Or David, it is simply the truth. I don't think SFGC has a master conspiricy plan to make it more Tillified, so to speak. I am pretty sure of all clubs, THAT one is comfortable in its own skin with regards to who and what they are
I don't think there was a conspiracy but in my experience advocates tend to find what they are looking for in these situations. The larger point is that it doesn't matter. In order for this work to be considering of historical value and of scholastic merit it has to be open to criticism by all, and without proper citations or a bibliography it isn't open to such criticism. These things are far from clear and no doubt there are errors and questionable calls in the paper, or at least things worth discussing or exploring further. That is how the study of history works. It is a continued conversation. But by refusing to back up his claims Phillip is cutting off that conversation, and if that is the case the conversation ought not try give his findings or conclusions much merit.
Bound to happen seems to strong for me here. Whenever you are piecing together a history, there is certainly interpretation. But often times things like board minutes and following the money make it rather clear
Mistakes always happen, and conclusions are always questionable. Or at least they must be open to question. And that is the point. Unless they are subject to scrutiny they ought to be taken with a huge grain of salt.
What make you think that he didn't have people vet his sources or check his analysis
Well I hope he did, but whether he did or not is irrelevant to what I am saying. Any interested party ought to be able to challenge it if doubt it. One cannot just declare it true because some hand picked reader proclaimed it was good enough to publish. This happens all the time in scientific journals where getting something published is under intense review. Still the real fun doesn't start until thing are published for everyone to consider and challenge.
I understand what you are saying about TomM but I also think you are wrong. Try to look past your distaste for him and you might find that his comments and questions oftentimes have merit.