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Thanks, Michael Hoechsmann, for posting that fascinating piece by Laurance Yap, the student who sets out his disillusionment with academic writing--though also his success and satisfaction with a piece not written to rule. I would distance myself from the advice of the writing advisor who visited his class, that essays should always be non-narrative and logical and serious. It's harder, though, to stand back from the emphasis on scholarly sources as appropriate reading. I have to admit that as a writing tutor I do find myself rationalizing the insistence on research papers rather than Maclean's as sources, while wishing that research papers were more readable.... What do other CASLLrs think? In what ways can writing instructors nurture creativity within the academy? Should we keep on justifying academic essays (including working with instructors to shape assignment design and to respond appropriately)? To what extent is it our mission to encourage students to bend and break the rules to express their knowledge and ideas? I agree that Inkshed is an entirely appropriate place to publish this piece, and hope that Amanda and Janice will pick it up. But let's also include some responses from writing teachers. Regards, Margaret Procter Coordinator, Writing Support University of Toronto