Date: Fri, 19 Dec 1997 19:04:51 -0600
From: "Timothy C. Frazer" mftcf[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]UXA.ECN.BGU.EDU
Subject: Re: Reconsidering ADS publication arrangements
Its probably premature until the executive committee sees all the
publisher's proposals, but I have this initial reaction to the publishing
proposal.
1. Emotionally, I hate to see the break with Alabama Press. UAP has
published PADS for years, I think perhaps from the beginning, or at least
since it was PADS. It's an old tradition. My personal experience with
all the people at UAP has been excellent. When I started my book project,
I sent my first inquiry directly to Mr. MacDonald, and he gave me a lot of
encouragement, even sent an inquiry when I let the project lag. Without
his positive support, I am not sure I would ever have finished the book.
If there is any way the Alabama proposal can be made competitve, I would
want to see it get every consideration.
2. Having let my heart speak first, I would have to say the Duke proposal
looks very competitve. I did not know either about the $35,000 dollar
subvention. Moreover, during Ron Butters' excellent tenure, American
Speech has had a connection with Duke for
a number of years. We aren't, presumably, dealing with strangers.
3. I don't know if physical space is important in this electronic age,
but if it is, it seems good that Connie, the editor of American Speech, is
right
down the road at Chapel Hill.
4. When people are evaluated for tenure, "Duke University" on the title
page of your book or article doesn't hurt.
To sum up, it hurts to think of the connection with UAP broken. I hope
that isn't necessary. But if that's where we are, the Duke offer looks
awfully good. Of course, that's all a first-hand remark.
Tim
PS Let me add my thanks to Bethany's for the committee's work up to this
point.