Good Grief.



>From: Myk <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Open discussions on the writer's craft <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: [PWA-L] My prior comments
>Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 18:26:06 -0500
>
>This is why there needs to be an off-site message board connected to the
>PWA website that does not restrict content.
>
>I'm all for keeping PWA-related e-mail to a minimum by limiting the
>random assinine comments of the people on "the List," but there should
>also be a place for unrestricted taunting and all-around b.s. without
>the threat of banishment. No one person should have the power to kick
>anyone out of our little anarchist collective.  Even if he is from the
>English department!
>
>Just remember:
>
>"Do what thou whilt shall be the whole of the Law." -- Aleister Crowley
>
>Fight the Power!!!
>Myk Mahaffey
>Creator of Professional Writer's Anonymous (the original, uncensored PWA)
>
>John Berry wrote:
>
>>John Berry wrote:
>>
>>>Ouch! How do you like me now!?
>>
>>Well, I guess I like you as much as I ever did, but your message and
>>general list behavior are less likeable.  So, off-line, let me remind
>>you of the basic rules of the PWA list:
>>
>>1.  It's a list for discussing the craft of writing.  We try to keep
>>that loose enough to allow wide-ranging discussions about almost anything.
>>
>>2.  It's (temporarily) a channel for administrative information about
>>PWA activities, until the PWA website is up and running.
>>
>>Given those two very broad criteria, it's hard to be off topic.  You
>>have repeatedly managed to do so, mainly by using the list as a sort
>>of personal chat-and-chatter forum, with occasional forays into ad
>>hominem comments that are frankly offensive.
>>
>>I earlier posted a general warning to the whole list about keeping on
>>topic and observing general standards of mail list courtesy.  This is
>>your own personal and private caution.
>>
>>I don't want to drop any writer from the list, because there is value
>>in sharing ideas and experiences.  But I will drop you and any other
>>member who cannot operate within the bounds that I've laid out.
>>
>>Feel free to counter, rebut, or lambaste all you want, but do so
>>directly to me at this address.
>>
>>Kent Graham
>>PWA-L Discussion List Manager
>>
>>Dear Kent,
>>First, when one adult addresses another through written words,
>>especially an elder or a better, it is good tact to begin with a
>>salutation, a "dear" or at least the addressees name.     Please note
>>how I have opened this note to you versus your boorish reply to me.
>>Second, as I recall, I was the only person that knew of  young Mr.
>>Provine's accomplishment and acknowledged it by sending out a PWA-wide
>>message congratulating both him and the entire  PW department. How
>>quickly my times of excellence are forgotten!
>>Therefore, because I can be both complimentary and humorous I believe
>>I am a wonderful addition to your rigid, controlled, dry and boring
>>list-serve in which, it appears, only the List Manager is empowered
>>enough to both mock published authors and web-sites, and also decide
>>whom can state what and when they can state it.
>>Next, when I send the old tried and true playful jab (I.a. the PW
>>write formulaic garbage-a statement I DO NOT  believe), I expect
>>someone over there to toss back the 'ol jab about English Majors being
>>elitist snobs that believe they are all great literary writers. It's
>>all good fun. Of course, if I indeed offended anyone I honestly apologize.
>>Finally, subterfuge in these matters is a historically tried and true
>>way for those within power to keep their power. Not that I compare the
>>powers of the List Serve Manager with the Nazi SS or anything, but the
>>goals of censorship and subterfuge are the same.
>>Please do whatever you think is best concerning my continued existence
>>in your List-Serve.
>>Most sincerely,
>>
>>John C. Berry
>>English Professor
>>(108 Gittinger Hall)
>>graduate student
>>unpublished author
>>all around swell guy
>>
>
>

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