What Has The New Farms Produced?

[Bill Hamblin]

Carl, I don't want to be skeptical, but I am.

Besides Sorenson's book which has been in the works for years--

1- How many books does NAMI have that have been accepted for publication and are currently in production? What are their titles?

2- How many completed manuscripts have been accepted for publication? What are their titles?

There is nothing confidential whatsoever about books under production, nor manuscripts that have been accepted for publication. There is no reason you can't give us their authors and titles.

[Daniel Peterson]

I would assume that the books in the pipeline include volumes for the Middle Eastern Texts Initiative (METI). And then the question becomes what, exactly, "in the pipeline" means.

Twenty-seven books would represent something on the order of a third of all the books ever published by FARMS or the Maxwell Institute throughout its roughly thirty-five years of operation to this point. In other words, this would be a spectacular explosion of new volumes, unprecedented in the history of the organization even when it had the active participation of scholars/leaders like Jack Welch, Noel Reynolds, and John Sorenson and had a substantially larger editorial staff. (One long-time editor was terminated just slightly more than two weeks ago; others have been let go over the past few years without being replaced.)

Edited February 11, 2013 by Daniel Peterson

[Scott Barton]

I'd like to offer a hearty congratulations to Brother Hodges!!! I wish you all the best in your new endeavor, and I cannot begin to express how pleased I am to learn of your hiring. Best of luck, young man!

[Peppermint Patty]

We currently have (by my count) 27 books in our editorial pipeline. These are all titles that have been accepted for publication, and more proposed titles are pouring in. Two more manuscripts have come under review just this past week. I have a full page, front and back, of proposed titles that came out of a single lunch meeting with a group of scholars last week.

Congratulations Carl. It sounds like you guys have been very busy and VERY productive. I'm glad to know that great things will be shortly forthcoming.

Please tell Mr. Bradford that we all appreciate all of his hard work on behalf of the Maxwell Institute, BYU and the Church. It sounds like it has, at times, been a thankless job for him.

[Bob Oliverio]

Interesting to hear from this Carl Griffin as one (supposedly) in the know of what is actually going on at Maxwell given all that has been discussed and speculated here. Don't know if he is real or not.  But does give reason to pause and reflect.

Observation:

Probably wise for all to be cautious about forming conclusions about the future success or failure of the Maxwell Institute.  

Let's just be gratuitous and let time be the ultimate judge. 

At a minimum, anyway,  it would appear the Institute and/or BYU seems to be focused on comments here for those who may care. (if Carl Griffin is real!)

[ttribe]

Congrats on the new position, Blair.

[LifeOnaPlate]

Carl Griffin is real, and thanks for the congratulations. For anyone interested in what I've been up to recently, check out my ongoing series at BCC on intellectual disability in Mormon thought and history. Looking forward to working with the Maxwell Institute.

[Daniel Peterson]

Carl Griffin is indeed real.

Congratulations Carl. It sounds like you guys have been very busy and VERY productive. I'm glad to know that great things will be shortly forthcoming.

I wait with bated breath.

Please tell Mr. Bradford that we all appreciate all of his hard work on behalf of the Maxwell Institute, BYU and the Church. It sounds like it has, at times, been a thankless job for him.

????

Edited February 11, 2013 by Daniel Peterson

[Darren10]

I was thinking of this last night.

Deeply saddened though I was by the events of last summer, I can't say I'm altogether regretful now. The chain of events did spark and give impetus to the rapid development by Peterson and company of the Interpreter Foundation, an enterprise that is more vibrant, energetic and technologically nimble than could have been achieved by the old Mormon Studies Review under the existing middle management at BYU.

I could not agree more.

[Darren10]

Hi, all. First time poster, and here in something of a business capacity as an employee of the Maxwell Institute. Since we’re receiving email inquiries about this thread, asking specifically about Dan’s post above (#11), I thought it might be helpful to address some of these points right here at the source. We’ve also been asked about rumors of layoffs and whether we are experiencing financial difficulties. Those rumors also are said to come from this board, but I’m not sure from what threads. The following is from the body of the email reply we’re sending out:

(2) As we said in our public statement last year, we are approaching the relaunch of the Review deliberately, and have set no timetable, but will announce the new editor as soon as one is appointed. Since last summer, we’ve met personally with more than a dozen leading Mormon Studies scholars to discuss the editorship and editorial direction of the new journal. And since this is a university journal, all prospective candidates for editor have required the vetting and approval of the university administration as well as, for BYU faculty, college approval. So this is not a fast process, but I can tell you that we are very far along with it.

