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In June 2000, I had settled into a cosy stay at Pilgrim’s Lane. Only later would I begin to see that by providing me with so much access and comfort, Michael was buffering the biography. I don’t mean that he made some sort of calculation that I would be indebted because of his generosity—although this is exactly what his nephew Paul Foot would later say: I was abusing Michael’s hospitality by dealing with issues that for Michael’s sake should be left out of Jill’s biography. It was simply in Michael’s nature, I believe, to extend his liberality, which easily segued into his thinking I would produce a biography in the same spirit of amity that characterised our jolly talks together.

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Jan 26
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Jan 26 2016 6:10AM) : What is meant by "buffering the biography."
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Feb 7
Lynette Grodskiy Lynette Grodskiy (Feb 07 2016 2:08PM) : Buffering more

I think “buffering” implies that Michael was trying to shield certain aspects of his life, in hopes they would not be used or asked about for in the biography. He was attempting to display a positive side of his personality and life, so that only his pleasant qualities would be used in the book.

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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 3:13AM) : or at least softening what might otherwise seem negative.
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Feb 8
Elvira Amparo De La Cruz Elvira Amparo De La Cruz (Feb 08 2016 8:16AM) : “Buffering the Bio” more

I believe that “Buffering the biography” meant that Michael was trying to moderate and protect certain experiences and facts from being used as part of the biography. By providing the author with comfort and hospitality he was trying to sway the author into seeing a lighter side of him. This is common in interviews and feature articles and sometimes bought by reporters.

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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 11:35PM) : Yes, although I was never sure how conscious Michael was of this buffering. He was a generous person with nearly everyone.
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Feb 11
Elvira Amparo De La Cruz Elvira Amparo De La Cruz (Feb 11 2016 3:37AM) : This interesting did his generousity ever get in the way of you revealing some important information , did this make you more sympathetic ? Since he was being genuine?
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Feb 12
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 12 2016 1:27AM) : When you read more, you will find your question is answered.
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Feb 8
Molly Deng Molly Deng (Feb 08 2016 12:20PM) : Molly Deng more

In this context, I think “buffering the biography” refers to polishing the story in a way that would highlight the positive attributes of Michael Foot and minimize his negative attributes. It seems that Michael’s hopes is that if he treats someone hospitably, they would do the same.

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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 11:35PM) : Not so much polishing as protecting.
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Feb 9
Elvis Rosario Mendez Elvis Rosario Mendez (Feb 09 2016 11:47AM) : Buffering? more

Somehow Mr. Foot was impacting the biography, maybe leading the direction where it was heading to.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:43PM) : but what does buffering mean in this context?
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Feb 9
George Ocampo George Ocampo (Feb 09 2016 12:23PM) : Buffering more

I think that “buffering the biography” suggests that Foot was trying to provide hospitality and generosity in a way that would try to sway the direction of the biography into his benefit. Naturally, someone wants to be portrayed in a positive light, with their positive characteristics highlighted and their less appealing ones unnoticed.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:43PM) : yes, so buffering itself means?
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May 21
Treasure Kim Treasure Kim (May 21 2016 4:44PM) : Treasure Kim more

Manipulating

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Feb 9
student Venetia Persaud student Venetia Persaud (Feb 09 2016 2:23PM) : In this context, I believe "buffering the biography" means focusing on the positive things Michael has done as opposed to the negative.
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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:44PM) : and does buffering lead to the positive?
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Feb 11
student Venetia Persaud student Venetia Persaud (Feb 11 2016 1:01AM) : No, it certainly does not because as a biographer you are purposely choosing to skip over certain events in your subject's life so that you can paint him in a good light.
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Feb 12
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 12 2016 1:26AM) : the you is confusing here since I am not skipping over anything that is relevant to the biography.
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Feb 9
Ayannah Woods Ayannah Woods (Feb 09 2016 2:31PM) : I think this phrase means Michael Foot was hoping that you would polish up his biography so that he would have only positive light shed on him.
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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:45PM) : Not just positive. but buffering the negative, which means what
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Feb 9
Wenting Wu Wenting Wu (Feb 09 2016 2:41PM) : Buffering the Biography more

