Post by ElDuderino on Apr 14, 2011 11:30:41 GMT -5
This is the new, permanent, sociology job market forum. I was not the creator of the original rumor mill, or even of the original forum (I am, however, the same person who created the 2010-2011 version).
The rumor mill was originally intended to be a place where people on the market could update each other on the status of searches. Search committees are often unable (and occasionally unwilling) to inform candidates about the status of searches, so someone came up with the rumor mill concept. Since then it has evolved into a forum that goes beyond status updates, as people share stories, strategies and advice. In the latest version of the forum, someone suggested finding a permanent home, so that we don't need to start anew every year with questions that have been discussed extensively before, and here it is.
Besides the basic information on status of searches, there are two main motivations for this forum:
- Not everyone receives the same quality of mentoring on job market issues, and not everyone has access to the same networks. This place is supposed to help people with that.
- While search committees have several means of finding out more about candidates on the market, candidates often have no information about departments and schools other than what is in the job ad. Therefore, this place is also supposed to be about sharing information about school and departments.
As for how we discuss things here, this place is supposed to be cooperative, supportive and friendly. My basic approach to moderating these boards is that we are all adults here. Other than the things outlined in the rules, moderation will continue to be hands off.
Also, privacy is important. Please only reveal as much as you are comfortable revealing about yourself, remembering that you never know who reads here, and please try to respect other people's privacy.
Remember that this is a rumor mill. Even the best intentioned people will occasionally have bad or outdated information. Take things with a grain of salt.
Finally, if you have any suggestions or comments on how to improve this board, feel free to let me know.
The rumor mill was originally intended to be a place where people on the market could update each other on the status of searches. Search committees are often unable (and occasionally unwilling) to inform candidates about the status of searches, so someone came up with the rumor mill concept. Since then it has evolved into a forum that goes beyond status updates, as people share stories, strategies and advice. In the latest version of the forum, someone suggested finding a permanent home, so that we don't need to start anew every year with questions that have been discussed extensively before, and here it is.
Besides the basic information on status of searches, there are two main motivations for this forum:
- Not everyone receives the same quality of mentoring on job market issues, and not everyone has access to the same networks. This place is supposed to help people with that.
- While search committees have several means of finding out more about candidates on the market, candidates often have no information about departments and schools other than what is in the job ad. Therefore, this place is also supposed to be about sharing information about school and departments.
As for how we discuss things here, this place is supposed to be cooperative, supportive and friendly. My basic approach to moderating these boards is that we are all adults here. Other than the things outlined in the rules, moderation will continue to be hands off.
Also, privacy is important. Please only reveal as much as you are comfortable revealing about yourself, remembering that you never know who reads here, and please try to respect other people's privacy.
Remember that this is a rumor mill. Even the best intentioned people will occasionally have bad or outdated information. Take things with a grain of salt.
Finally, if you have any suggestions or comments on how to improve this board, feel free to let me know.
