Too Soon, Too Late, Too Narrow,Too Wide, Too Shallow, Too Deep

Brian Meek, Kings College, London

8/08/2008
(Original Publish Date: 6/1/1996)

What makes standards succeed or fail is the subject of much speculation, often during late-night chat. Speculation it always remains: firm conclusions are never reached, or do not bear the scrutiny of cold and sober dawn. Anecdotal evidence is not in short supply, and case studies can be done, but little can be translated into general principle. Standards, it seems, are sensitive plants; one will “take” and thrive, while another, to all appearances equally fit, will struggle to survive at all.