I'm delighted to see the list used for the formation of panels but would
like to suggest that we put more emphasis on the offering of single
papers at this stage of the game. I have been on a lot of program
committees and know that it is often difficult to deal with single paper
proposals but I believe it is very important that at some point in the
process they be actively encouraged for several reasons.
First and foremost, many young scholars simply do not have the network to
build a panel or bring themselves to the attention of older scholars who
have. Our list is an ideal place to nurture such initiatives. If people
with proposals were to post them to the list, other people with similar
interests would have an opportunity to get in touch with them.
Single paper proposals offer a greater range of creativity to a program
committee. They often spark comparative panels which would not otherwise
be generated. While I certainly like the proposals already suggested,
The coincidence of two or three single papers might move all our thoughts
in unexpected directions.
Single papers often point the way to new research and new ideas being
formulated at the graduate student or recent Ph.D. level that some of us
older foagies may not yet have noticed. Or they may give older mentors
an opportunity to reach out to younger people in need of a little
nurturing.
Some of you know that this is something of a mild obsession with me so I
thank you for your indulgence.
Jo Ann McNamara
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