A quick question on protocal

[marct]

Yesterday, I sent an email with an inquiry regarding a job opening at one of the US military colleges. While I received a quick response, I was a touch "bothered" (as in "hot and bothered") by the way it was worded. I had signed the email "Marc" right over my signature line which reads "Marc W.D. Tyrrell, Ph.D." The response was rather terse and addressed to "Mr. Tyrrell". Is this a normal form of address from a staff person who is listed as the email contact for a job opening?

Marc

[Dr Jack]

Yesterday, I sent an email with an inquiry regarding a job opening at one of the US military colleges. While I received a quick response, I was a touch "bothered" (as in "hot and bothered") by the way it was worded. I had signed the email "Marc" right over my signature line which reads "Marc W.D. Tyrrell, Ph.D." The response was rather terse and addressed to "Mr. Tyrrell". Is this a normal form of address from a staff person who is listed as the email contact for a job opening?

Marct,

Unfortunately, this might be "normal," but it certainly isn't appropriate. The "staff person" is most likely also not the person who ultimately makes hiring decisions, so I would encourage you to look past the poor protocol and to seriously consider options at our military schools -- we need good people with diverse capabilities and expertise (anthropology being one of the hot areas right now!).

I get internal e-mail all the time from staffers written to "Mr" but I just consider the source. My colleagues and the great officer students know the deal...

Dr Jack

[selil]

No that is NOT correct Dr. Tyrrell,

All of the Military schools (West Point, Naval Academy, Air Farce Academy) should be apropriate and have in the past done done so in their dealing with me and others. I don't think others outside of academia are going to percieve the error in protocol the way we would. But if the military academies want respect they better dang well give it.

Your doctorate is an academic rank and the only other rank that matters is assistant, associate or full professor depending on the school. If you're not sure if Doctor is apropriate then use professor. For those that think it doesn't really matter.. It does matter much the same as any military rank. For much the same reasons.

[Rob Thornton]

Marc,
I'd say its normal - formality is somewhat pervasive, being all "sirs" and "ma'ams". The old - "when in doubt, be formal" is a fairly common rule. You should have just said you were Canadian and they'd have understood. Having you at a military college would be very beneficial to us - I hope you strongly consider it. Once they get to know your touchy feely side you'll proabably Marc'd to death.
Regards, Rob

[John T. Fishel]

Marc--

It is NEVER appropriate to address a person who has identified himself as PhD (phuddy duddy) as Mr.

However, there are exceptions based on local convention at certain schools and in certain departments in those schools. Back in the stone age, when I was a grad student at Indiana, the convention in my department - political science - was to call all faculty Mr., Mrs., or Miss (Ms did not exist). My minor department, anthropology, used the title of Dr. for PhDs. Today, George Washington U addresses all faculty, regardless of degree or rank, as Professor.

That said, local convention should under no circumstances outweigh the respect that a formal inquiry - even one made through informal means - demands. Nevertheless, my good friend Dr, Tyrrell, the person who responded to you was either an ignorant idiot or moron with the operative word being ignorant

Your obdt servant

John T. PhD (Piled high and deep/phuddy duddy)

[John T. Fishel]

Since all of us PhDs are prima donnas - by definition - it is well for us to remember a story told about Oxford Don, C. Northcote Parkinson during his tenure at the British MOD during WWII. It is said that Parkinson had a sign over his desk that read, "Never forget Rule 6." Most of his young male assistants were afraid to ask but a few of the braver ones did. The answer they received from Parkinson - without even looking up from what he was doing - was, "Don't take yourself too seriously." That satisfied most of the young men. But occasionally a really bright one would ask, " But, Dr, Parkinson, what are the 5 preceding rules?" Parkinson would stop, look up, and respond, "Young man, there are no other rules."

[marct]

Hi John,

Since all of us PhDs are prima donnas - by definition - it is well for us to remember a story told about Oxford Don, C. Northcote Parkinson during his tenure at the British MOD during WWII. It is said that Parkinson had a sign over his desk that read, "Never forget Rule 6." Most of his young male assistants were afraid to ask but a few of the braver ones did. The answer they received from Parkinson - without even looking up from what he was doing - was, "Don't take yourself too seriously." That satisfied most of the young men. But occasionally a really bright one would ask, " But, Dr, Parkinson, what are the 5 preceding rules?" Parkinson would stop, look up, and respond, "Young man, there are no other rules."

I love it! Actually, I think that's one of the reasons I really prefer "Marc" or, from close colleagues, friends and students, phases that can't be posted on a public board .

Marc