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 >> > > _________________________________________________________________ Add MSN 8 Internet Software to your current Internet access and enjoy patented spam control and more. Get two months FREE! http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/byoa