(Untitled)

[greatgoatman]

I received an e-mail from a professor tonight, part of a correspondence trying to figure out how to get some of my paperwork through. That's another issue, but what irks me is that the professor felt the need to tell me a salutation would be appreciated in future e-mails. Starting off with Dr, or Professor, whatever

Comments

[jonathonjones]

Sir,

Yeah, it's weird. I've actually had this problem in the opposite way: a student addresses me in a way I don't like, but I don't know how to deal with it. As you note, people who say "Listen, please call me Professor Jones" are super lame.

But if a student decides that "Young Man" is an appropriate address for you, how do you deal with it in a non-arrogant way?

Salutations,

Jon

[greatgoatman]

Mr. Jones,

Wow, that's, uh, awkward. I'm supposing that the hypothetical student is older than you, otherwise calling you a young man is awkward and strange. What I'd probably do is, in a fumbling manner, point out that yeah, I'm younger than you, but I'm still your teacher. Just call me Don. It's not arrogant, because it's not like you're asking for a title, just not to be referred to by your age. If he takes offense, well, how would he like to be called Old Man?

Or I might just grin and bear it.

Sincerely,

Don

[jonathonjones]

Monsieur Priest,

I did consider calling him "Old Man" to drive the point home. I decided against it :)

In Solidarity,

Jonathon Jones

[greatgoatman]

To the Honourable Jonathan Jones,

Probably for the best.

With all due respect,

Donald Priest