Jeff Trexler and I spent about an hour on the phone discussing the arts, philosophy, giving, and nonprofit law. With an education in Latin and Greek, plus a Doctorate in Divinity, and a law degree with a specialization in nonprofit law, he is an unusual man. What struck me most is that he sees things whole, not through this or that disciplinary prism. So it is with pleasure that I read his comments on my aspirational role as fool among knaves. How can I not like a man who said (on the phone), "Phil, when you said you were imitating Erasmus's The Praise of Folly, I finally saw where you are coming from." (The playing card, via Jeff, is from Marshall Mcluhan.)
Interesting guy. Sounds like we might agree on the ideal model for an online community.
Especially the pimps.
Posted by: Albert | January 11, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Among the many hidden rewards of the recent "dustup" has been my newfound awareness of the writing and perspective of Jeff Trexler. He has the 40,000-foot view of the entire endeavor.
GiftHub isn't so bad, either.
Posted by: MIchelle | January 11, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Jeff T. is in a category of one. Ask him to send you a copy, Michelle, of his article from 2002 in The Yale Law and Humanities Journal. Amazing piece of work. You would particularly enjoy the way he brings the theory of the visual arts together with the theory of community and nonprofit law.
Posted by: phil | January 12, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I think I may have run across it already - about nonprofit "style?"
Posted by: MIchelle | January 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Yes, exactly. Interesting that you would recall it. I will too for a long time. Jeff should turn it into a book. Maybe he could win one of those genius grants, he fits the mold, that of frame-breaker.
Posted by: phil | January 12, 2008 at 12:22 PM