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From: Gunars
Date: 10/7/00
Time: 9:37:56 AM
Remote Name: 206.63.34.41
Judy and Michael,
Your private correspondence hit the nail on the head with respect to people writing the presentations starting at one "top" and then just sequentially scrolling down, maybe, skipping stuff or postponing stuff that does not appeal their interest. Does anyone have any suggestions what can be done in the next conference?
My suggestions include:
a) Statement at the top saying something like: "I hope the reader first scans all the papers before settling into reading them. At least the titles should be scanned. The reason for this is that the conference contains enough material to publish a book. And most of the persons I talked to about the previous conferences, even those very interested and dedicated to the subject, had difficulty of studying all the papers in the allocated time frame for asking questions. (Judy, this is not, in the spirit of our presidential "electioneering" technically an exaggeration :-). I have only talked to myself and me. :-) And both of them agreed with the conclusion. :-) ). Therefore, I suggest that you, dear reader, print out the titles, prioritize them, and then proceed reading them according to your priorities so you get the chance to comment and ask questions."
b) Arrange the categories in a way you would want them to be read is my only other suggestion.
Gunars
p.s. Congratulating you on your conference has become a perennial event. :-) Predictable. :-) Specifically, this years conference is to be lauded for: a) focusing on the children, b) its international flavor, c) the panels, d) the attempt to include the diverse opinions in stuttering therapy.
Some things which I like to see you consider for the future ISAD conferences are:
a) Debates on controversial topics with a moderator that happen in real time. The moderator asks two questions every week of each of the persons. Within the week the protagonists answer. Then they get one week to answer the opponents questions. At the end of the second week the participants of the conference get to ask one question each of the debaters. (I guess I just enjoyed the Lieberman versus Cheney debate too, much. :-) )
b) Also a historical survey paper of the topic might be a nice introductory addition.
c) In many books by diverse authors there is also an overview of the area.
But, then, I always want more and more. I will, probably, upon arrival in heaven want more harps and choral singing :-). And if I should get my just rewards and go to the other place, I will probably ask for the heat to be turned up :-).
All kidding aside, Judy and Michael, I really am enjoying the conference.