Dear colleagues,
I write to you in the same way that I have written, off-list, to Professors
Fontanella and Grubb. I do hope that we can prevent the possibility of
sending any further messages to the list that may be seen to be
inflammatory. Please, do be sensitive in what is written, and always
remember that anything sent to the list may be magnified by about one
thousand times.
And for what it is worth, here is my opinion on matters such as those under
examination here:
The list is certainly intended primarily for scholars of Italian, in any
variety of areas. However, whether one is the greatest intellect on the
planet or the most humble devotee of Madre Italia(?) -- or both! -- there
are sure to be lacunae in what one knows. This list serves not only to share
information, but also to present genuine queries, posed in the spirit of
friendship among colleagues.
I would suggest that we demonstrate an ever-growing generosity of spirit to
those who ask questions. I would also ask that we consider that as long as a
question is asked honestly (and not, for example, in the hope of getting an
answer that will serve as an essay for school!), then any answer should be
given with the courtesy that is the hallmark of what is best in Italian and
italophile culture. Let no one think that an honest question, among friends
and colleagues on this list, could possibly be a stupid one.
And finally, please demonstrate restraint if you should feel compelled to
reply negatively to a message on the list. It is far better that one vents
one's frustration or surprise in private, and direct such feelings solely to
the person who gave rise to them.
I do hope that this message will not give rise to vitriolic debate. But if
anyone should disagree, I would be pleased to enter into a private
discussion with you, via my address: [log in to unmask]
Respectfully,
George
* * * * * * * *
George Ferzoco Office: Attenborough Tower 1112
Director, Italian Studies Office Tel ++ 44 (0)116 252 2654
University of Leicester Office Fax ++ 44 (0)116 252 2657
School of Modern Languages Sec. Tel ++ 44 (0)116 252 2680
University Road Sec. Fax ++ 44 (0)116 252 3633
LEICESTER LE1 7RH e-mail: [log in to unmask]
UNITED KINGDOM http://www.le.ac.uk/ml/gpf2/gpf2.html
List owner of italian-studies:
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/italian-studies
List owner of medieval-religion:
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion
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