ChemCannon now rescinds its decision to participate
After perusing through several of the previous blog-entries on this platform we found too many instances (~73% of the ~85 blogs randomly selected) of clear plagiarism and in fact, a number of bloggers openly claimed authorship (unbelievable!) in their comments-section. Since, there are no clearly well-defined ‘penalties’ and since a number of these unrepentant ‘serial’ plagiarizers are current participants – I strongly feel that our name (Wesley) should not be associated (as active participants) with this activity. I have however asked my students to periodically post comments & blogs not of a professional nature, but on activities that the other (predominantly Indian) students can relate to. Such entries will mutually benefit students on either side of the globe. This exercise has made me uncomfortable especially the fact that a number of participating faculty seem resistant to change and I am beginning to have a change of opinion of the Indian education system (unfortunate, but true). At the same time, there are a number of faculty members willing to change their ways, so there is some hope. However, as a former editor of an international journal and an active participant in the refereeing process for peer-reviewed journals, I find this type of behavior abhorrent. I joined this venture hoping (and I believe we would have) to make an impact – but with so many unresolved ethical issues, it’s time to quit....
I spent my formative years in Bombay (Mumbai) India. Growing up in a financially impoverished environment was arduous. I remember having to study on the roof-top (due to a noisy environment) and spend nights studying in a garden under a street-light. My parents being uneducated were not too supportive of such activities. I realize that a number of you are (were) in a similar situation and can relate to such a struggle. I somehow managed to muddle my way through the system to get admitted to a US institution of higher education. My parents borrowed money (~Rs. 7,000 at the time) and I entered the US knowing absolutely no one (realize that there was no web-access & the telephone connections were a disaster). I am not proud of my initial years here (probably partied a bit too much) however, I seized every 'break' that was tossed my way and the rest is history...
Pharmainfo.net has now provided a forum where you can sharpen your analytical ability and technical writing skills....Use it (do not abuse it)!
- Dr. Malcolm J. DSouza's blog
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Comments
Nik
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 12:43
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Dear sir, I am really very
vedikag
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 14:30
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I m sorry to hear this... all
Vedika Gulati Team Infinity "∞" http://www.pharmainfo.net/blog/team-infinity
Bhavish Vora
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 15:08
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Speechless
meghnadatta
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 16:06
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I feel sorry that many of us
jigardpatel
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 16:07
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shocked
saikuldeeproy
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 17:10
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Respected Sir, Its
KULDEEP
Scientific Division
RCP
http://www.pharmainfo.net/saikuldeeproy
http://www.pharmainfo.net/og/rcp/soldiers-rcpvbsishwarya
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 17:02
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So unfortunate....
amolsmalpani
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 17:08
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Sir you should not go like this
Amol S Malpani
Second prize Winners of Skills Test 2010tusharpremin
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 18:48
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Rethink for the sake of
http://www.pharmainfo.net/tusharpremin
Mayuri patel
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 19:36
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feeling sorry for this sir
Mayuri
tejaswi redla
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 23:09
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SIR STUDENTS LIKE US NEED YOU SO PLEASE....
Regards,
Tejaswi Redla
STUDENT'S CORNER N WALL POSTING EVENTS IN-CHARGE
,
http://www.pharmainfo.net/tejaswi-redla
rojarani
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 23:54
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Leaders Should Fight!
Regards
Mrs. Roja Rani
BLOGGING BEES
eswar
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 00:48
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We Indians are sentimental and Emotional!
Dear Sir,
I have never thought of giving a "POOR" rating to your blog but your blog made me upset hence giving that.
If the persons with RIGHT knowledge and experience move away from the board who will guide the learners?
If a mistake was committed by some one, they will be given a chance and then you should take decision. Due to lack of knowledge on plagiarism those mistakes were happened, but not intentionally. As U are aware of, we are not taught of all these things in graduation or post graduation and we should learn with personal interest and morals. Then who will teach us? You are leaving us half knowledged in this issue. Have u seen any fighting regarding Plagiarism in earlier blogs! But why now only? Because you have that knowledge, then you should make us learn and we are ready to drag the knowledge...
Even organizers were serious this time and they very clear about what they want and given chance to all to get interacted and share the facts. They asked the leaders/ learners to post on Plagiarism seems they want to bring awareness among the bloggers/ participants then who will serve the purpose.
Earlier it was very hard to get into this platform due to some hesitations, fears but now some people are visible on the platform, who are they? They are the knowledge seekers! Who will teach them? Persons like you. So please do justice to your profession!
Inform us what you are expecting from us, what should be done in right way, how to increase the quality of presentation... Instead of all these quitting means it's really painful to all of us. We don't want to miss a character like you in our upcoming life.
