NPPF Host List

[Vincent A. Maeder]

From: s~Z >>Every reading we've done has lost momentum quickly and
limped through the later stages of each novel only to collapse at
novel's end barely breathing in its own demise. We can keep introducing
new material weekly and continue resolving as we go. If we get bogged
down in an avalanche of avid participation and irresolution we can pause
and refresh as the problem arises. What say?<<

Agreed.  We always end up discussing complex issues weeks after
submission.

>From Jasper: >> This seems a good compromise -- but if we were to
structure the sections around the commentaries alone, the poem would
then be implicitly included (although should certainly be read through
first), so how about reading the Forward and the poem once, then
beginning discussion at the start of the Commentary, referring back as
needed.  I guess the host for a given section of Commentary then also
would become the host for a given section of Poem...?<<

Your comments are well taken, but I think analysis of the poem is
essential from a literary as well as mechanical angle.  We are also
discussing influences on Pynchon and there are some hints of this in the
poem.  This pace also gives time for first time readers to digest the
poem.  There is so much available, including commentary, index and even
at times the foreward, that a Canto a week is a favorable compromise.
Let me know what everyone thinks.

>From s~Z: >> I like shortening the sections to one week.  I think we
should discuss the foreword.  I think we should read the poem on its own
terms first time through without recourse to the commentary which
follows.<<

Agreed.  It gives the entire work the discussion it deserves.  Plus I
know we have some people here that dig the poetry so much that they'll
contribute heavily.

More comments, ideas, etc., please?

V.