A Brief Digression about Digressions

J J R (jrovira@juno.com)
Sat, 29 Aug 1998 09:53:07 -0400 (EDT)

I was on another listserve some time ago that had a similar problem--we
digressed easily and often.  But I realized the digressions were a
natural part of talking about this guy's work.   He wrote about
everything from spirituality to dogma to philosophy (both formal and a
commentary on the philosophy behind our everyday lives)  to human
nature--the purpose of his writing was, in part, to spark dialog in these
areas. By talking about his writing, we entered into a broader dialog of
which his writing was a part.  So, even though the digressions weren't
technically part of the purpose of the list, they certainly were the
purpose of this man's writing.  

I think Salinger is similar in some ways.

Now, for those of you who missed out on the Scottie/Malcs war, here's a
recap:

Scottie:  You aren't really a man until you've gone to war.
Malcs: Yes you are.
Scottie: No you aren't.
Malcs: Yes you are.
Scottie: No you aren't
Malcs: Yes you are.
Scottie: Faggot.
Malcs: Nazi.

There's a bulletin board call alt.flaming.scottie.malcs.everyone on
Cornell's server now.  :)  Mabye we could all go there since it's been
taken off list?

Jim
    

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