Question and answer about final paper

Here's another email question I just fielded that might help the whole class:

Dr. Garrigus,

I know that the paper length for our colloquium is set at fifteen pages, but as I continue to write I am finding it more and more difficult to concisely and completely explain all eight books in such a limited space.

Is there any possibility of writing over fifteen pages?

I replied:

Of course, -- I thought that 20 pages might be better but that really seemed to intimidate a lot of colloquium members. I think one could write an excellent paper in 15 pages, but I agree with you that have 20 pages [or so] is actually easier.

I found while grading the papers this semester is that the shorter they were, the more quality suffered; authors didn't really seem to be thinking through the key ideas. They would mention a topic and then move on, as if that covered it.

Even 25 pages would be okay. The point is to edit well and keep the paper on track, focused.
Good luck!
Dr. G.

So -- to the rest of the class -- I hope this helps! By the way, check out your grade on WebCT. Does it look as though I haven't graded one of the papers you wrote this term? Send me an email, because WebCT is my gradebook. If it isn't there, I've probably forgotten to grade it or to upload the grade.