This academic year, I’m in charge of the Public Choice Center Seminar series.  Seminars are normally on Wednesdays from 12:00-1:15 PM, and are open to the public.  Since I am not a fan of actually-existing seminars, I’m experimenting with a new format, which I will strictly enforce:

1. Split the talk into two parts.  Part 1 is the first two-thirds of the
allotted time.  Part 2 is the last third of the allotted time.

2. During Part 1, the audience may not ask any questions.  No exceptions.

3. However, the speaker
retains the option to ask the audience questions during Part 1.  If the
speaker sees a lot of confused faces, he can query, “Are you familiar
with the efficiency case for Pigovian taxation?” and adjust his
presentation accordingly.

4. The speaker scrupulously ends Part 1 on time, then turns the rest of the talk over for questions.

The Fall speakers are Dan Klein, Truman Bewley, John Mueller, Areendam Chanda, Jim Schneider, Mike Huemer, John Lott, Amy Wax, Gary Lucas, and Zac Gochenour.  I very much look forward to hearing them speak, and new seminar rules should ensure that they actually get to deliver their full talks!