Hi Robin
I certainly don't think you should apologise (?) equally I don't think anyone
has to answer to you unless they want to. Of course it's often quite
interesting when someone does rise to the challenge. I disagree with Douglas'
judgement of John's book, which is one of the best collections I've read for
years (I wish it was uneven, it would make me feel less flawed as a poet . .
. ); but it's okay for him to think it uneven, I'm sure John would agree, I
don't want him to justifiy his feelings.
To answer your question, yes, its fine by me if someone wants to make
unsubstantiated judgements. I can live with someone else's views without
demanding they justify them, even on this list. If your desire is to educate,
which you have been where I am concerned I assure you, then make your case
don't demand someone make theirs; after all they might not be able in the
terms you would like, I couldn't.
I don't chastise my son for expressing a dislike of spinach; the qualities of
spinach are entirely separate from my son's dislike, spinach will survive - I
can prepare the spinach in a different way or maybe move him on to cabbage.
Maybe we should all calm down a bit. I'm sorry if I offended you too. You are
just as entitled to make your comments, and you're just as free to swear.
Perhaps we shouldn't have standards or boundaries here?
Where Rimbaud is concerned are we all talking about him in French or in
English translation?
--
All the best
Chris
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|