When I first started researching diploma mills and accreditation, I was frequently confused about certain aspects of each topic. Now, I have have written two essays from the results of my research. Anyone new to the field of higher education may find these essays to be helpful in answering some of their questions. You can take a look at my essays here.
Mr. Bahur didn't mention that his diploma mill essay costs $1.50 when you go to the site he has put a link to, but can be read for free in the articles section here on DegreeInfo.
Mr. Bear fails to mention that many of his books are merely compilations of information from the same sources anyone could cite when writing a book, or a much cheaper and more concise essay. The information can be received from governments or organizations around the world, or free sources on the internet. There is quite an extensive volume of information if you know where to look. Oregon's Degree Authorization page is very helpful (www.osac.state.or.us/oda/diploma_mill.html), as is this website on degree mills and accreditation (http://www.degreefinders.com/accreditation.html).
Considering that Bears' Guide is currently in it's 15th edition, I would suspect that the articles mentioned owe something to Dr. Bear, not the other way around. Moreover, I suspect that your own essays owe something to Dr. Bear. You mentioned all of the research that you did. Do you honestly claim that Dr. Bear's work was not influentional in the essays that you are hawking?
It is possible that Dr. Bear, in his characteristically diplomatic manner, is alluding to the fact that you are in danger of violating the TOS of the forum by posting a link to your "store." Jack
Christopher, How odd, you recognize Dr. Bear as an expert in your essay. The three works you cite are the works of Dr. Bear. Now, when he points out the fact that your little essay (I'm guessing you asked Degreeinfo to post it?) is already available on Degreeinfo, you contend that his works are irrelevant.
The other part of this I find amusing is that the "extensive research" Mr. Bahur speaks of apparently (according to his bibliography) consists entirely of an article John had written and an excerpt of Bears' Guide 14th Edition (not even the most current information on the subject) he found on Degree.net. I'm guessing that the diploma mill article is equally well researched.
Mr. Bahur: "Mr. Bear fails to mention that many of his books are merely compilations of information from the same sources anyone could cite when writing a book, or a much cheaper and more concise essay. The information can be received from governments or organizations around the world, or free sources on the internet. " Mr. Bear (sometimes known as Dr. Bear): I find it amusing to see 29 years of labors in this vineyard called "merely compilations." Mr. Bahur first made contact with me in August, saying that he was working for a congressman interested in degree mills. As I think I now understand it, he was not actually working for a congressman, but hoping to interest one in these matters. I wish him well, since he is clearly on the side of TJATAW* and I hope that if he stays with it for 29 years, someone doesn't come along and call his work "merely compilations." John Bear, 27,000 words into the 100,000 word manuscript on degree mills, which must reach the publisher on January 31 _____ * Truth, Justice and the American** Way _____ ** or Australian, Armenian, Albanian, etc.
Chip, Considering your apprehensions and questions about Mr. Bahur's work, as well as the fact that he is using Degreeinfo as a forum for his shilling, why is his work so prominently displayed here? Jeff
Gee whiz, what a shock! The "store" web site is no longer in operation. And it seemed like such a good idea. Jack
