======= Date Modified 25 Jun 2010 23:22:49 =======
======= Date Modified 25 Jun 2010 23:16:27 =======
OMG I just noticed ejc's list. I'm speachless...


Hmmm, it's interesting it's only (some) men who see nothing whatsoever that could possibly be offensive about the word 'slag' unless acompanied by obvious agressive body language and voice tone. Clearly being labelled thus, or the fear of that never dogged them throughout school, should they express their sexuality, and they've never nursed a friend who still has the word 'SLAAAAG' ringing in her ears as she recovers from a beating, or worse. Just because it can't or hasn't hurt you as an individual, that doesn't mean it can't hurt someone else, and it's only human decency that that possibility should be respected; I'm wondering if they would use other derogatory, racist or homophobic, words that have been used to degrade, in the same flippant and careless way?I think it's really naive to think: 'well, it couldn't hurt me, so if it hurts somene else then they are at fault and I have the right to do this'.

======= Date Modified 25 Jun 2010 10:12:06 =======
EEErrrmm Slizor, I'll offer my perspective here, as a woman. If someone I worked with said that to me I wouldn't be offended, but I would think they were an idiot, and would be avoiding trips to the pub etc with them at any rate, life is too short, and there is lots of good telly to be consumed. You, however, are not an idiot, as we have all witnessed over the time you've been posting here, so perhaps it would be better if you advertised your non-idiotness more effectively.

The term 'slag' is often used in a genuinely bullying way, and is a way of making women feel dirty and wrong for having a sexuality. Some women have been genuinely traumatised in the school yard, or by abusive partners (I know a woman whose partner accused her of being a 'slag' and also beat her regularly, and randomly, but with he excuse that she wore a short skirt, stayed out 'too late' etc, etc). So, what to you may seem an off the cuff comment or joke, could easily tap into some trauma experienced by a woman (or a man if his mother was treated this way), and it's just not worth taking the risk. I think there are certain words in our language that should only be directed, even generically, with extreme care, and in extreme circumstances, if ever, and 'slag' is one of them, I won't mention the others because this forum is a nice place and I don't believe in spreading it around. Nasty things happen to people, that is a fact of life, and 'slag' is part of the amoury of nastiness, and even if you didn't intend your comment that way, by the law of averages it is likely to be responded to as a verbal hand grenade at some point if you use it.

It's wonderful for you that you have never been offended, but some people are not lucky enough to be so free from wounds and scars, so it pays to take care even if you cannot empathise completely.

Dan, it looks a lot like this: ;-):-x8-):-);-):-x8-);-):-):-x8-);-):-) with, most likely, a bit of this thrown in: :$


OOOoooooh there's just something about that top hat and tie combination...

Keep going Chrisolinski, we are all behind you now! Looking forward to seeing your name on the hall of fame thread.

Thank you Montezuma and Batfink. I think I will spend much of the next ten days preparing, and leave the thesis until I feel I've done enough for the interview. This is such a big opportunity, after all, and perhaps my bain should be allowed to do what it wants, this time! After having diner and drinks with the department last night, and meeting another candidate, I feel much better, which is funny because I thought it would make me worse. I guess, whatever happens it's a really good learning experience and a chance to show off my skills for any future work with them.

Thank you so much for the links Montezuma, they are very useful; I will use them as a plan for my preparation.

Thank you Jenn! Yes, I guess I need to try and forget about it, when not prepping, that is. It's just such an amazing opportunity and would end so many of my money worries, but hey ho...

Hey Ev, good luck with the hospital treatment, I hope all goes well for you.

Today has not been a waste for becasue

1. I have been to payroll to sort out my pay, almost there.
2. I finished my re-draft and am priniting it out now at a teaching uni - a small stepin the grand PhD scheme of things, but a huge one for Eska.
4. I wrote back to a nice lady who contacted me after the PG symposium I went to.
3. I am going for a good old end of year booze up with my mates from my other teaching uni tonight.

Hi folks, I am currently being driven bonkers. I have a job interview soon, for a full time permanent post as a lecturer at a department I reeeeaaaaallllyy like working for, and have been on a roller coaster about it since I first heard about the post, and was encouraged to apply etc. I was told, informally that I had an interview straight after the application deadline, about 2 months ago, although my formal notice only arrived last week.

I got loads of guidance with the application form, and hints about what kind of thing to say at interview, so I reckon I'm in with a good chance, and they do seem to like me etc. I socialise a bit with the people who are interviewing me, in fact, I'm meeting them tonight.

This means sooo much to me, I have no money, as I am self funded, and it would mean I'd have the finances to defo pay my fees and finish, plus I realise how seldom these chances come along, and can't see it happening again for quite some time. One minute I'm up, thinking it could be mine, working out where I would live etc, and even planning a holiday for next summer, the next I come back down to earth. The pressure feels immense, and I'm finding it really hard to concentrate on my PhD work. The interview is in 10 days time.

Any thoughts?

Yep, KB, I agree with Teek, your sup is totally out of order here.

In your situation I would probably write back saying something like 'So sorry to have disturbed you on your break. If I had realised you were off duty I would not have contacted you, and if you let me know when your breaks are in future, then I promise I will never do it again. Enjoy your holiday, Best E. '


But that's me.

======= Date Modified 16 Jun 2010 10:23:06 =======
Yes, I like your FREE forum, wiht all the FREE advice we give out to eachother. And with its advertising which is clearly displayed and which clearly marks this out as a commercial concern. Since when has it been unnacceptable to respond honestly, or are we under orders to be happy about absolutely everything? I am just expressing my peronal opinion, as an individual, please don't be so offended by that, if you think this is all ok, then that's what, ideally, would matter most to you, not what I think. If there are things you don't want us to respond honestly, then please give us some sort of prior warning, but I think that would change the nature of the forum.

I will not be giving away bargain basement cut price copy so PGF can get a nice feather in their caps, and some freebie writing, that's all. A very cheeky bunch of monkeys IMO.

If you fix my old lap top I'll send you a biro; how does that sound?

======= Date Modified 15 Jun 2010 15:16:33 =======
======= Date Modified 15 Jun 2010 15:10:07 =======
I reserve the right to grump! Especially under the circumstances... It took me a lot of hard work to get my writing to anything like professional standards. If you want professionals to write copy for your website then, IMO, you should pay them, and not in post it notes, whih, also IMO is a pretty patronising offer.

======= Date Modified 15 Jun 2010 12:41:09 =======
Thank you Wally for your impressively well informed responses. I went to the doctor this morning, and am going for a 'fasting' blood test to check out various things, including iron deficiency tomorrow. The doc seemed sceptical that it was iron and said we could talk more about it after my blood test. I have a big history of thyroid problems and he was on about my last results, so maybe he thinks it's that. I'll find out soon anyhow.


In the meantime, I may get my self a bottle of guiness! Just in case, of course.

Hey, thanks folks, that's really good advice. I do feel tired a lot of the time, and have wondered if it is some kind of iron deficiency. I got some over the counter tablets, but feel no different, so I will go to the GP. Do they just give them to you or will I need tests etc?

Wal: I haven't noticed my hands etc changing colour with temperature extremes, but I will look out for that now. What kind of colour change would it be? Also, I have poor circulation in my legs and really thick big toe nails, so there we have it!

I may enter the competition for a PGF mooncup! Now that'd be a novelty item worth competing for