1. catdynamics
  2. Rumour is that...

Rumour is that...

By catdynamics on July 17, 2006.

Mark at CosmiVariance passes on a rumour that there is a new Astro Job Rumour Wiki

This potentially supercedes the legendary New Astro Rumour Mill which of course used to be here, which in turn superceded the legendary orginal Astro Rumour Mill started by Pat Hall.

Mark has some interesting discussion on the utility of the Rumour Mills.

His essential point is of course correct, the information is there, and it wants to be free...

Having also been on both sides of the rumours, I note that the public info is occasionally gamed, by both sides. Candidates may "leak" their status to the Mill to boost their status or to put pressure on other places where they applied; Institutions also selectively leak on occasion, sometimes to pressure candidates, occasionally to "psych" other Institutions. It is an interesting game.

Worst thing is when an incorrect rumour is posted and a career may be damaged, though such is usually self-correcting, being public and all that. A Wiki should help in this case.

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I've never leaked to the Rumor Mill... maybe I should. (Sigh. I hate all that gaming stuff.)

The one time I had experience with the Astro Rumor mill was five years ago when I was hired at Vanderbilt. After I'd been offered the job, somebody at Vandy informed me that I shouldn't be worried about what I saw there. They had two names on the short list, an offer made to one name, but neither had really been on the short list. So, incorrect information happens....

-Rob