Re: Sneak Preview: Salinger Quotes Page (really)

Null (null@example.com)
Thu, 18 Feb 1999 04:01:02 -0500 

>>    Dear Null,
>>
>>    I have to say that I was originally a bit put off by what appeared
>>    to be you introductory post to the bananafish list.
>>    You know, when the first time someone appears on list with a request
>>    regarding a pet project, like a thesis topic, or a book report,
>>    it almost looks exploitative. While no one likes to do someone
>>    else's homework, at least if we've gotten to know someone, we do feel
>>    a sense of responsibility and tend to offer suggestions. Of course, your
>>    were not asking for homework assistance, but it surely appeared a pet
>>    project.
>>
>>    Likewise, when someone starts off with a manifesto, it's almost like
>>    crashing a party, stopping the music and putting the latest antisocial
>>    pseudo-rage musico-drivel.
>>
>>    Still, I decided this fellow has given us a web page, let's see what
he's
>>    all about. So in I go, and I must say I was impressed with the course
>>    description and other information there. You have quite an ambitious
>>    syllabus and reading schedule, or so it appears to someone who never
took
>>    an English course in college (I know, you can tell). True, your quotes
>>    page was sparsely filled, but I figured your students would fill it out,
>>    and if Harold Ober and Associates doesn't get you, why should I care.
>>
>>    Then, your use of such colorful language describing the perils of
>>    high school did not particularly support the image I had of you as
>>    a sober, intelligent teacher of young people, but then, I guess I just
>>    am too old or conservative or something.
>>
>>    Still I would not have wasted the electrons it takes to make your
>>    screen glow had you not posted the binary file to the mailing list.
>>    As a matter of internet etiquette one normally does not post binary
>>    files to text based forums, and as far as this list goes, I believe
>>    it is also discouraged. Tim O'Connor is the list master and can
>>    be consulted about these matters, if he says it's fine, then I have
>>    no problem. In general, you cannot assume that most of our members
>>    have the ability to read your attachment, or the desire to download
>>    such large pieces of email. The usual procedure is to state the URL
>>    and let the reader access your lovely information himself.
>>
>>    I hope that we will continue to have your presence on the bananafish
>>    list, and that some of the observations that surface in your study of
>>    JDS's work will diffuse into our online environment.
>>
>>    all the best,
>>    Mattis Fishman
>> 

I don't really understand your conflicting points, but and I'm not very
concerned about what the majority of the Salinger crowd thinks.  I had
unsubscribed until I was re-subscribed this morning by the gentleman you
mention.

Unlike many on the group, at least I talk about Salinger.  And I'll
sabatoge it as fast as I can if I EVER come across sounding erudite and
professorial, or "sober" as you have it.  The character taps into an
archetype that exists beyond you, me, this list, its operators, the
academic community AND J.D. Salinger.  

Was it a PARTY I crashed?  So sorry!  As for Ober and Associates, I'm
obviously daring them.  I making a huge point and am being backed up by
some heavyweights on this one, as Ober and Associates are, I'm told, aware.
They don't own archetypes and neither does Salinger.  And Salinger's
"Privacy" of course was never the issue.  He doesn't give a shit what
anybody thinks, but finally it's people like me who allow him that luxury.
I hope he's having a swell time, and a swell time to you, too.

Thank you for your kind comments on my syllabus.  I stand on my statement
about the weasel.  Language is meant to be used colorfully, as Our Man has
shown.

Best,

Null
This page has been edited at the request of the author, to remove his name, address, and web site. [Tim O'Connor]