I guess “buffering the Biography” means that the process of writing the biography is very slow.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:46PM) : that is not what buffering means. Look up the meaning of the word
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Feb 9
Mr. Saveen Wijebandara Mr. Saveen Wijebandara (Feb 09 2016 4:56PM) : Buffering more

Buffering the biography implies that Mr.Foot was taking control of his biography. The Preface indicated that this was not a conventional biography, perhaps, Mr.Foot realized that and buffered the process, allowing for details to come at specific times. In addition, buffering usually indicates a delay. He may have delayed the the biographical process to give time to prepare himself to recollect on past incidents or ensure himself emotional control. Furthermore, it could mean the consideration Mr. Foot had for the biographer, allowing more time to get the story right.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:47PM) : buffering is a kind of protection
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Feb 9
yoshiko yoshida yoshiko yoshida (Feb 09 2016 11:48PM) : Buffering the Biography more

I think the meaning of “buffering the biography” here is that Michael was trying to loosen up his life so that his life will be more simple, convenient and will be filled only with his amusing qualities.

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Feb 11
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 11 2016 2:33AM) : This is not what buffering means. Look up the word.
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Feb 13
Annalee Manaloto Annalee Manaloto (Feb 13 2016 5:08AM) : buffer more

If buffering means to “lessen or moderate the impact of something,” then buggering the biography is referring to Foot acting as moderator to lessen the impact of his life on the biography (or maybe even vice versa) by offering the biographer hospitality.

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Feb 13
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 13 2016 11:49PM) : Buggering? That is English slang for intercourse.
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Feb 19
Annalee Manaloto Annalee Manaloto (Feb 19 2016 3:39PM) : Typo! more

Whoops, I meant buffering. Not intercourse.

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Feb 23
Mr. Itamar Hematian Mr. Itamar Hematian (Feb 23 2016 5:09AM) : Buffering=Shield. He was trying to shield certain aspects from the biography.
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Feb 26
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 26 2016 9:44PM) : shielding may be a part of buffering.
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Feb 27
Allen Strk Allen Strk (Feb 27 2016 1:37PM) : Buffering more

When someone buffers something, it usually pertains to hiding information about your life or some type of story. Michael was trying to focus primarily on his bright moments rather than hamper on his failures.

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Feb 28
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 28 2016 3:03AM) : Hamper on is incorrect. You hamper something. But you can't hamper on something. Are you thinking of another word? Buffering does not necessarily mean hiding.
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Feb 28
Jason Zawadzki Jason Zawadzki (Feb 28 2016 3:56AM) : Buffering more

I feel that offering such hospitality to the author, Michael is trying to influence the author to omit particular information from the biography that he may deem negative, ultimately shielding and protecting himself.

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Feb 29
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 29 2016 2:11AM) : Yes, a kind of shielding, although it might not be intentional.
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Mar 24
Student Thonny Vargas Student Thonny Vargas (Mar 24 2016 8:21AM) : I assumed that the term buffering the biography is related to the actions that Michael Foot does to built a good relation with the interviewer, in a way that Michael Foot can obtained some control during the interview.
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Mar 24
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Mar 24 2016 10:52PM) : Yes
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Apr 2
Student Rand Shannak Student Rand Shannak (Apr 02 2016 12:28AM) : Rand Shannak more

By bufferring the biography the biographer eithermeans the subject is delaying it, or safeguarding it. Ensuring he is controlling the information and stories and protecting the truth.

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Apr 2
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Apr 02 2016 11:08PM) : Yes
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May 13
Safiya Sergeant Safiya Sergeant (May 13 2016 5:20AM) : Safiya Sergeant more

What’s meant by “buffering the biography” is Foot was getting the biography ready, but getting it ready to be all around something he grants. Typically, buffering happens when you’re waiting for a video to play on the internet. Foot is ensuring the biography plays out on his terms, with the writer smoothing over anything negative, or could be turned negative by the media.

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May 13
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (May 13 2016 10:00PM) : right
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May 20
Michael Andersen Michael Andersen (May 20 2016 12:11PM) : Buffering more

I think it means that Foot was trying to shield certain aspects of his life he may not have wanted made public. Whether positive or negative things were brought up, it seems like he still would only want some of those things displayed in a certain way.

