VV(11): Preamble

[Dave Monroe]

"I'd like to suggest that you could really benefit right now from a
willingness to capitalize on challenging feedback," sez one of several
seven-day horoscopes (now there's another clue for you all) I've read
and will no doubt ignore this week.  And who knows what next week's
horoscope will hold in store, seeing as I'm here for the forthcoming
fortnight ...

But before I begin (deconstructionists, start your engines), a word to
the wise (not to mention the wiseguys) about how I'll be hosting.
Knowing full well I'll never live up to my predecessors here on their
own terms, I'll largely be proceeding as normal, as normal at least for
me here.  Just more regularly, and, especially, more intensely ...

So, for the most part, I won't have any particular format.  Rather,
after some introductory comments (to be made after these introductory
comments), I'll simply (...) be hitting the text running, posting
whatever comes to mind, whatever's been coming  as I've been reading and
rereading Chapter 8 of V. these past several weeks.  Comments,
questions, excerpts ...

I don't expect to post much of anything particularly groundbreaking.
I'll be happy merely to keep the conversation going.  Am an attendant
lord, one that will do, to swell a progress, start a scene or two. 
Think of it as a talk show.  Have a seat.  Show your clip.  Plug your
forthcoming projects and appearances.  And don't forget to give your
charts to the bandleader for your entrance music ...

By the way, an extraspecial thanks to the proprietors of the following
websites, without which ...

http://www.hyperarts.com/pynchon/v/v-novel-f.html

http://www.themodernword.com/pynchon/index.html

http://www.pynchonfiles.com/

... as well as various correspondents, both on and offlist, for
information, insight, materials, and encouragement.  Now everybody--