[stylist] Apology - Reasons for a Separate Reading List

Thu Dec 8 15:28:41 UTC 2011

    Hello,

There are  a few reasons I can think of that would relegate book discussions 
to another list.

First, reading itself doesn’t improve writing, much like listening to music 
doesn’t make you a musician or eating makes you a chef.

Second, should topics like “My favorite ten authors” or “The best romance 
novels of the last decade” be discussed on a writing list? I don’t think 
they are relevant, yet we will get those types of posts. We would always 
have the question of relevance, but a separate mailing list would eliminate 
the controversy. The other solution would be to allow any and all 
discussions about books.

The third problem is that every one of us likes to read, and we aren’t 
looking at it from the other perspective. What if some NFB members want to 
discuss books but have no interest in writing? Is it right to make them join 
a group that may only sometimes discuss what interests them? I can’t be 
sure, but I think many groups that discuss books do not also discuss 
writing, much like a film lovers group not posting about how to light an 
outdoor scene at night. I am fairly sure if this had been the reverse – that 
is, the NFB Writers Group were the NFB Reading Group – and someone suggested 
that it be expanded to include how-to-write discussions, that many people 
would have no interest in writing and would want to make a separate writing 
list. And I think a valid argument can be made for that.

I just bring these up as points to consider. I still think we can expand to 
include book discussions on this list because books can be discussed with 
the writing aspect in mind, and we will need to accept some posts that 
simply say things like “I like Harry Potter. Everyone should read those 
books.”

Neil

-----Original Message----- 
From: James H. "Jim" Canaday M.A. N6yr
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 11:27 PM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: Re: [stylist] Apology on book discussion/review forum

proper use of the subject lines means that those who oppose this addition to 
stylist can skip those book review messages.
jc

At 02:10 PM 12/7/2011, you wrote:
>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
>
>
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