The Final Word by Jim Thompson


There is one caution when talking about universities as I did in the opening column.  That is the quality of perception and credibility.  Often, graduates from an alma mater think the education provided now is the same as way back when.  Not necessarily so--this bears regular investigation.  Likewise, startup educational enterprises deserve a look, but it must be a careful one.  We know this in the case of Paperitalo Publications, here close to home.  We endeavor to offer regular and ad hoc educational opportunities.  Some are probably better than others.  What we struggle with is competing with the long term brand names.  We have been around for a long time, but many treat us as brand new, especially when they go to the boss seeking funds to act on their education aspirations.  We welcome scrutiny, it is when we are dismissed out of hand that we become chagrined.