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Jan 26
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Jan 26 2016 6:11AM) : What is Michael Foot expecting from the biography? How does this clash with the biographer's/journalist's expectations?
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Feb 7
Lynette Grodskiy Lynette Grodskiy (Feb 07 2016 2:26PM) : Clash more

Michael Foot expects the biography to be a lighthearted portrayal of his life; basically a book which highlights and reminds the public about all his good efforts and accomplishments. The biographer on the other hand, wants to dig deeper to get the full story, and uncover aspects of Foot’s life that are unknown to the public. The biographer does not want to sugar coat, or spare any details, which will impede Foot’s original perception.

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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 3:14AM) : not necessarily light-hearted, but you need to read more before you see what his attitude really is
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Feb 8
Elvira Amparo De La Cruz Elvira Amparo De La Cruz (Feb 08 2016 8:25AM) : Michael Foot is expecting that the biography will solely be written about the friendly encounters between him and the reporter. more
Michael believes that if he continues this nonchalant attitude, the biographer will slowly deminsh his desires to dig deep and perhaps change the angle of his biography. This clashes with the journalist’s expectations because the journalist is not so easily manipulated and has a different view
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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 11:36PM) : True, although the journalist is also behaving as a friend, which complicates the situation.
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Feb 8
Molly Deng Molly Deng (Feb 08 2016 12:27PM) : Molly Deng more

It seems that in agreeing to do this biography, Foot already had expectations as to what he wants to be included. Based on this interaction, it seems that Foot is expecting a biography that highlights his positive and friendly self but from a reader’s standpoint, it would be hard to believe that a person has no bad traits. This clashes with the biographer’s expectations of reporting the truth because the truth includes the good and the bad.

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Feb 8
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 08 2016 11:37PM) : Of course Michael feels very positive about himself, so he is not expecting the journalist to think otherwise.
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Feb 9
Elvis Rosario Mendez Elvis Rosario Mendez (Feb 09 2016 11:53AM) : Expectations more

Considering Mr. Foot openness to the making of this biography, He is looking for honesty and a true account of his political years and personal circle. Obviously, he wants to keep a positive overview of his life,and as you mentioned in the book, a biography that flows as smooth and natural as the “jolly talks” Mr. Foot and the author had.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:48PM) : good
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Feb 9
Ayannah Woods Ayannah Woods (Feb 09 2016 2:43PM) : Foot is expecting to receive a glamorized version of his life and the journalist is simply trying to tell the true story of Foot including both good and bad.
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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:48PM) : Not glamorized. that is assuming too much from what you know at this point
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Feb 9
student Venetia Persaud student Venetia Persaud (Feb 09 2016 2:46PM) : Michael Foot is expecting a biography that is focused on the positive side of his career and his characteristics as a person which he had shown to you. more

This clashes with the biographer’s/journalist’s expectations because it is their job to reveal information regardless of what that information maybe.

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Feb 9
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 09 2016 11:49PM) : yes. two different agendas
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Feb 9
yoshiko yoshida yoshiko yoshida (Feb 09 2016 11:49PM) : Clash more

I think Michael Foot expects the biography to sympathize his life and to the biographer Michael will be someone, he/she knows not just from “Documentary’s topic”, by changing the angle and holding compassion in the biographer’s mind. It clashed with the biographer/ journalist’s expectations.

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Feb 11
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 11 2016 2:34AM) : Your use of it is confusing.
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Feb 10
George Ocampo George Ocampo (Feb 10 2016 2:01AM) : Expectation more

Foot is looking for the biography to be honest and positive, highlighting his life in the fashion that he sees it. Naturally, his perception is that he is a just man and hope the biography delivers that, which may conflict with the biographer’s perception which is to be more objective.

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Feb 11
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 11 2016 2:35AM) : Yes, conflicting views of the subject.
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Feb 10
Omer Seman Omer Seman (Feb 10 2016 3:50AM) : Expectations more

The biographer is tasked with fully fleshing out Michael Foot, the good with the bad. Foot’s generous character opened him up to the writer, but naively (probably a harsh description) expected a rosy picture of himself.

