I simply cannot let "ontrack08" pearls of wisdom pass by without reply.
While I greatly appreciate the fact that technology allwas individuals to express themselves and their opinions on various academic topics it is troublesome that individuals such "untenured," (username clearly indicates lack of a credibility) go great lengths to spread false negatives.
Let me get this straight. Because I call myself "unternured" as my user name, this "clearly indicates a lack of credibility" on my part. Does crazybatlady belong in an asylum because she chooses such a name? Do academics without tenure simply have no credibility to you when they post simply because they do not have tenure? How can you even assume that I do not have tenure? It's a username, nothing more.
People should do there homework before falsely accuse an organization of being a sham. I hate these blogs things but I have to say I was compelled to defend my experience at the Roundtable. I am part of a highly regarded institution of higher learning and many of my colleages, including several university presidents and deans find the Roundtable to be a successful legitimate academic arena where individuals from all over the world come to share and expand ideas,thoughts, and feelings in a presitigous manner.
Ok, you've written words and formed sentences, but you have not really *said* anything. An event is not prestigious or legitimate simply because you (someone who evaluates credibility by username) claims it to be such. How many attendees from top-ranked schools attended? I also seriously doubt that "several university presidents and deans" attended your roundtable. If so, please list them. I'd be happy to read your list.
Maybe some of you should spend more time on your profession than spending time on a computer slandering an activity you nothing about.
I have not attended ORT. However, I do know something about ORT. I have received their mailings. I have listened to others who received their mailings. Based upon what I articulate above, I conclude that attending ORT is non-selective and non-prestigious. See my earlier posts. In addition, reasonable evidence exists that ORT simply leeches of the prestige of the University name.
Attendees papers are given an opportunity to have their paper reviewed and published in a legitmate journal that is found in university libraries.
A "legitimate journal that is found in university libraries"? That's the language scholars use to describe a bottom of the barrel publication outlet. Legitimate. What journal isn't "legitimate"? What journal isn't found in at least 2 libraries? Really, now.
I met people with backgrounds that would never include a sham outfit.
I never said that the people who attended are from "sham outfits." I do say that ORT just might be non-prestigious and trading off the prestige of a truly meritoroius university.
I have no idea what the selction criteria is nor do I care
Really, now? That's wonderful, just wonderful. You'll have a great future in academia.
...I went on the university's dime and gained knowledge and made some friends.
So because the university paid you to go selectivity does not matter? I'm sure your administrators would not want to hear this.
The former Israeli Minister of Education has even attended.
And he received a nice trip to the UK. Good for her.
Listen, ontrack08, here's what happened. You read the thread and were shocked to learn that the wonderful conference you attended was not what it really seems. You can't really admit that to yourself though. Too much of your self-esteem is attached to your attendance. So, you lash out and attack others in this thread (see the name/credibility statement above) and make vague assertions about quality. Deep down, your feelings are hurt. You just learned that maybe, just maybe, ORT took you for a ride.
The bottom line is ORT could be a wonderful, highly-selective, and elite event where the best of the best scholars meet, present, and discuss. I cannot for say for sure. I can only evaluate based upon the evidence I have. That evidence, however, is not promising.
You know what, on further reflection I think ORT was just right for you, ontrack08. The perfect conference for your interest in abilities. I'm glad you had a good time.
Untenured
