ABSTRACT
Ron Pelias (2011) describes himself trying to contemplate what qualitative work he wants to applaud and what efforts seem lacking. He’s curious as to why he is seduced by some work but not others, why the best work seems to engage and the weaker work seems to fall flat and leave him cold. Sitting at his desk, he is ready to consider other readings, but then he continues, putting an evaluative self forward that lists 12 contrasts between a flat piece and an engaging piece. One of these is as follows:
The flat piece, a cold dinner, is forced down, taken in with little pleasure. It lacks the heat of the chef’s passions, the chef’s sensuous self who knows, without spice, all is bland. The engaging piece makes each mouthful worthy of comment, encourages lingering, savoring, remembering. In its presence, I want to invite my colleagues and students to enjoy its flavors.
(Pelias, 2011, p. 666)