(3) We currently have (by my count) 27 books in our editorial pipeline. These are all titles that have been accepted for publication, and more proposed titles are pouring in.

First off, why didn't you get a new editor before you fired the last one? Second, you must have Clark Kent or The Flash working for you to get that many books into the pipeline published anytime soon.

Edited February 11, 2013 by Darren10

[Peppermint Patty]

????

Daniel,

I meant that it's surprising Mr. Bradford hasn't always been given his deserved appreciation, acknowledgement and gratitude for all of his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Maxwell Institute, and for being anxiously engaged in furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's even more surprising and disappointing when one considers all the criticism he has recieved and where the criticism has come from. It's important to remember we all are on the same team and we all have the same goal.

[Bit]

We're actively planning on publishing books.

Through Salt Press?

[Wiki Wonka]

Deeply saddened though I was by the events of last summer, I can't say I'm altogether regretful now. The chain of events did spark and give impetus to the rapid development by Peterson and company of the Interpreter Foundation, an enterprise that is more vibrant, energetic and technologically nimble than could have been achieved by the old Mormon Studies Review under the existing middle management at BYU.

I totally agree with that. Interpreter is a twenty-first century journal which takes advantage of the technology that is now available. It is "light on its feet." Hopefully the Maxwell Institute will be able to do the same with their future publications.

And I'm happy to hear that Blair will be working there. Congratulations Blair!

WW

[Calm]

we all have the same goal.

Except when we don't....

Dan and several others who were enthusiatic players were not just benched by the team's coach, but kicked off the team itself.

[Louis Midgley]

I wonder why Carl did not announce the hiring of S. Smoot, who contributed to the cancelled Review and also more recently to Interpreter.

[Louis Midgley]

Daniel,

I meant that it's surprising Mr. Bradford hasn't always been given his deserved appreciation, acknowledgement and gratitude for all of his hard work and efforts on behalf of the Maxwell Institute, and for being anxiously engaged in furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's even more surprising and disappointing when one considers all the criticism he has recieved and where the criticism has come from. It's important to remember we all are on the same team and we all have the same goal.

I was one of those who was summarily given the boot from the Maxwell Institute. I was told by one of the Young Turks now in favor that my work was essentially worthless. It has, he said, merely had an appearance of scholarship but not the substance that genuine scholar appreciate. This came from someone who could, of course, be right, but I note that he has not a very extensive publication record and only one done with David Paulson when a student assistant at BYU that sustains and defends the Kingdom. I don't think that even Kish would, at least in one of his more thoughtful and less polemical moments, would agree with his harsh verdict on my scholarship.

I have been, of course, aware that my volunteer service with the Foundation of Ancient Research and Mormon Studies/Maxwell Institute would eventually come to an end. In addition, it has always been obvious to me that others have far more intellectual fire-power than I have ever have had. But I gave my best effort.

I did not, however, ever anticipate that my previously joyful association with the Maxwell Institute would end the way it did, especially with leaks, and hence wild rumors, unfounded gossip and so forth, all damaging to Elder Maxwell's name. All of this has been for me very painful. One reason is that I loved Elder Maxwell. I first go to know him when I entered university in 1950. He was, even then, a truly remarkable model of a Saint for kid just entering university. I was therefore pleased to honor his name as well as I could with what I wrote and edited.

The current director of the Maxwell Institute was once my student. I have known him and we have remained in constant contact for well over fifty years. He has been a very close friend. And now I wonder if Carl Griffin and Morgan Davis speak for my old and dear friend. This is a question that gnaws on me. I very much value friendship.

Petty quarrels are part of the very common ugly side of university life. Those at all familiar with universities will know exactly what I mean. But for the most part, except for the weird spying on the faculty by the then President of BYU that took place soon after I first arrived, we have been for the most part above such reprehensible things–that is, until this recent meltdown at the Maxwell Institute, of all places.

I have always been ready to move on. I was, however, simply stunned by these recent events. I have not recovered from the profound stress all of this mess has placed on a very long and valued friendship. And especially since someone other than my old and dear friend, who directs the Institute, now speak for the Institute at least in public.

