[From Bill Powers (930122.1430)]
INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT.
I just had a call from Jerry Suls, a social psychologist at the
University of Iowa, apparently a followup to the request for
review copies of CSG books that Greg Williams told us about some
weeks ago.
Jerry brought the CSG books to the attention of John Harvey,
editor of Contemporary Psychology (where Jerry is an associate
editor). He asked Harvey if he would be interested in stirring up
a little controversy. Harvey was amenable to the idea. While
plans are still not firm, the proposition is to send out copies
of the books to a number of reviewers for fairly extensive
reviews, and publish them along with replies from members of our
group (which as far as I am concerned includes CSG-L as well as
the CSG). Jerry has been following the net conversations, has
read all the CSG books (mine, Marken's, Robertson's) as well as
Runkel's (which he likes and may do something with later), and
has been reading Closed Loop. He sounds as though he thoroughly
understands what's going on here.
The main problem as far as Jerry Suls is concerned is to select
the reviewers. He asked me for suggestions, and I said I would
consult you folks on the net. I think we need both pros and cons
if this project is to be interesting, especially as we will be
given space for replies.
Please put your suggestions on the net for discussion, with FULL
ADDRESSES. By posting them to the net, there will be a chance for
all of you to help pick judiciously, avoiding Absolute Idiots and
also True Believers. Jerry mentioned that he would like someone
from Human Factors. I think it would be nice to sample many
disciplines.
I'm sure that Contemporary Psychology will do its own search for
reviewers, but since we've been asked for suggestions, let's go
for it. I'll compile the resulting list and send it to Jerry
Suls.
Best to all,
Bill P.