Re: Re: Letters of Reccomendation -Reply

[csjhs@eiu.edu (Jeanne H. Simpson)]

Lynne

Absolutely, it is better to say no if one is not fully comfortable with
writing a letter.  However, the reality is that people are often more
wishy-washy about this than we'd like.   

I also agree that phone calls are more revealing by far than letters of
recommendation, which are often pro-forma.  And yet they remain a part of
our employment processes.

I think that as teachers of writing, we should be aware of the ethical and
professional issues involved as much as the stylistic and mechanical and
that it is a good idea for us to discuss the issues among ourselves--thus,
thanks to Kelly for raising the questions--and with the students we teach.

Jeanne Simpson
csjhs@eiu.edu