Bob Dylan and Close Encounters of the Pynchon kind.

[David Morris]

On 7/13/07, David Gentle <gentle_family at btinternet.com> wrote:
>
> I wrote:
> > So it's OK for Howard to retell anecdotes to you and Joe, but it's not OK for you to pass them on?  Sworn to secrecy, were you?  If so, you should both refrain from even telling others that you know something about Bob & Tom that we don't, because it's just a tad bit rude.
> >
>
> On the one hand I can see what you're saying there. On the other hand I guess a lot of people here are never gonna tell you anything anymore. Ever.
>
> (Joking, just so as we're sure)

Yeah, just joking.  But, rilly, what did we learn?

1.  Joe, a piano tuner (stranger), has a chance encounter w/ Howard.
He knows enough to surmise a possible Pynchon-degree of connection.
And he is graciously treated to (insider?) true stories about Bob &
Tom.

Q1:  Why is it OK for Howard to pass these stories on to a piano
tuner, but for those stories to then become inviolate secrets for the
piano tuner henceforth?

A1?:  Because Tom (& Bob???) cherishes his (their?) privacy so?

Q2:  If Tom (& Bob?) cherish their privacy so absolutely, why are they
hanging out with Howard, who passes on his recollections to
unauthorized (except the dubious-discretionary authority of "great
guy" Howard) strangers.

A2?  Because "great guy" Howard would only pass these stories on to
those who would NEVER pass them on to others (because they must all be
a part of that "great guy" club).

Q3:  Did Tom & Bob ever enlist this promise of secrecy from Howard
(which he is flagrantly violating (unless you subscribe to the "great
guys" club theory)), or are Will and Joe surmising that
All-Things-Pynchon outside what's available in the  novels are to be
kept secret, unless you happen to be let into the "great guys" club.
And did Howard also demand this secercy?

A3?:  Tom (& Bob?) are above questioning.  Don't ask, just hope
someone tells you.  And if they do, never tell, except you can tell
that you know, but won't tell...

And, rilly, I'm sure I'd like everyone involved.  Both Joe & Will have
been great guys on this list (not joking, just so we're sure).  I just
think this cult of privacy thing has a bit gone beyond reason.

David Morris