There have been so many messages on this topic that I can't possibly deal with all the arguments raised. So I'll just say what I think.
I've always called this a good-natured list for good reason. But I can't recall when I've seen so many mean-spirited, truly nasty posts as on this particular thread, and I find it discouraging. Michael Sylvester has been found guilty in the court of TIPS of serious criminal charges, namely fraud and unauthorized use of a computer service. Note that he's been convicted by TIPS, not by a court of law. Those who are so quick to label Michael's behaviour unethical might want to examine their own questionable ethics in making such serious allegations in public, not to mention the legal ramifications of such accusations. When I look at the "evidence", I see a single letter which reports that he has no _current_ affiliation with Embry-Riddle and therefore is neither entitled to claim affiliation with this institution nor to use its e-mail service. Yet I believe that Michael has not claimed association in his signature file with Embry-Riddle for about five year and why this now becomes such a pressing issue on this list is curious. It seems to me entirely possible that he once had such an association, perhaps by teaching a part-time course, and thus it would have been appropriate for him to sign his mail at that time in that way. We have, in fact, verified that he does have a Ph.D., which would give him appropriate qualification to be employed as a university lecturer. As for the unauthorized use of an e-mail account, unless Embry-Riddle is exceptionally lax in giving out their accounts, I expect they're difficult to obtain unless one has _some_ association with the university, whether as student or faculty. Certainly no one could walk in off the street at Bishop's and sign up for one, and we're by no means world-class leaders in computer security. So I'd think the likelihood is that he obtained it legitimately. In that case, his sole crime would be in retaining access to it after his association with the university lapsed. Probably this is true for many accounts given out by Embry without causing them much concern, until, of course, it was pointed out to them along with an allegation of fraud. Another thing I find interesting is the timely announcement by Michael that his e-mail address has changed. Given that many on this list have made clear that they have no interest in corresponding with him, there was no need for him make such an apparently humiliating announcement, which evoked predictably smug responses. So why did he do it? I think it was classic Michael S., namely jerking us around to see if he gets a reaction. And, once again he does. He's good! I'm also intrigued by the part of the discussion where we agree that Michael should be kicked off the list. Perhaps no one has noticed, but this list doesn't function as a democracy. Possibly fortunately, we have no power to regulate who can and who cannot belong, which is the prerogative of our benevolent dictator, Bill Southerly. Put simply, it's not up to us. But I think all this concern that people must have affiliations or must teach psychology, or must have the right sort of views is likely to be worrisome to those on this list who don't have the right sort of qualifications either. As I understand it, there are no such restrictions. Everyone is welcome, with the sole provision that they be civil. And I think it's Michael's critics who are failing that one. Finally, I have to say while Michael's posts have been provocative and/or silly (he certainly tries, anyway), they do provide a refreshingly different point of view, and often stimulate discussion of interesting topics we would never otherwise get to. The humour he elicits, when it's not mean-spirited, isn't bad either. This list would be a lot duller without him. Send me something (Beth's line when it's not Michael's, but I like it). I'm sure you will. Stephen ___________________________________________________ Stephen L. Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470 Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661 Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lennoxville, QC J1M 1Z7 Canada Dept web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy TIPS discussion list for psychology teachers at http://faculty.frostburg.edu/psyc/southerly/tips/index.htm _______________________________________________ --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
