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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 > arcaneš 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. -- EMERGING EXCELLENCE: In the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, more than 30% of our submissions were rated as 'Internationally Excellent' or 'World-leading'. Among the academic disciplines now rated 'World-leading' are Allied Health Professions & Studies; Art & Design; English Language & Literature; Geography & Environmental Studies; History; Music; Psychology; and Social Work & Social Policy & Administration. Visit www.anglia.ac.uk/rae for more information. This e-mail and any attachments are intended for the above named recipient(s)only and may be privileged. If they have come to you in error you must take no action based on them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone please reply to this e-mail to highlight the error and then immediately delete the e-mail from your system. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Anglia Ruskin University. Although measures have been taken to ensure that this e-mail and attachments are free from any virus we advise that, in keeping with good computing practice, the recipient should ensure they are actually virus free. Please note that this message has been sent over public networks which may not be a 100% secure communications Email has been scanned for viruses by Altman Technologies' email management service - www.altman.co.uk/emailsystems