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Feb 11
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 11 2016 2:35AM) : Perhaps naive, or perhaps just confident.
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Feb 13
Annalee Manaloto Annalee Manaloto (Feb 13 2016 5:11AM) : expectations more

Michael Foot seems to be expecting the biography to portray him in a positive light, to showcase his joviality. This clashes with the expectations of the biographer/journalist, who is there to report on all sides of his life, the good and bad and everything in between.

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Feb 13
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 13 2016 11:50PM) : He may also just be showing his confidence in the biographer.
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Feb 23
Mr. Itamar Hematian Mr. Itamar Hematian (Feb 23 2016 5:10AM) : Michael foot was expecting more of a grand story while the biographer was looking for cold facts to recreate his actual life. No highlighting accomplishments; no making things better than they actually are: cold hard facts.
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Feb 26
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 26 2016 9:46PM) : I don't think it is just cold hard facts. The biography is not just about facts. I think you are missing the point.
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Feb 27
Allen Strk Allen Strk (Feb 27 2016 1:48PM) : Expectations more

Michael Foot’s expectations about his biography focuses about his glowing achievements and effort towards becoming successful. The clash comes from the biographer desiring full context about Foot’s life. Focusing on his accolades and charming personality isn’t acceptable for the biographer. A biography needs a full story that will follow in somewhat chronological order, along with an actual flow rather than a list of moments.

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Feb 28
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 28 2016 3:04AM) : Foot is not thinking of his biography at this point but about his wife's
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Feb 28
Jason Zawadzki Jason Zawadzki (Feb 28 2016 4:02AM) : Expectations more

Michael Foot is anticipating that the friendly exchanges between himself and the author will relate in his biography in a positive manner. This clashes with the expectations of the journalist because he has a clear plan to cover both the good and bad aspects of Michael’s life.

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Feb 29
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Feb 29 2016 2:12AM) : Yes, it is a matter of conflicting interests.
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Apr 2
Student Rand Shannak Student Rand Shannak (Apr 02 2016 12:30AM) : Rand Shannak - Clash more

Michael expects the biography to praise him and highlight his most noteworthy and positive characteristics and occurrences. The biographer seeks to bring to light the holistic image of Michael, unpleasant instances and negatives included.

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Apr 2
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (Apr 02 2016 11:09PM) : You miss one point, though. Michael's liberality. What does that mean?
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May 21
Erica Likht Erica Likht (May 21 2016 7:01AM) : In response to Professor Rollyson [Edited] more

Liberality by definition means “the quality of being open to new ideas and free from prejudice” so perhaps what is meant here is that because of Michael’s reputation/backround, he felt that if he were respectful and, considering he allowed the biographer into his home, the biographer will not portray them in a negative light or be so harsh. As in the biographer will take into consideration Foot’s kindness and be just as kind when writing.

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May 21
Treasure Kim Treasure Kim (May 21 2016 5:01PM) : Treasure Kim [Edited] more

I think Michael Foot approached the biography in a liberal way as well. He was probably careful and thought the light-hearted conversations would create a similar mood for the story.

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May 13
Safiya Sergeant Safiya Sergeant (May 13 2016 6:44AM) : Safiya Sergeant more

Michael Foot was expecting the biography to come from someone who holds compassion for him. Because of the hospitality he is lending to the writer, he has one view of how the biography will come out. Whilst, the biographer/writer despite the hospitality still plans to give the full story.

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May 13
Carl Rollyson Carl Rollyson (May 13 2016 10:01PM) : yes, each has a different set of expectations.
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May 20
Michael Andersen Michael Andersen (May 20 2016 12:11PM) : Expectations more

Foot appears to want an overview of his life and career in the positive light he sees himself in. This will likely clash with a biographer’s expectations because the biographer would want to provide a more objective viewpoint to his story.

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May 21
Erica Likht Erica Likht (May 21 2016 6:56AM) : Expectations more

Michael Foot is expecting the biography to be written in a positive manner. The biographer, on the other hand, is not looking to butcher the truth whatsoever and can not be bought or persuaded otherwise. He plans on telling the truth and nothing but.

DMU Timestamp: January 22, 2016 23:23

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