Thanks to John Elliott

[L Verge]

Kathy,

I don't think there is any set rule as to how to detect a "user/taker/faker" in the field of history. It comes from practice - i.e. getting burned enough times to be wary of anyone who comes on too strong, someone who becomes an instant wonder overnight (thanks to stealing ideas and writings - and even conversations - from other people), someone who is always bugging you for information, and someone who doesn't produce in the best degree when finally put to the test.

I can honestly say that my education and years of experience with middle school students was one of my best training tools for spotting adults who try to fake their way through history. I'm not sure this is bragging, but I had the knack of knowing pretty much what to expect out of my 200+ students each year after the first two days of class in the fall. I have been pretty successful in transferring that into the limited surroundings of my field of history. I have at least three big burn scars and a few blisters from people that slipped under my radar, however.