people _have_ to
attend to promote critical geography. Sorry that came out rather
botched.
Any conference/meeting/agitiation/action is likely to have the same
problems of exclusion. After all were it in say Glasgow that would be
as tricky for those from the West coast to get to. Follow up
meetings, say in a couple of years might be closer to Hull. A poor
answer I know. As I said I don't see why other meetings could not be
organised nearer and more accessible to UK postgrads (and even those
hugely wealthy staff??) *as well*. There will be a session at Exeter
in january, many people will be going to Glasgow in September and so
on.
I just wanted to encourage the people working on the Vancouver
meeting. Whether or not I can find the cash to go, I think it is a
worthwhile idea.
Mike
**************************************************************************
Mike Crang,
Department of Geography,
Science laboratories,
South rd.,
Durham. UK
DH1 3LE
tel: 0191 374 2499 Fax: 0191 374 2456
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
**************************************************************************
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|