Theoria

Event announcements I’ve received through a variety of mail-lists the past few weeks have revealed a startling new trend: not only are people willing to give lectures, seminars and papers, but, in lieu (I imagine?) of post-lecture questions, the speaker is willing (how generous!) to give autographs. The most recent event notice I received – for an undergraduate faculty organized seminar series showcasing talent in the faculty itself – announces that not only can one learn about a fascinating new area of research, but the speaker will also happily provide autographs, but only one per person. Worse – and I don’t know if this reflects on me or the event – I’ve never even heard of the person in question!