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