Sour Grapes?

[mhuzzell]

I got a letter this morning. I didn't get into the postgrad programme I'd applied for. In a way, it's a relief, since now I don't have to decide not to do it, or figure out how the hell to fund it if I'd made the unlikely decision to go through with it. Having already (mostly) decided not to take it, I feel more indignant than rejected. Like, what do you mean I'm not good enough for you? I would ace the hell out of that course. But I dislike academia anyway.

Also, I found out that apparently it's possible to submit articles for academic publication even if one is not a member of an ivory tower. Presumably one is generally expected to have academic qualifications, but (according to my friend, at least), most journals that call for open submissions will review the article on its own merits before investigating the sender. So there's a chance to make a name for myself without submitting to the soul-crushing pressures of further education. Although it would be nice to still have someone else drawing up reading lists for me.

I don't know if I've yet mentioned it in this journal, but my latest ambition is to write a book. Grad school was meant to be a helpful step in that direction (it being on a relevant subject), but I figure I can do it on my own -- and on my own timescale. Right now, of course, I'm still in the preliminary research stages. I don't know quite what it is yet, but I am quite certain that I have Something To Say.

Comments

[aberwyn.livejournal.com]

There is an organization in the States, and of course I've forgotten its name, but it's something like "Association of Independent Scholars", because it exists to provide support and backing for scholars who are, well, independent. I think it's open to anyone from any country. Since you are of the generation who can find things on the Internet, you might want to see if you can turn it up. :-) Their members can get access to libraries and other resources that might be difficult to get into for someone with no affliation to anything.

[piratemoon.livejournal.com]

I'm in academia and I still wish I had reading lists sometimes. You don't always get them. :( Well, I never do.

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