letter to Jocelyn

Scottie Bowman (rbowman@indigo.ie)
Mon, 02 Aug 1999 08:26:34 +0100

    I want to send a warm personal welcome to Jocelyn.  
    And also a stark warning.

    First, what a relief it is to read mail from a newcomer 
    who can write with lucidity, simplicity & a total absence 
    of affectation.  He (or is it she? - in these parts, Jocelyn 
    can be either) already shows that modest regard for 
    the conventions of writing that always identifies the true 
    professional in the making.  No slopping around in 
    that kindergarten sand-pit of lower case letters, 
    multiple interpretations & general chumminess that 
    admirers of Salinger so quickly & so complacently 
    produce for themselves.
 
    A fifteen year old adult in a community of thirty year old 
    infants.  

    Don't stay a moment longer though, Jocelyn.  There's nothing 
    for you here but the gooey stench of corruption.  Just look 
    over here in this corner of the dungeon at my withered 
    bones hanging in their chains.  Get out & join a group 
    where they actually know & care something about writing.

    Scottie B.