For the last several decades the academic discipline of rhetoric and composition has been trying to re-imagine itself, in part in response to the process of professionalization. Unfortunately, the yearning for recognition in a system that does not respect disciplines that are practical or applied has led to some consequences. First, as a consequence of professionalization, the process of specialization has accelerated; further, the various areas of specialization are not equal: those that are more theoretical receive more prestige and respect than those that are applied or practical. Second, as a consequence of professionalization, the discipline now offers more graduate courses for more graduate students, which means more professionals in the field and more professional competition for recognition. Third, more research means fewer classes taught; those taking up the slack are exploited part-time faculty. Finally, as a consequence of professionalization, those who write will increasingly concern themselves with writing and citing others who write (or even themselves), and attention and resources will be directed away from those committed to students and the practical issues involved in teaching them. (TB)