Hope U will come up with your words letting us know what u r expecting from us (INDIANS) such that atleast some of us become aware of this issue and continue to forward the knowledge to our students and followers.
Sir, Please forgive me if I went wrong in posting this comment, consider the emotions rather than words...
Regards
ESWAR :-)
vijayaratna
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 03:46
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Sir, please stay with us...
http://www.pharmainfo.net/vijayaratna/biography
dvsnaditya
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 09:30
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A wrong step by a right
Regards, D. V. S. N Aditya
Event co-ordinator RCPDr. Malcolm J. ...
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 10:08
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Response to the many comments here and the e-mails received
In the recent past, a former Wesley College President was accused of plagiarism (http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2006/05/04/college_president_who_apologized_for_plagiarism_accused_again/). Evaluators on the outside were called to investigate and the then President was given a "pass" (http://chronicle.com/article/Panel-That-Reviewed-Plagiarism/2655/). However, the process was genuinely painful and as institution made the collective decision to try to "stay away" from such issues. As was pointed out by Eswar and others below, most of you have not been given the proper guidance in technical writing and unintentionally plagiagrized - which is very likely. Unfortunately, here (in the US) the courts decided that "ignorance is no excuse for plagiarism," (http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=943&dat=19850606&id=mW4LAAAAIBAJ&sjid=g1MDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3625,3437328) and as a member of this community I will stand by its decision.
Yes, education is a learning process - I am a strong supporter of this belief. Even though 'ChemCannon' is not an official participant, as members of this populace we will monitor the activities in this forum and will individually contribute. You are after all 'friends,' and "friends do not let friends down....."
tusharpremin
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 19:04
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We are having blank space here
http://www.pharmainfo.net/tusharpremin
qazi shahezad
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 11:29
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Sorry sir, I am shocked
kritikaaneja
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 13:11
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really shocked to hear this.....
Janu Pandya
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 13:30
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Hello sir, First of all I am
Janu
Bhavani Prasad.V
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 13:40
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Really upsets!!
Dear Sir,
It is really very doleful to hear this from you..
It really upsets most of us..
The reason behind you quitting in this discussion is not at all acceptable..(Sorry to say this but, that's what I feel sir).
As Mrs.Vijayaratna mam said, its the duty of each and every teacher to correct the flaws of students, its their right.. But instead quitting is not only the solution.
Yes!! in US there are strict axiom's but your comparison is not at all apt.. India is still developing..
Yes!! There are some blogs which are plagiarized as you said, why don't you try to counteract for all these..??.
Just try to think about one simple question - "What happens if organizers of this discussion didn't ask to keep a blog on Plagiarism?".. Do you think this problem would really arise??
And one more thing sir i.e about 'your change of opinion of the Indian education'. I would like to bring to your notice that, there is an advancement in technology day by day in India now a days..hope even you are aware of it.. and that too you can find many Indian's working around the globe(especially in US). Hope oyu are aware of this too . Do you think the failure in education system made them reach these heights??
I sincerely apologize if my words hurt you and every on who read my comment. But, your absence made me speak like this sir.. It really disappointed me. To be frank, I thought of gaining lots of information from you and your team about various aspects(even personally regarding education and all). But.. :(
I just tried to make my feelings reach your heart so that again you would come come back to this platform...
Awaiting for your return Sir..
Regards,
Regards,
Bhavani Prasad.V
juhis
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 16:47
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To quit is a sign of
Juhi Sharma http://www.pharmainfo.net/juhis/biography Team Infinity "∞" http://www.pharmainfo.net/blog/team-infinity
Brian52
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 20:25
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Quitting is much different
juhis
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 06:14
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All the best for your future
Juhi Sharma http://www.pharmainfo.net/juhis/biography Team Infinity "∞" http://www.pharmainfo.net/blog/team-infinity
kranthikumar
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 15:25
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i agree...
Regards Kranthi http://www.pharmainfo.net/kranthikumar/biography
Prashant Pandey
Fri, 02/19/2010 - 16:56
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Hello sir, first of all I am
prashant
Sona Singh
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 06:17
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hello
sona singh
http://www.pharmainfo.net/sona-singh
kranthikumar
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 15:24
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Would miss you.
Regards Kranthi http://www.pharmainfo.net/kranthikumar/biography
siva_ganesh
Sat, 02/20/2010 - 20:44
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Sir We will really miss a
Regards Siva Ganesh sivaganesh_honey@yahoo.com keep smiling About Me http://www.pharmainfo.net/sivaganesh/biography My Blogs http://www.pharmainfo.net/sivaganesh/blog
namanm
Mon, 02/22/2010 - 11:18
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Sir, Please kindy rethink
Naman Team Infinity
"∞"
http://www.pharmainfo.net/blog/team-infinity