I may have been given the boot, but I have not been silenced. A Latin motto of part of the old Midgleys in Yorkshire is Resurgam--I am back, this time with Interpreter, which is actually in virtually all ways better than the old and now cancelled Review. My roll with this new venture is much less than it was with the Review because we now have a host of volunteers all anxious to rescue the original mission of the Institute from the vague course change that has been announced..

Edited February 11, 2013 by Louis Midgley

[Scott Lloyd]

Hi, all. First time poster, and here in something of a business capacity as an employee of the Maxwell Institute. Since we’re receiving email inquiries about this thread, asking specifically about Dan’s post above (#11), I thought it might be helpful to address some of these points right here at the source. We’ve also been asked about rumors of layoffs and whether we are experiencing financial difficulties. Those rumors also are said to come from this board, but I’m not sure from what threads. The following is from the body of the email reply we’re sending out:

(1) We’re not planning any changes for the Journal and, as you can see from the last issue, it’s never been stronger. I don’t have the benefit of Dan’s unnamed sources and have never heard any such rumors. But I fact-checked Dan’s information with the Journal’s editor, Paul Hoskisson, and Paul says submissions are as strong as ever.

(2) As we said in our public statement last year, we are approaching the relaunch of the Review deliberately, and have set no timetable, but will announce the new editor as soon as one is appointed. Since last summer, we’ve met personally with more than a dozen leading Mormon Studies scholars to discuss the editorship and editorial direction of the new journal. And since this is a university journal, all prospective candidates for editor have required the vetting and approval of the university administration as well as, for BYU faculty, college approval. So this is not a fast process, but I can tell you that we are very far along with it.

(3) We currently have (by my count) 27 books in our editorial pipeline. These are all titles that have been accepted for publication, and more proposed titles are pouring in. Two more manuscripts have come under review just this past week. I have a full page, front and back, of proposed titles that came out of a single lunch meeting with a group of scholars last week. However, our publishing resources are modest and we have a number of priorities to balance. In addition to our journals, newsletter and website, we have launched an initiative to republish our entire back catalog, both books and periodicals, in modern digital formats. This is requiring a heavy editorial investment. Even so, I expect we will publish at least 6-7 new books this year, though we only announce specifics on our titles at the time of publication.

(4) I can confirm that we just laid off two staff members, but as with all employment matters, we are unable to share the particulars with the public. Our finances, as is the case for the rest of the university, are also confidential. But I can tell you that, unlike most other units, the university only covers about one-third of our costs, and the rest of our budget we have to raise through fundraising. Thus we always have to deal with financial insecurity. Since staffing represents most of our annual costs, our staffing has often been adjusted over the years, usually downward. However, I’m pleased to say that we have just hired a new Public Communications Specialist, Blair Hodges, who will be starting with us tomorrow (Feb. 11).

I’ve just jumped onto the board to help address the questions raised here, so I won’t be participating in any discussion. But anyone with questions like these is welcome to contact me or Blair Hodges anytime at the Maxwell Institute (801-422-9229).

A pity that Carl Griffin has declined to engage in discussion. I would be interested in some public comment from him as to whether the Maxwell Institute as presently constituted plans to engage in apologetics in any meaningful way. Now, more than ever, the Church of Jesus Christ needs vigorous, knowledgable, scholarly and formidable defenders, and the current Maxwell Institute could make a great contribution in that respect.

On the other hand, if there was any intent along those lines, what was the purpose of last summer's dismissal of the editorial staff or the Review?

Perhaps our old friend Blair could enlighten us on this.

[DBMormon]

Carl Griffin is indeed real.

I wait with bated breath.

????

While I wholeheartedly feel bad about what happened, Perhaps moving on is the best approach for all.

[Peppermint Patty]

I was one of those who was summarily given the boot from the Maxwell Institute. I was told by one of the Young Turks now in favor that my work was essentially worthless. It has, he said, merely had an appearance of scholarship but not the substance that genuine scholar appreciate. This came from someone who could, of course, be right, but I note that he has not a very extensive publication record and only one done with David Paulson when a student assistant at BYU that sustains and defends the Kingdom. I don't think that even Kish would, at least in one of his more thoughtful and less polemical moments, would agree with his harsh verdict on my scholarship.

I have been, of course, aware that my volunteer service with the Foundation of Ancient Research and Mormon Studies/Maxwell Institute would eventually come to an end. In addition, it has always been obvious to me that others have far more intellectual fire-power than I have ever have had. But I gave my best effort.

