In at least two cases, one in Peninsular and the other in Latin American, I have heard of an individual who actively volunteers to write a recommendation for someone (for a grant or fellowship) just in order to trash the person in the letter. I am not talking about people being asked to write one and only coming up with a lukewarm recommendation, but of someone who says, "Oh, you are applying for an NEH, let me write you a letter."
Why, in the best profession in the world, are there such people? There is no better job than teaching Spanish and / or Latin American literature, in my obviously biased opinion. The thing that makes this job less desirable is the existence of malicious people.
Isn't it illegal to write negative recommendation letters without informing the person you are writing them for?
ResponderEliminarWell, the person knows and agrees to get the letter, but doesn't know it's negative.
ResponderEliminarUnethical or wrong, sure. Repugnant, even. But what "law" would apply?
ResponderEliminarSince I don't particularly like writing references, I would never volunteer to write one for someone anyway! :-)
ResponderEliminarI'm sorry, I misspoke. I meant that people can get sued for writing a negative letter.
ResponderEliminarYou could get sued, but it's unlikely.
ResponderEliminarIt's not just Hispanists who do this kind of thing (and worse).
ResponderEliminar