[stylist] Apology on book discussion/review forum

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Eve and others,

I think you misunderstand my intentions and what I'm trying to
accomplish. I do recognize that I was too strong in this reply, but
please understand my intentions.

Trying to be devil's advocate, and also disagreeing with certain views,
I have only tried to encourage the thought that discussing published
material is very instrumental to the writing process, and I tried to
pull an answer from those so adament that Stylist is not the appropriate
forum for such a discussion. Based solely on the opposed arguments, and
how the opposition has defined Stylist, and based on what I understand
the purpose of Stylist to be, I want to know why this idea is so
strongly opposed by a few.

I'm not questioning your intellect, your own writing, your person, but
only your argument specific to this discussion. In my opinion, I have
yet to be convinced as to why this idea is so wrong for Stylist, and I
want to better understand opposing points of view. Yes, based on this
argument alone, I do believe I'm right, but this doesn't mean I think
I'm always right, or that no one else has, or can, state their opinions
and views. This is not to hush others up or stop the flow of exchanging
ideas and opinions; I enjoy and respect the democratic sesibility of
this listserve, and based on my own past experiences with Stylist, I in
no way wish for others to feel bullied or deter you from posting
opinions and ideas.  Regardless of the intent, those opposing this idea
have out-right said that discussing published work doesn't belong on
Stylist, and most of us believing the opposite, I'm trying to get us all
to consider the point, and I still fail to understand your point of view
and want better clarity on that view.

If my comments have been taken on a personal level other than against an
argument, I apologize, and know this never has been my goal. I may have
been blunt and too strong, but I only did so to attempt to open all of
us to this idea, and I have been frustrated that a few seem to jump to
the conclusion that this idea in any form doesn't belong on Stylist, and
it doesn't appear as though alternate conclusions have been considered.

I accept Robert's appointment, and am eager to see what we can make of
this, but whether or not this idea is implemented is not the basis for
my argument; I truly do not understand, and yes, have been frustrated,
why there's such a strong opposition to this idea. I do feel the
arguments against this idea are weak, and again, based on my
understanding of Stylist, and what I have been taught is a part of the
writing process, I tried to place my reasoning alongside the points I
question. If this has been interpreted as me attacking on a personal
level, or me thinking I'm superior, I assure you this has never been a
part of my response to any of you.

I know I've gone too far, but it's only because I fail to understand
some of the reasoning behind the opposition, and holding an opinion can
never be faulted. And perhaps I have misunderstood some of you. Whether
it was meant or not, I've read over and over how discussing published
material isn't the type of discussion belonging on Stylist, and that we
should only be sharing our own writing and suggestions and tips in which
to improve our own writing. This is what I, and others, are taking from
the opposing views. Seeing as I believe discussing published material is
instrumental and beneficial to the writing process, I have attempted to
get others to realize this, or at least consider it, and I want a better
understanding from the opposition.

I'm sorry if I haven't made my intent clear, or if I have offended in
any way. Know that I don't believe myself superior to anyone, or that my
opinion is always the only and right one. Disagreeing with anyone is not
a reflection on what I think about a person as an individual or what
abilities and talents they may have. If any of this has been implied, I
haven't made my point clear, and I've been too strong in my argument. I
am sorry to you Eve, and to anyone else who feels I've been too strong.
I know what it feels like to be cornered and bullied, and I truly don't
wish that on anyone especially with a community of people who have such
diverse backgrounds and a lot to offer. I respect our differing point of
views and and individual arguments and opinions as much as I respect the
contributions made to Stylist.

Sincerely,
Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
Read my blog at:
http://blogs.livewellnebraska.com/author/bpollpeter/
 
"History is not what happened; history is what was written down."
The Expected One- Kathleen McGowan

Message: 34
Date: Tue, 6 Dec 2011 22:05:16 -0700
From: Eve Sanchez <3rdeyeonly at gmail.com>
To: "Writer's Division Mailing List" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [stylist] Book discussion/review forum
Message-ID:
	
<CACdbYKVuGc1pZjUu1khY-25QLaFJYnVsDjJrTqF7EBLE0L_Nug at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Wow Bridget, why so hostile. I never said I was opposed. An opinion was
asked for and I gave it. I believe that having a separate list serve
will
give the opportunity to bring in more people and I stand by my opinion.
I
am not annoyed by your suggestions, just your attitude that everyone who
disagrees with it is is wrong. Also I did not know that the writer's
list
serve was only for critiquing and showing our work. I have gotten much
information from here that has been shared on other subjects. I am sorry
I
have not shared my work or commented on yours. I do not have time for
that,
but that does not mean I am not a REAL writer and I am offended by your
implication. I guess if my opinion is taken so harshly I will refrain
from
giving it in future. Eve Sanchez