I did not, however, ever anticipate that my previously joyful association with the Maxwell Institute would end the way it did, especially with leaks, and hence wild rumors, unfounded gossip and so forth, all damaging to Elder Maxwell's name. All of this has been for me very painful. One reason is that I loved Elder Maxwell. I first go to know him when I entered university in 1950. He was, even then, a truly remarkable model of a Saint for kid just entering university. I was therefore pleased to honor his name as well as I could with what I wrote and edited.

The current director of the Maxwell Institute was once my student. I have known him and we have remained in constant contact for well over fifty years. He has been a very close friend. And now I wonder if Carl Griffin and Morgan Davis speak for my old and dear friend. This is a question that gnaws on me. I very much value friendship.

Petty quarrels are part of the very common ugly side of university life. Those at all familiar with universities will know exactly what I mean. But for the most part, except for the weird spying on the faculty by the then President of BYU that took place soon after I first arrived, we have been for the most part above such reprehensible things–that is, until this recent meltdown at the Maxwell Institute, of all places.

I have always been ready to move on. I was, however, simply stunned by these recent events. I have not recovered from the profound stress all of this mess has placed on a very long and valued friendship. And especially since someone other than my old and dear friend, who directs the Institute, now speak for the Institute at least in public.

I may have been given the boot, but I have not been silenced. A Latin motto of part of the old Midgleys in Yorkshire is Resurgam--I am back, this time with Interpreter, which is actually in virtually all ways better than the old and now cancelled Review. My roll with this new venture is much less than it was with the Review because we now have a host of volunteers all anxious to rescue the original mission of the Institute from the vague course change that has been announced..

Louis,

Thanks for your heartfelt post. I really appreciated it and it helps me understand better why emotions run so high on this topic.

+1

[ALarson]

If this was already discussed, I missed it.

But, any thoughts on the hiring of Joseph Bonyata as Director of Production?

http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/insights/?vol=32&num=3&id=999

Has anyone worked with him before? He sounds impressive and I look forward to seeing what the does.

Joe started his career in book publishing at Fortress Press in Minneapolis, a leading publisher in biblical studies and theology. As managing editor at Fortress, Joe was responsible for over 60 new titles a year and oversaw the digital publication of the 55 volumes of Martin Luther’s Works, as well as a new translation of the foundational book of Lutheranism, The Book of Concord. Joe also headed the team that initially developed fortresspress.com. After Fortress, he published books on “planes, trains, and automobiles” at MBI Publishing in Minneapolis. Joe then served as director of editorial production for the New York trade publisher Perseus Books Group, overseeing the publication of over 200 new book titles a year.

[ERayR]

Petty quarrels are part of the very common ugly side of university life. Those at all familiar with universities will know exactly what I mean. But for the most part, except for the weird spying on the faculty by the then President of BYU that took place soon after I first arrived, we have been for the most part above such reprehensible things–that is, until this recent meltdown at the Maxwell Institute, of all places.

When I went to a University, other than BYU, and as an older student(we were called non-traditional students) I was very aware of the petty quarrels. I called them academic arrogance, usually resulting from an over rated sense of self importance.

[Calm]

Sayre's law states, in a formulation quoted by Charles Philip Issawi: "In any dispute the intensity of feeling is inversely proportional to the value of the issues at stake." By way of corollary, it adds: "That is why academic politics are so bitter."...Sayre usually stated his claim as "The politics of the university are so intense because the stakes are so low"

http://en.wikipedia....Sayre's_law

However, I think a project that has been near and dear to someone's heart for 40ish years where he has invested hundreds, if not thousands of hours is not a 'low stake', at least not to that individual even if it may be to someone else.

Edited February 11, 2013 by calmoriah

[Bill Hamblin]

Bumping this for Carl.

What are the authors and titles of the 6-7 books MI will publish this year? How many of them are completed manuscripts actually in production?

There is nothing confidential about this information whatsoever. University publishers regularly include a forthcoming section in their catalogs. It is standard publishing procedure.

[The Nehor]

I work with publishers all the time. 27? With your reported staff size? Are these pamphlets?

I am not saying it is impossible but I will be impressed if you pull it off quickly and still have a reasonably thorough editing process.

[cinepro]

I work with publishers all the time. 27? With your reported staff size? Are these pamphlets?

I am not saying it is impossible but I will be impressed if you pull it off quickly and still have a reasonably thorough editing process.

Maybe they won't be pretending to peer review anymore?