There were several interesting discussions floating around the academic blogs last week. Just thought I would pass on a couple of links to those who travel in different circles:

1. Blogs are a one-way ticket to unemployment. See Tribble, Drezner, and Bitch PhD.

I just wrote and rewrote several responses to Tribble. All back spaced. As much as I despise the author’s pomposity and underlying suspicion of creative, intellectual energy, I am going on the market next year and I have to hold back. This is why the Invisible Adjunct never revealed her name.

What is striking about this discussion and the ongoing discussion about conservatives in academia, is the common feeling that thought is restricted. That academia is a place where only certain accepted doctrines are permissable, only writing that has been approved of by a committee can be published, and that personal life, be it religion or family matters, must be kept far below the surface. The purpose of tenure was to protect the unique thinker, but instead it is used as a means to protect the status quo.

Have I said too much?

2. Loved this discussion about marginal notes. See Ancarett for all the relevant links.