Perhaps because the stakes aren’t high for us, these annual rituals have their share of amusement. I’m struck by the number young scholars who appear so stunned and grim. It can’t be easy landing that first job and the grind of having several preliminary interviews occupy your time must be exhausting.

So I smiled at people as they walked toward me. In several instances (especially among the junior scholars), there seemed a kind of relief to find a friendly face.

Of course, there was also a share of “name-tag-checking” (”Is he somebody I know? Is he somebody important whom I should know? Why is he smiling at me?”)

I cannot believe that you ever worked construction: how unexpectedly butch!

Your analysis of academic conventions is only too true: yet, they are becoming much more fun as I grow older!! Why? As Chair, my expenses are fully reimbursed and, as Chair, I get to meet and to interview potential jobseekers, “stars” who would never deign to speak to me otherwise.

C. Ford