Hello Goodbye

[Sean Mannion]

Sorry for adding to (another) already too-long thread, but I think the 
self-righteousness here kinda negates any criticism you might wanna make of 
anyone else's posts. I personally love the fact the lengthy abusive critique 
of opining, making snap-judgments, and being un-sympathetic to the artist 
while simultaneously whinging, admitting that your observations were made 
after a few weeks of extraordinary (and therefore untypical) activity, and 
pushing out the 'I get Pynchon more than you do card' to boot.

Which is not to say that your observations aren't correct, of course; but 
the 'hello goodbye' display makes think you'd find yourself fitting right in 
were you to get over yourself.

Again, with the blurb -- I'm sorry, but I can't even remotely get myself all 
that worked up about this and don't see the point of spending that much 
energy on analysing it, let alone criticising someone else's specific take 
on it (which is not the same as being underwhelmed at the prospect of some 
new Pynchon). It's just not worth the effort, frankly -- I'd rather pace 
myself.

I have to add also -- I love it when someone uses recommendations in a 
half-hearted attempt to patronise. It reminds me of why it took years for me 
to get around to listening to Black Flag without shuddering. What kind of a 
rehabilitation would Radiohead usher anyone into anyway? Chattering-Class 
alienation?

>To the maniacs I've here addressed -- the sum of your wailing is  (almost, 
>but not quite) enough to make a major artist paralyzed,  stultified to the 
>point of questioning what his motives are, what his  identity is after all 
>(and does he even have one, or is all just  infinite mirrors?!?!).  But 
>then any great artist would almost  instantaneously snap out of the 
>three-second vertigo and ponder: "My  identity is not my 'fans'."

I suspect that this wouldn't even occur to a great artist. Not even 
remotely, and certainly not "almost". These kind of statements always make 
me wonder about the value of the rest of what your opinions might be.


>To the rational literature-cognoscenti on the list who are brave and  
>strong enough to wade through the unfettered puke of sewage  hereabouts-L 
>-- I salute you, and bid you keep cool and care.

I've never approached the action of pointing and clicking the 'delete 
message' button as possessing totemic value with regards to rationality, but 
thanks to your efforts, I'll reconsider this.