I'm off to a small conference on a pretty narrow topic in a few days. The keynote speaker is a well-liked and accomplished chap among those who work on this particular topic. I just found out that the keynote speaker is flying in for the keynote, and then leaving the conference.
This seems to me rude, or at least in poor taste. Anyway, someone should coin a clever term for such persons. "Absent Keynoter" is not good enough....
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Me-noters.
fleenoters
key-hole
Off-keynoters. Or Offski-noters.
drive-bys...
Latchkeynoters
Jerks
Key*not*ers
keyloaders
Walkie-talkies.
Quickeynoters
sucky note
One-talk-stand
One-note keynoter?
My favorite is fleenoter, though.
In mild defense of this person (I have no clue who it is, btw): I can imagine the following:
Organizers: Would you give the keynote at this conference over such and such weekend?
Keynote: I'd love to, but I can't. I have a commitment on Sunday.
Organizers: Well, the keynote would be Saturday. You could just come in for that. . . .
Keynote: Erm, I guess. Okay, sure.
So blame might be shared with over-eager organizers. But I agree that it's pretty rude and probably people shouldn't agree to do such things (hey, if someone politely and complimentarily asked you to fly out and punch my mom for $2000, you wouldn't do it --- I hope).
If there are no legal implications involved (i.e., your mother signs a waiver or some such), and you cover my travel expenses, then sure: I'll come punch your mom for $2000.
I'd punch her, too. Heck, I'm already going to be there Friday night anyway, we can roll the costs together for all my services rendered and I can give a small bargain.
Well-liked and accomplished among people who work on this pretty narrow topic? This guy sounds more like a B-noter.
Lots of people who aren't keynoters or even B-noters pull the same shit at conferences. And it doesn't seem to matter whether they're big and famous or not. Now I'm not saying you need to attend every talk but if you go to a conference you should either be at the papers or someplace nearby boozing and shooting off your philosophical mouth where people can come and tell you how fucking wrong you are. The whole point of a conference is to get a little community of philosophers together and do some philosophy not get you a bullshit line on your bullshit CV or get you some undeserved $.
I'd like to add how much I hate people in the audience who just hang around long enough to ask their question and then leave. As if all that counts is that they have their say, and they are not bothered about staying to hear what else the speaker and the rest of us have to say...
I'd like to add how much I hate people in the audience who just hang around long enough to ask their question and then leave. As if all that counts is that they have their say,...
So true. I once saw a prof. miss the entirety of a talk, walk in during the Q&A, and then insist that she be accorded the opportunity to raise a question. It was granted to her and her question was discussed, then time ran out, and others who had actually attended the talk and had questions were left out in the cold.
Yeah I've seen what anon 6:01 is talking about a lot. Some professors just need to learn proper etiquette.
As to the fleenoters (my favorite so far) I've rarely been to a conference where they keynoters didn't flee, or show up for the dinner/parties only. However I have had a recent experience that gives me some hope. I helped organize a conference taking place this week; I informed most of the committee to not expect the keynoter to stick around and listen to a bunch of grad student papers. Contrary to my prophecy the Keynoter was enthused about the conference, took it as an opportunity to write a whole new paper and plans on attending all the sessions. I wish more keynoters were like this!
Modal Pontiff, that's good news.
I have seen this happen on occasion. It's like there's these philosophers who just can't get enough of doing philosophy. They show up, and then there they are philosophizing with citizens, strangers, faculty, students, people off the street. Crazy shit, I tell you...who'd expect it?
I've seen the fleenoters in shameful action, but maybe I've been lucky in that the majority of the keynoters at grad student conferences I've attended have hung around for many papers, often contributing interesting comments and even getting drunk with the students at after-parties.
As much as I like 'fleenoters,' I find I keep reading it as 'fleetnoters.'
On the in-and-out phenomenon:
Sure, some people are prima donnas who show up for the honorarium or the c.v. addition. However, we need to keep in mind that most conferences - other than the despised Eastern APA - are not scheduled to sync with breaks in the academic calendar. So, folks who have teaching and service responsibilities are often unable to spend the full time at conferences (unless they only attend one or two per year). Further, they may have limited travel budgets. Would I like to spend 3 nights at this conference? Sure; unfortunately, my budget does not permit it.
On the asking of questions at a paper you haven't heard, I once saw this exchange at a small conference at Oxford:
Latecomer: I'm sorry to say I wasn't here for your paper, but having listened to the discussion I'd like to contribute a comment ---
Famous Oxford Philosopher (Chairing, somewhat incredulous): Did you say you weren't here for the paper?
Latecomer: Yes, but I have something to say that I believe will be relevant ----
FOP: I'm sorry, but the question time is for people who've actually attended the paper. Next question please.
--
Though I find the person in question overly aggressive at times, I did find myself cheering him on this occasion!
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