Category Archives: About AP

Hear Answer Person in the deep heart's core

Where did the answer book go?  Can we see it somewhere?  Can you find someone else to keep answering questions, although I doubt he/she will be able to fill your epic shoes…?

With the assistance of a Pratt alum who has connections at NASA, the book is being prepared to be launched into space as part of a time capsule.  So soon you will be able to see it when you cast your gaze to the night sky.

As you know from my recent post announcing my retirement, I will continue to answer questions submitted online.  I’ll reconsider, though, when I start receiving questions with unseemly ASCII art embedded.  Big swell arriving at Inch Strand on Monday morning.  Join me in the line up.  Aloha!

Answer Person Retires

Friends,
For the past 28 years, I’ve enjoyed answering your questions about life and the Libraries.  But, alas, it was time for me to retire.APonDP Over the years, I’ve been inspired by your curiosity, at times challenged by your obscure references, and always flattered that you were reading.  At other times, I must admit, I’ve been exhausted by the repetition (so many questions about a certain unofficial graduation requirement that’s supposed to be fulfilled in the library).

Some faithful readers might be curious about what I’ll do next.  I plan to travel a bit with a special someone and do all of the things I dreamed of doing while working.  For the immediate future, I’ve rented a cottage overlooking Inch Strand in County Kerry, where I paddle out to surf only when the waves are overhead.  Durham will remain home.

You’ll have noticed that I removed the question book from the lobby before leaving a few weeks ago; but I’ll continue to answer your online questions for as long as I’m able.  Now back to my pint.  Slainte!

Pen is not provided

Why don’t you provide a writing utensil (that could be tied down) with which to write in this book? [3594C]

[written in answer space:  “You’re at Duke.  Ask your dad to send you some $.”  In other hand, with arrow to above comment:  “No need to be sexist.”  In other hand:  “One is provided, theft on campus is rampant.”

I don’t provide a writing utensil because I’m trying to discourage all the anatomical renderings.

From a fan

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

Thanks.  You’ve made my day a little sunnier.

Blog / Answer Book Comparison: an uncritical analysis

11/16/09  How long does it take you to answer these questions (in the book) vs. the blog? [3592C]

Aren’t you clever, posing this question online and in the book on the same date?  I answered the former the next day, and am just getting to the latter.  So the short answer is that online submissions are answered faster.  My Personal Elf retrieves pages from the book every couple of weeks and I answer as quickly as time permits.  We intend to put ourselves on an rigorous espresso regimen to pick up the pace.

Then again, I might’ve delayed answering the book version just to mess with you!

Blog / Answer Book Comparison: a critical analysis

How long does it take you to answer questions on this blog vs. the answer book?

Funny you should ask.  With the support of a small grant, one so insignificant, in fact, that it could be considered fictional, I’ve recently contracted with an outside entity – the Center for Regional Analytics and Performance – to review our data since we began inviting online submissions.  My objective was to answer this precise question.  Dr. Miklos Kisbolond, the Center’s director, believes the analysis will be complete by year’s end, at which time it will be delivered to us.  It might later appear in a respected journal.