I avoid such events because unscripted social interaction terrifies me. I have, however, published well. Will this hurt me? I like to think that I'm seen as a mythical figure in the profession, but I worry I'm viewed more as a Timothy McVeigh.
Almost 3 years since I've presented my work at conference or seminar
-
There is a chance it can hurt you, but it depends where you are and what you want. Are you an assistant professor and your current record is ok (or less) for the department? Then it can hurt your tenure chances. Tenure letters will be requested. People are lazy. Do they want to write a letter for someone whose work they have never seen (and so they will actually have to read your papers)? People not agreeing to write letters is a bad sign. Next, many departments, but especially deans like "national" or "international" recognition. I have seen well intentioned letter writers write things like "I had never heard of this guy, but once I looked at his work it was really good." That first part can kill you with deans and those in other fields who expect the same publishing rate as in their field. A similar logic follows if you want to get an outside offer to increase your salary/move up. More examples, but gotta go, my daughter wants me to read to her!
I avoid such events because unscripted social interaction terrifies me. I have, however, published well. Will this hurt me? I like to think that I'm seen as a mythical figure in the profession, but I worry I'm viewed more as a Timothy McVeigh.
-
Let me expand on my "No one cares. Do whatever you want" above.
You're concerns that you are regarded in some unusual way are unfounded. People have other things to worry about.
There is some reputation cost to missing conferences (as noted), but if you publication stream is fine and the social interactions are the problem, then the cost of the conferences likely exceed the benefits. If you want to place it safe for tenure, etc., limit yourself to a very occasional high-quality conferences.
-
There is some reputation cost to missing conferences (as noted), but if you publication stream is fine and the social interactions are the problem, then the cost of the conferences likely exceed the benefits. If you want to place it safe for tenure, etc., limit yourself to a very occasional high-quality conferences.
I agree with this: go to 2-3 conferences/seminars a year to keep the "conference/seminar presentations" section in your cv lively. Don't let this hurt you in the tenure process if you're already doing well in research (and I assume teaching an service are good too).
But, I can see your point, OP. My best two publications so far have never been presented anywhere. I don't if this is because I focus on writing research rather than wasting time in presentations (where everyone is raising a different point about the papers) or I have been lucky to get things straight right away. I still go to 2-3 conferences a year, but not more than that, unless there is an important invitation of course.