Posted by Northern_Phoenix on Sat 25 Apr 09, 12:42 AM to Northern_Phoenix's blog.
One of those kinda made my day today.
Well, ok, so it probably wasn't all that random since it was a reply to an email I sent a few days ago, but never mind the technicalities.
Anyway, as part of the whole 'I want to study the BDSM community' thing I've had to read around what other people have written about it. And unless I'm missing something quite significant, there's not really a whole lot. So earlier in the week I sent an email to an academic in America who has studied things in the past that are at least vaguely relevant.
Now, before I go on I should clarify that some of the staff in the department who actually teach me and in theory are supposed to give advice seem to loathe doing so in some cases, and one line email responses are pretty common.
The reply I recieved from this person who I did the email equivalent of cold-calling to? Pretty extensive, pointing to a few promising more recent bits of work, and wholly positive. Advice was also given, and an offer of further help when I actually start the research/if I decide to submit proposals to study at a higher level was given too. To say I was stunned by this is putting it a little mildly!
Although I have to wait until October to really do much of anything (unless the idea is rejected by someone, although I have at least one person in support!), the proposal for it all is submitted soon. Exciting times 
Phoenix
