A scenario

[Paul DiFilippo]

One day, as we all must, Thomas Pynchon dies.  
BUT--
Those near and dear to him do not tell anyone!
How would the news possibly leak?  News of his _life_ doesn't
even leak!  It's not like CBS is gonna have a mobile unit
staked outside the hospital for a deathwatch.  And if rumors
of his death did leak, wouldn't they be treated as suspect
embroiderings on the legend?
In any case, the heirs have an interesting option at this 
point not generally available for other public figures:
TO KEEP THE PYNCHON MYTH ROLLING!
A suitable high-quality writer who can be counted on not to
blab due to temperment is approached and asked to CARRY ON THE
PYNCHON MANTLE!
Wow!  I'd personally say yes in a NY minute!
And how do we know this hasn't already happened, explaining
the differeing qualities of VINELAND?

--
Paul Di Filippo/2 Poplar St./Providence, RI 02906/401-751-0139
"Real eyes realize real lies."