Conglomerate junior scholars workshop

The Conglomerates are running a “Junior Scholars Workshop” in which people entering the teaching market can post papers and get comments and be able to respond.

This is an interesting use of a blog, and potentially good way to try to develop the entry level market.  So far this market is dominated by the aptly named AALS “meat market” and the efforts of a few major law schools to sell their graduates. As a hiring chair the last two years, I saw the need for more information about the thousand or so hopefuls who enter the market each year. 

Of course, these aspirants will be tempted to avoid the risk of criticism.  At the same time, the commentators, recognizing the potential cost of harsh words, may be inclined to blandness.  Conversely, potential commentators may say nothing about the best ones, hoping nobody else finds out about them.  I question that strategy, because I think ultimately the word will get around.

So, I would urge aspirants to take the plunge.