I would just say, if you're going to have a speaker, have a speaker. If you're going to have a debate, then please moderate it. Mr. Pilon's filibuster, beginning with the creation of earth and going all the way through constitutional history was certainly interesting, but really, a discreet interruption or a stop light, or 'Oscar music' playing him off was called for at some point.
I realize is is difficult for a mere law student to assert authority over august figures of the profession, but you've got to find a way to do it in a situation like that, probably by consulting with the principles early on, establishing the format, and setting a timer that goes 'bing' when the time is up for a segment, or some other mechanical reminder like that that indicates time is up, or nearly up.
I appreciate the effort and how fortunate we are to have someone like Pilon visit, but it was a total diss to Prof. Kanter and nothing like the debate advertised on ridiculously outsized posters.
My thoughts exactly. I really enjoyed hearing Dr. Pilon speak, but if left unchecked it seemed like he could go on forever. Last semester's debate with Prof Parry and Michael Ramsey followed a much better flow. It was less debate and more dialog, but it presented a well rounded picture of the problem being discussed, which is the point of a debate at this level.
I do think the Fed. Soc. has the best thing going for campus events, but control of the presentation is paramount. For what NOT to do, just see the Law School Democrats.
Thank you for your comments and they will be taken into consideration for future events. Suffice it to say, the event did not go as we had planned and for that I would like to apologize. Prior to the event, both Pilon and Kanter had worked out a format for the debate, though unfortunately the time constraints that they agreed upon were not observed. For future events, we will make a greater effort to talk with speakers beforehand and relay the importance of dual time.
I would encourage you to attend the event on the 27th coming up here next week with the hopes that these suggestions will be implemented.
3 comments:
I would just say, if you're going to have a speaker, have a speaker. If you're going to have a debate, then please moderate it. Mr. Pilon's filibuster, beginning with the creation of earth and going all the way through constitutional history was certainly interesting, but really, a discreet interruption or a stop light, or 'Oscar music' playing him off was called for at some point.
I realize is is difficult for a mere law student to assert authority over august figures of the profession, but you've got to find a way to do it in a situation like that, probably by consulting with the principles early on, establishing the format, and setting a timer that goes 'bing' when the time is up for a segment, or some other mechanical reminder like that that indicates time is up, or nearly up.
I appreciate the effort and how fortunate we are to have someone like Pilon visit, but it was a total diss to Prof. Kanter and nothing like the debate advertised on ridiculously outsized posters.
Cary Allen
My thoughts exactly. I really enjoyed hearing Dr. Pilon speak, but if left unchecked it seemed like he could go on forever. Last semester's debate with Prof Parry and Michael Ramsey followed a much better flow. It was less debate and more dialog, but it presented a well rounded picture of the problem being discussed, which is the point of a debate at this level.
I do think the Fed. Soc. has the best thing going for campus events, but control of the presentation is paramount. For what NOT to do, just see the Law School Democrats.
Thank you for your comments and they will be taken into consideration for future events. Suffice it to say, the event did not go as we had planned and for that I would like to apologize. Prior to the event, both Pilon and Kanter had worked out a format for the debate, though unfortunately the time constraints that they agreed upon were not observed. For future events, we will make a greater effort to talk with speakers beforehand and relay the importance of dual time.
I would encourage you to attend the event on the 27th coming up here next week with the hopes that these suggestions will be implemented.
Again, thanks for the feedback!
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