Talk:Derek Gregory

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[edit] Puffs and BAPPPs

This is yet another fawning elevation of an obscure academic - predictably a geographer - onto a pedestal, to whom we are then asked to genuflect. As in the case of other similar postings on Wikipedia (David Harvey, Michael Watts), it all appears to be the work of a single person. Perhaps he (or she) is merely pursuing the title 'Purveyor of Puffs to Professors'. Caveat emptor.... 19/9/06

Shouldn't that be 'By Appointment: Purveyor of Puffs to Professors'? Jacques the Quipper, 22nd Oct 2006

Are we talking a new academic qualification here - a BAPPP? Sounds good.... 2nd Nov 2006

A BAPPP is empty. Where's the meat? There isn't any... Jacques the Quipper, 18th Nov 2006

While the complaints about Watts and Harvey are clearly overblown, I have to say I agree with the posters here, this entry could probably be deleted, unless there is a "Derek Gregory" school of geography out there.

Criticism of the Harvey and Watts puffery is all of a piece with that accorded to such luminaries as Derek Gregory and Sarah A. Radcliffe, and as such is not overblown. Some academics - like some non-academics more generally - are only 'famous' because others want (or need) 'leaders'. History teaches a lesson about this, I seem to recall. Meanwhile, off you go to worship at the shrines of famous geographers, where I shall be handing out BAPPPs.... Jacques le Quippeur 3rd Dec 2006

Report back from the shrine to famous geography professors: the first recipient of a BAPPP – and a worthy one at that – was el zalamero, who now has the right to put these letters behind his name. I hope everyone will recognize the hard work that went into the earning of this qualification, and address him accordingly. Jacques le Kippeur, 24 Dec 2006