FodnessReviewsLyons

1.Did the presentation clearly describe the aims of the research – empirical, conceptual, methodological, and practical?

Yes – very detailed.

2.Did the presentation provide an overview of what we already know about the research subject, and then explain how the proposed research will create new knowledge?

Yes – what we know about pirates already doesn't cover their production of knowledge and cooptation of technology, so there will be a lot of new knowledge created.

3.Did the presentation provide a robust sense of how the research will be carried out, and of the type of data that will be collected?

Yes – tons of archival work, since there are no living pirates from the golden age to interview.

4.Did the research plan presented seem credible and feasible?

This is going to be a difficult project to pull off, because the data is either in the archives or it isn't, and it is possible that lots of digging will produce no results. However, because of the difficulty, it is a ripe area for study, and can end up producing an excellent book.

5.Did the presentation provide a tangible sense of the book and other outcomes of the research?

Yes.

6.Did the presentation persuade you that the proposed research is important, in this historical moment in particular?

Important because it is understudied. Because it is a historical project, however, there is not any particular motivation at this point in time.

7.Was the speaking style clear, engaging, and well timed?

Yes. Very well done.

8.Further comments and questions: