Major Setbacks for the FARMS Review?

[_Doctor Scratch]

I realized today that it's been a really, really long time since the Maxwell Institute has dropped out another "steaming pile" for us to peruse. Now, I realize that they have probably been forced to change things drastically after a General Authority put a halt to their attempts to smear John Dehlin. Still, it's been something like 9 months since we last had an issue of the Review, and it really wasn't all that long about (two years or so?) that yet *another* issue had to be put on hold due to "issues with the cover" (whatever that meant). I wonder: are they planning to only publish one per year from here on out--perhaps due to admonitions from the GAs? Regardless, I can't help but think that the Review has been encountering a lot of devastating setbacks.

[_Yoda]

Does it come out at a certain time each quarter?

[_harmony]

Regardless, I can't help but think that the Review has been encountering a lot of devastating setbacks.

One person's devastating setback is another person's mild annoyance.

[_RayAgostini]

Is that all you have to say, Scratch? Very unlike you.

[_Kishkumen]

I realized today that it's been a really, really long time since the Maxwell Institute has dropped out another "steaming pile" for us to peruse. Now, I realize that they have probably been forced to change things drastically after a General Authority put a halt to their attempts to smear John Dehlin.

It may be a good time to stop and take stock a bit. Since there is an established tradition of thoughtful criticisms of books on the Book of Mormon and other LDS topics of interest, one wonders what purpose these hit pieces on members in good standing really serve except perhaps to embitter the target and give others license to marginalize members who think differently. I can't see the benefit in that.

Perhaps we will see a "kinder, gentler" review that gets back to its founding principles. Everyone would be better off, if such were to happen.

[_Gadianton]

Everyone knows it but just isn't talking about it: The page counts of the Review have been decreasing steadily over the years and the MTBP (mean time between polemics) have been increasing.

This, of course, it not surprising given the death of the limited geography theory.

[_Kishkumen]

Everyone knows it but just isn't talking about it: The page counts of the Review have been decreasing steadily over the years and the MTBP (mean time between polemics) have been increasing.

This, of course, it not surprising given the death of the limited geography theory.

Do you think polemical reviews stimulate more Liahona-level contributions?

[_Gadianton]

Do you think polemical reviews stimulate more Liahona-level contributions?

That's a fantastic question, Reverend. The answer is probably "yes". We've had some discussions with J Green and parallel to this FAIR is all pretending they're invested in a scholarly tone, but I really don't think the nitch of apologetics in general is scholarship -- well, there ARE some obvious reasons why. I think the readership of the Review generally speaking, likes seeing the scholars, the intellectual giants of FARMS -- as they so bill themselves -- crush critics, questioning members, and "folk" members, as many apologists hatefully refer to them.

Of course, as the declining page counts and diminishing readership indicates, the market for polemics is contracting. The game is changing.

[_Kishkumen]

Of course, as the declining page counts and diminishing readership indicates, the market for polemics is contracting. The game is changing.

So your guess would be that this polemical path will only hasten the decline of the Review?

[_kairos]

Maybe the FARNERS took seriously the criticism that their peer review was just a sham and have sought to bolster the non-lds scholars who would review and approve the papers sent to them.

Perhaps to date they have found non-lds scholars willing to be peer review panel members.


Thus no FARMS review has made it to the presses- What should FARMS do?

Punt or close down seem to be 2 viable options -Punting says forget non-lds reviewers and call up the usual suspects and get that damn journal to print.

Closing down has no downsides IMHO!

What say thou ye FARMERS?