Roy Orbison: Mercy, Venice & Viena

[Terrance]

> 
> > Moreover, we've not discussed the story. In fact, there seems to be very
> > little interest in the story itself.
> 
> I disagree.

We've not discussed the story.  With the exception of Robert's posts,
which were ignored, not a single post during this entire discussion has
taken up the story itself. The characters, the themes, the conflicts,
the settings, the plot ... the dialogue, the elements of a good story or
the lack of such elements, have not been discussed here. More
importantly, readers have not engaged in a discussion of the text they
are supposed to be reading together. 


> 
> > The Pynchon-List is nothing more
> > than piss-poor and cranky literary criticism disguised as discussion of
> > Pynchon and his published works.
> 
> I disagree.

We have an opportunity, if not an obligation, to open the list and
expand its membership. I'm convinced that the  modus operandi of
Pynchon-L is stifling and that the texts that scheduled for discussion
are of interest only to a select group of Pynchon critics and fans. I
say we toss this plan into the trash and start fresh. Dump this esoteric
stuff and start reading the novel that will attract fresh faces and new
voices.