+206 You automatically think a professor is an arrogant asshole when they assign a textbook that they wrote, amirite?

by Anonymous 11 years ago

Who else is more qualified to write the fucking textbooks?

by Anonymous 13 years ago

(...duh): I'm not saying a professor isn't qualified, but they had to learn it from somebody else first. It's not like they invented the concepts of economics or whatever subject they're teaching. Besides, it puts more money directly into their pocket, and they typically find any excuse to make a new edition every year so you can never buy the book used.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

So, the people who write OTHER textbooks invented the concepts? Maybe their trying to further their career the same way you are. And in some cases, it's more convenient for the students, because the textbook is available for free online.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

A free online book wouldn't bother me as much as paying a ridiculous amount of money for a hard copy of the book, especially if they summarize and clarify the points that will be covered most in the class. However, I've never had this happen to me or anyone else I've talked to. As far as inventing concepts, who can say who came up with the original ideas? But because these subjects have been around for so long, I really don't see the point in creating a new book every year or so, other than to make money.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Or other than to provided a clearer understanding for students. I would definitely not be happy using the same books they did 100 years ago. And I made the comment about "Inventing" the concepts because you said THEY didn't do it, implying the other people who wrote the textbooks did.

by Anonymous 13 years ago

Also because, depending on the course, it isn't good to get all (or the majority) of what you're learning from just one person's perspective of it - professors are humans, and as humans they have their biases, so it's good to listen to/read multiple people's writings on the subject, not have to have a lecture/course be taught by someone, and then read their book about it too - there's not going to be enough variety of opinion.

by Anonymous 11 years ago

I'm thinking of Gilderoy Lockhart wary

by Anonymous 11 years ago