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Archiver > APG > 2004-01 > 1074367512


From: Ray Beere Johnson II <>
Subject: [APG] syllabus/handout bibliography
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 11:25:12 -0800 (PST)


Pat;
There are at least three answers that are
valid here. The first, as a genealogist, would
suggest that you include the book in the
bibliography, if it does contain information
difficult to find elsewhere, but note its
shortcomings. As a genealogist, I would say that
your relationship to the author should not affect
your policy.
Of course, genealogists are also human
beings! If this is a good friend, you are
naturally distressed at finding yourself in such
an awkward situation. The second answer, what to
do to avoid troubling your friendship, can only
be accurately answered by someone who knows your
friend well enough to predict their response.
The third answer focuses on the fact that
your friend is an author. To anyone who is going
to put their name as the author on a published
work, certain considerations apply. If they are
doing this simply for vanity, then all they want
is their feelings stroked; see answer number two,
above. If they truly want to be the best that
they can be, then it would be an unkindness to
avoid pointing out shortcomings in their work. Of
course, such advice usually is best given after
reviewing an unpublished draft, so that
corrections may be made before publication. On
the other hand, learning how to better the next
time is still important. If you don't want to
make your comments too personal, point out the
existence of the GPS as an objective standard
outside your control which you, as a
professional, are expected to consider.
Disclaimer: all criticisms of an author's
"offspring", no matter how sincerely that author
may request honest commentary, represent the most
dangerous undertakings known to mankind...
I'm just as glad I'm not the one who has to
make the decision. You have my prayers and
sympathy, for what those are worth.
Ray


=====
Ray Beere Johnson II - Genealogist
279 East Central Street, Suite 259
P. O. Box 95
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038


FAX: 508-541-6788

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